ULTIMATE MOVING CHECKLIST (Expert Edition)

Moving becomes 2–3× easier when you break everything into phases. Start at least 4 weeks before moving day and follow this timeline exactly.

✔ 4–6 Weeks Before Moving

1. Create a Master Moving File

Use Google Docs/Sheets to track everything:

• Quotes from movers

• Inventory list

• Addresses

• Receipts

• Moving day schedule

• Contacts for utilities, building, storage, etc.

Pro Tip: Create a shared folder so your partner/family has full access.

2. Get Moving Estimates (3–5 companies minimum)

Get quotes from:

• Professional moving companies

• Truck rental companies

• Labor-only movers (if you rent a truck)

Compare:

• Hourly rate

• Travel time

• Insurance

• Reviews on Google + Yelp

• Hidden fees (stairs, long carry, materials, etc.)

Warning: The cheapest quote is usually the riskiest.

3. Decide What Kind of Move You’re Doing

Choose based on budget, timeline, and how much labor you want to do:

• Full-service move (pack + move)

• Hybrid (you pack, movers load/unload)

• DIY + labor help (rent truck + hire help for heavy lifting)

• DIY solo

4. Pre-measure Furniture + Narrow Areas

Avoid moving-day disasters by checking:

• Sofa → doorways

• Mattress → staircases

• Large dressers → elevators

• Sectionals → tight hallways

If it won’t fit:

• Arrange storage

• Hire movers who can hoist through a window

• Consider selling large pieces before the move

5. Declutter Aggressively

Moving fewer items = cheaper move.
Options:

• Sell (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist)

• Donate (Goodwill, Salvation Army)

• Leave curbside (if city allows)

6. School, Work, and Life Logistics

If moving to a new town:

• Schedule school registration

• Request records transfer

• Notify job if you’ll need time off

7. Book Storage Early (if needed)

Best units sell out first—especially climate-controlled ones.
Reserve 3–4 weeks in advance.

✔ 2–3 Weeks Before Moving

1. Start Packing Non-Essentials

Pack items you won’t need soon:

• Winter clothes

• Decor

• Books

• Guest bedding

• Kitchen extras

2. Label Boxes Properly

Use a 2-system method:

• Write contents clearly on top

• Color-code each room

• Place matching stickers on furniture so movers know where each piece goes

This saves hours during unloading.

3. Acquire All Moving Supplies

Buy:

• 10–12 rolls of tape

• Shrink wrap

• Mattress covers

• Bubble wrap

• Packing paper

• Boxes (Costco, U-Haul, Home Depot)

Free boxes: grocery stores, liquor stores, Costco.

4. Pack Fragile Items Professionally

• Double-wrap glassware

• Use packing paper, not newspaper

• Fill empty space inside boxes

• Label FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY

5. Protect Valuable Furniture

If renting a truck:

• Rent moving blankets and ratchet straps

• Wrap every wooden or glass item

TVs and mirrors must go into TV boxes or cardboard sheets, never just blankets.

6. Address & Utility Changes

Complete:

• USPS mail forward

• Gas, electric, water shut-off/start

• Internet installation

• Update billing addresses

7. Healthcare & Prescriptions

Before moving far:

• Transfer prescriptions

• Inform your PCP

• Request medical records

8. Gym Memberships & Subscriptions

Cancel or transfer anything tied to your old address.

✔ 1 Week Before Moving

1. Pack Your Personal Essentials Box (DO NOT Give to Movers)

Include:

• Passport, ID, birth certificates

• Medications

• Jewelry

• Laptops & chargers

• Cash

• Important documents (lease, mortgage, insurance)

Keep this box with you, not in the truck.

2. Reconfirm Your Moving Company

Call 48–72 hours before:

• Confirm arrival time

• Confirm addresses

• Verify crew size

• Ask about weather protocols

3. Disassemble Large Furniture

Disassemble in advance to save time/money:

• Bed frames

• Dining tables

• IKEA furniture

• Shelving

Tape screws to the furniture.

4. Prepare Your Home for Movers

• Clear hallways

• Reserve elevator (if required)

• Secure parking for truck

• Protect floors if necessary

✔ 1–2 Days Before Moving

1. Finish All Packing

Nothing should be left unpacked on moving day except:

• Cleaning supplies

• Personal items

• One overnight bag

Last-minute packing = more money + more stress.

2. Take Photos/Videos of Your Empty Home

This protects you when:

• Claiming moving damage

• Returning a security deposit

Document walls, floors, doorframes, and large furniture.

3. Prepare Cash for Tipping

Average tip:

• $40–$100 per mover depending on difficulty

✔ Moving Day (The Big Day)

1. If Movers Are Late – Call Immediately

Traffic happens. But call the office after 15–20 minutes.

2. Give Movers a Quick Tour + Instructions

Show:

• Fragile items

• Furniture that needs disassembly

• Boxes marked “Do Not Move”

• Best exit route

Clear, direct instructions save you money.

3. Review All Paperwork Before Signing

Ask:

• What’s included in the hourly rate

• Insurance details

• Estimated total cost

• Payment method

• Travel time rules

4. Verify Destination Address

Do not assume they have the right address. Confirm it twice.

5. At Your New Home – Guide the Movers

You should stand near the doorway:

• Point where each item goes

• Check boxes for damage

• Direct movers room-by-room

6. Inspect Items Before Movers Leave

Check for:

• Scratches

• Broken legs

• Cracked glass

• Damaged doorframes

If damaged:

• Photo immediately

• Report to foreman

• Call company manager

• File a claim same day

✔ After the Move (Next Day)

1. Change Locks

Ask your landlord or do it yourself.

2. Confirm Utilities Work

Test gas, water, heat, air conditioning, internet.

3. Read HOA/Building Rules

Understand:

• Parking

• Trash rules

• Quiet hours

• Pet policies

4. Unpack Essentials First

Start with:

• Bedroom

• Bathroom

• Kitchen basics

• Electronics

• Important documents

5. Leave Movers a Review

Many companies offer discounts or loyalty perks.
Reviews also help future customers.

6. Make Spare Keys

Get 2–3 duplicates for safety.

7. Meet the Neighbors

Host a small housewarming or simply introduce yourself.