Moving can feel overwhelming because there always seems to be something else to remember.

Packing. Booking movers. Changing your address. Arranging parking. Protecting fragile belongings. Cleaning your old home.

It’s easy to wonder:

“What am I forgetting?”

That’s exactly why having a moving checklist can make such a difference.

Instead of trying to remember everything yourself, use this checklist to keep your move organized from the weeks before moving day through the first days in your new home.

Think of it as your moving cheat code.

4–6 Weeks Before Moving Day

☐ Choose Your Moving Date

Confirm your preferred moving date and start planning around it.

If you’re moving during a busy season, it’s especially important to arrange your movers early.

☐ Start Comparing Moving Companies

Don’t automatically choose the cheapest quote.

Compare:

• Experience
• Reviews
• Services
• Pricing
• Insurance or valuation options
• Communication

☐ Declutter Your Home

Go room by room and decide what you actually want to take with you.

Separate items into:

• Keep
• Sell
• Donate
• Dispose

The less you move, the easier your relocation can be.

☐ Start Gathering Moving Supplies

Depending on your move, you may need:

• Boxes
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Tape
• Markers
• Furniture protection

2–3 Weeks Before Moving Day

☐ Start Packing Non-Essential Items

Begin with things you won’t need immediately.

Examples include:

• Seasonal clothing
• Decorations
• Books
• Extra kitchenware
• Rarely used appliances

Label each box clearly with the room and general contents.

☐ Arrange Building Access

If you’re moving into or out of a condo or apartment, confirm:

• Elevator reservations
• Moving hours
• Loading areas
• Parking requirements
• Building rules

☐ Confirm Your Moving Details

Double-check:

• Moving date
• Arrival time
• Addresses
• Services included
• Payment arrangements

If anything has changed, tell your moving company before moving day.

1 Week Before Moving Day

☐ Finish Most of Your Packing

Try not to leave the majority of your packing until the night before.

Keep only essential items unpacked.

☐ Prepare an Essentials Bag

Keep a separate bag with:

• Medication
• Chargers
• Toiletries
• Important documents
• Change of clothes
• Snacks
• Water

Keep this with you rather than putting it on the moving truck.

☐ Confirm Your Utilities

Arrange the appropriate dates for:

• Electricity
• Water
• Internet
• Gas
• Other household service

1–2 Days Before Moving

☐ Charge Your Devices

Make sure your phone, laptop, and other important devices are charged.

☐ Separate Important Documents and Valuables

Keep passports, identification, jewelry, financial documents, and other irreplaceable items with you.

☐ Check Your Home One More Time

Look through:

• Closets
• Cabinets
• Drawers
• Garage
• Basement
• Attic

It’s surprisingly easy to leave something behind.

Moving Day Checklist

☐ Keep Pathways Clear

Make sure movers can safely access the rooms and furniture.

☐ Protect Important Belongings

Keep your essentials bag, documents, valuables, and other personal items somewhere secure.

☐ Walk Through the Home

Before leaving, check each room one final time.

☐ Confirm Everything Has Been Loaded

Use your inventory to make sure major belongings are accounted for.

☐ Check Your New Home Before Unloading

Make sure doors, hallways, elevators, and access points are ready.

After You Move

The checklist isn’t finished when the truck leaves.

☐ Check Your Belongings

Look for any obvious damage or missing items.

☐ Unpack Essentials First

Start with:

1. Bedroom
2. Bathroom
3. Kitchen
4. Other frequently used areas

You don’t need to unpack the entire home on the first day.

☐ Update Your Address

Remember to update your address with the organizations and services that need your new information.

You may also want to forward your mail to your new address.

☐ Start Unpacking Room by Room

Instead of opening every box at once, finish one area before moving onto the next.

What Should You NOT Put on the Moving Checklist?

Some belongings may not be accepted by professional movers.

These can include certain:

• Hazardous materials
• Flammable substances
• Chemicals
• Fireworks
• Propane tanks
• Other restricted items

Always ask your moving company if you’re unsure about a particular item.

Frequently Asked Questions