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The Essential 8-Week Moving Checklist

Most moving stress comes from not knowing what to do or when to do it. Our checklist breaks the process into simple weekly steps so nothing feels rushed or overwhelming.

8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Confirm your moving date
  • Book a licensed & insured moving company
  • Notify landlord (if applicable)
  • Create a moving folder for contracts, receipts, and documents
  • Begin decluttering your home
  • Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard
  • Ask us about junk removal, furniture removal, or donation services to help reduce what needs to be moved

7 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Contact children's school(s) regarding transfer requirements
  • Request school and medical records if needed
  • Research new schools, doctors, and childcare providers
  • Measure furniture for your new home
  • Purchase or order new furniture if needed (allow time for delivery)
  • Begin planning furniture placement

6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Purchase packing supplies
  • Begin packing non-essential items
  • Label boxes clearly by room and contents
  • Number or color-code boxes
  • Photograph high-value items for records

5 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Notify employer and request time off for moving day
  • Book flights or hotel accommodations if moving long distance
  • Arrange transportation and care for pets
  • Schedule vehicle maintenance or oil change if driving long distance
  • Reserve a storage unit if any belongings will be placed into storage
  • Continue packing books, décor, and off-season items

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Submit USPS change of address
  • Transfer utilities and home services
  • Update address with banks, credit cards, and subscriptions
  • Refill prescriptions
  • Confirm moving company details
  • Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) if required by building management
  • Arrange parking permits or elevator access if required

3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Pack remaining non-essential rooms and storage areas
  • Consolidate boxes into a staging area if possible
  • Clearly label FRAGILE and high-value boxes
  • Confirm parking, loading, and elevator access at both locations
  • Notify neighbors or building management of the move
  • Dispose of hazardous items movers cannot transport

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Pack kitchen items rarely used
  • Prepare an "Open First" box
  • Set aside items needed during the final weeks
  • Set aside items to transport personally (documents, jewelry, valuables)
  • Update devices and back up important files to prevent data loss
  • Confirm payment method, final balance, arrival time, and tipping plan with movers
  • Confirm childcare and pet care plans for moving day

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING

  • Finish packing (leave only daily essentials)
  • Wash and dry laundry
  • Defrost refrigerator and freezer
  • Disconnect hoses and outdoor items

A FEW DAYS BEFORE MOVING (2-3 DAYS OUT)

  • Confirm final details with your movers (addresses, parking, contact numbers)
  • Obtain keys, access codes, or garage openers for the new home
  • Donate unopened, non-perishable food items
  • Schedule or complete garbage and junk removal
  • Empty trash cans and remove remaining garbage
  • Finish packing remaining items
  • Set aside items you will transport personally
  • Pack a moving-day or travel bag if traveling
  • Recharge phones and essential devices

MOVING DAY

  • Be present during loading
  • Walk through the home before movers begin
  • Review inventory and labels
  • Keep valuables and important documents with you
  • Secure pets and children
  • Complete a final walkthrough
  • Lock doors and leave keys as instructed

AFTER THE MOVE

  • Unpack essentials first
  • Confirm utilities are active
  • Update remaining addresses
  • Enroll children in new schools

Items Movers Cannot Transport

  • ✕Propane tanks
  • ✕Gasoline or fuels
  • ✕Paint and chemicals
  • ✕Firearms and ammunition
  • ✕Plants (especially for long-distance moves)

Items to Keep With You

These items should never be packed on the moving truck. Keep them with you at all times during your move.

Personal & Financial Items

  • Important documents (IDs, passports, birth certificates, insurance papers)
  • Credit cards and debit cards
  • Checkbook and personal financial documents
  • Cash

Valuables & Irreplaceable Items

  • Jewelry and watches
  • Family heirlooms
  • Sentimental or irreplaceable items
  • Small valuables of high personal or monetary value

Electronics & Essentials

  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Laptop, tablet, and chargers
  • Other essential electronic devices

Health & Daily Needs

  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Snacks and bottled water

Travel & Comfort Items

  • Change of clothes (especially for long-distance moves)
  • Toiletries for the day of travel
  • Keys, access cards, and garage openers

Tip: Pack these items in a clearly marked bag or backpack that stays with you from start to finish.

Pro Moving Tips

  • Label boxes on multiple sides
  • Keep essentials and paperwork with you
  • Take photos of electronics before disconnecting
  • Do not overpack boxes
  • Keep important documents easily accessible

Need Help With Your Move?

Ask us about professional packing, moving, junk removal, furniture removal, donation services, clean-outs, and storage coordination.

Download Your Checklist

Get a printable PDF version to keep handy during your move

Questions? Call us at (631) 566-0757