Ultimate Moving Checklist – via Updater

Moving is stressful! That’s why we’ve created the ultimate moving checklist to help you stay on track. With some direction and this 2-month checklist for your upcoming move, you’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate. Also, ask your agent about the concierge moving service to help you get everything set up!

If you haven’t already, download our Closing Checklist for a quick summary of the steps involved in closing on your new home!

8 weeks out – There’s a lot to prepare. Keep this list handy and check off things as you go

Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox – keep records of anything related to the move (pictures of receipts, quotes, etc…)
Schedule the movers – get some estimates from some moving companies. If you need a rental truck for a “do-it-yourself-move,” contact a rental company.
Read over documents from your movers before signing anything – learn about the documents you’ll be receiving ahead of time to avoid getting intimidated by contracts. Also confirm your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their DOT number.
Create a list for inventory of your belongings – this is helpful in preparing a garage or moving sale.
If you are moving into a new school district, request transcripts for your kids from their current school – regardless of how far you are moving, the new school your child attends will need these.
Start collecting boxes – you know all those Amazon packages that keep getting delivered? Keep the boxes! You’ll need them for packing.
Consider your children in the move – plan ahead, and check out our Moving with Children Guide.

Four weeks out – you’ve officially hit the one-month mark! Now is the time to start decluttering and selling or donating items. You don’t want to move things that you aren’t going to keep, so purge what you don’t need!

Confirm parking options for your moving truck – if you’re hiring movers, you may need a parking permit for moving day. Check with your agent on this.
Gather all important (financial, legal, medical, birth certificates, passports, etc.) records in a fireproof safe – carry these on your person, do not pack them in the moving truck.
Notify your homeowners or renters insurance company of your upcoming move to your new home – contact your insurance agent/company to discuss your upcoming moving date, coverage, and plan.
Find cable and internet providers who serve your new address, order service, and schedule your installation appointment – don’t delay on this because slots fill up fast!
If you’re moving out of town, find a new doctor, dentist, and vet in your new neighborhood.
If you’re moving long distance, plan your route and book hotels.
Request copies of vet records and get any necessary pet medication – and make sure your pets have current ID tags for their collars.
Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers/tape for each room – this will make unpacking so much easier.
Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them – this will help jog your memory when you’re reconnecting things such as your TV and stereo.
Address minor home repairs before moving out – If you live in an apartment, this might be the difference between getting your security deposit back, or not.

You’re two weeks away from moving, and the big day is almost here! Start updating your accounts and records with your new address. You also want to take these two weeks before your move to plan ahead: packing, meals, medication, pets, and children. Moving day is a BUSY one. Make sure to have everything on your moving list checked off by this two-week point. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

Create a moving file to organize your move-related printed receipts and bills – in addition, to your digital “moving” folder, you’ll want to keep a file of moving-related expenses to claim as a deduction at tax time.
Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables, and poisonous items – make sure you’re disposing of toxic items properly.
Back up your computer – if something goes awry during your move, you’ll be thankful you have everything saved in an alternate place
Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service.
Fill your prescriptions – and set up for any mail-order prescriptions to be mailed to your new address.
Change your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks, and the payroll department at work – also, remember to order new checks.
Forward your mail – complete this online UPSP Change of Address form to have you, your family, or your business mail forwarded to your new address.
Change address for Social Security benefits within 10 days of moving – make sure to notify government offices, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IRS.
Transfer your utilities including water, electric, and natural gas.
Update your driver’s license
Update your address with Amazon and any monthly subscription boxes, newspapers, or magazines you receive.
Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration.
Review your Insurance Policy for Moving Coverage
Provide Relatives with Travel Information

One week until moving day! It’s time to make sure you organize your belongings, finish packing, and clean your old home. Get all of this done as early as possible to allow for a stress-free moving day.

Make sure you canceled and/or redirected scheduled deliveries – remember that pair of shoes that were on backorder? Make sure they get shipped to your new address.
Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawn mowers, and snow blowers.
Drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice maker.
Prepare for your final walkthrough of your new home with your Agent.
Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.
Make a worst-case scenario plan in case your movers run late.
Withdraw cash to tip your movers.

All your moving prep has led you to this very moment. You’ve checked off almost 100 items on this moving checklist to get you to this point. On the day of your move, make sure you get an early start. The earlier you move in, the more time you will have to start unpacking and settling into your new home.

Protect your floors and carpets during the move.
They’ve worked hard for you all day, so tip your movers.
As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries.
Don’t have curtains or shades yet? Cover your windows with sheets for privacy for your first night.
Thank your real estate agent or broker and leave them a nice review!

Moving Checklist

8 weeks out – There’s a lot to prepare. Keep this list handy and check off things as you go

Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox – keep records of anything related to the move (pictures of receipts, quotes, etc…)

Schedule the movers – get some estimates from some moving companies. If you need a rental truck for a “do-it-yourself-move,” contact a rental company.

Read over documents from your movers before signing anything – learn about the documents you’ll be receiving ahead of time to avoid getting intimidated by contracts. Also confirm your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their DOT number.

Create a list for inventory of your belongings – this is helpful in preparing a garage or moving sale.

If you are moving into a new school district, request transcripts for your kids from their current school – regardless of how far you are moving, the new school your child attends will need these.

Start collecting boxes – you know all those Amazon packages that keep getting delivered? Keep the boxes! You’ll need them for packing.

Consider your children in the move – plan ahead, and check out our Moving with Children Guide.

Four weeks out – you’ve officially hit the one-month mark! Now is the time to start decluttering and selling or donating items. You don’t want to move things that you aren’t going to keep, so purge what you don’t need!

Confirm parking options for your moving truck – if you’re hiring movers, you may need a parking permit for moving day. Check with your agent on this.

Gather all important (financial, legal, medical, birth certificates, passports, etc.) records in a fireproof safe – carry these on your person, do not pack them in the moving truck.

Notify your homeowners or renters insurance company of your upcoming move to your new home – contact your insurance agent/company to discuss your upcoming moving date, coverage, and plan.

Find cable and internet providers who serve your new address, order service, and schedule your installation appointment – don’t delay on this because slots fill up fast!

If you’re moving out of town, find a new doctor, dentist, and vet in your new neighborhood.

If you’re moving long distance, plan your route and book hotels.

Request copies of vet records and get any necessary pet medication – and make sure your pets have current ID tags for their collars.

Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers/tape for each room – this will make unpacking so much easier.

Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them – this will help jog your memory when you’re reconnecting things such as your TV and stereo.

Address minor home repairs before moving out – If you live in an apartment, this might be the difference between getting your security deposit back, or not.

Create a moving file to organize your move-related printed receipts and bills – in addition, to your digital “moving” folder, you’ll want to keep a file of moving-related expenses to claim as a deduction at tax time.

Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables, and poisonous items – make sure you’re disposing of toxic items properly.

Back up your computer – if something goes awry during your move, you’ll be thankful you have everything saved in an alternate place

Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service.

Fill your prescriptions – and set up for any mail-order prescriptions to be mailed to your new address.

Change your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks, and the payroll department at work – also, remember to order new checks.

Forward your mail – complete this online UPSP Change of Address form to have you, your family, or your business mail forwarded to your new address.

Change address for Social Security benefits within 10 days of moving – make sure to notify government offices, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IRS.

Transfer your utilities including water, electric, and natural gas.

Update your driver’s license

Update your address with Amazon and any monthly subscription boxes, newspapers, or magazines you receive.

Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration.

Review your Insurance Policy for Moving Coverage

Provide Relatives with Travel Information

One week until moving day! It’s time to make sure you organize your belongings, finish packing, and clean your old home. Get all of this done as early as possible to allow for a stress-free moving day.

Make sure you canceled and/or redirected scheduled deliveries – remember that pair of shoes that were on backorder? Make sure they get shipped to your new address.

Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawn mowers, and snow blowers.

Drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice maker.

Prepare for your final walkthrough of your new home with your Agent.

Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.

Make a worst-case scenario plan in case your movers run late.

Withdraw cash to tip your movers.

Protect your floors and carpets during the move.

They’ve worked hard for you all day, so tip your movers.

As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries.

Don’t have curtains or shades yet? Cover your windows with sheets for privacy for your first night.

Thank your real estate agent or broker and leave them a nice review!

Visit updater.com for more articles like this.

© 2020 Updater. Published August 12, 2015. Updated January 5, 2021.

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