Moving Checklist to Organize and Manage your Move

Moving Tips

Whether you are relocating to a new state or just moving across the street, leverage this Moving Checklist to organize and manage your move.


8 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Create a list of all home repairs needed and research contractors if needed. Make your home beautiful to ensure the best deal if you are selling your property.
  • Find a Realtor to list and sell your home, if needed. Or Sell your property independently using forsalebyowner.com
  • Put in your 60-day notice at work, if required.

7 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Research new school and childcare options for the kids & enroll as necessary.
  • Research local doctors and/or vets for your new location.

6 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Schedule your open house with your realtor.
  • Start gathering moving supplies. Consider low cost moving kits online that offer free shipping.

5 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Change your address with the USPS.
  • Ask current doctor and vet for check-ups and get medical records to be transferred to new doctors’ offices.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Request auto shipping estimates, if required.
  • Order electricity service.
  • Order natural gas service.
  • Order home phone service.
  • Order Internet service.
  • Order television service.
  • Put in your 30-day notice, if required.
  • Complete home repairs.
  • Begin organizing items into keep, donate, sell and throw away categories.
    • Take donation items to designated organizations
    • Schedule charities to pick up donated items
    • Have a garage sale and/or post on ebay.com or letitgo.com

3 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Do you need to rent furniture or appliances? If yes, get quotes.
  • Notify subscription & prescription suppliers of address change
  • Get your car serviced, especially if driving a long distance
  • Organize closet & attic items for moving
  • Pack knickknacks and other non-essential items
  • Book a moving truck rental or hire movers.
  • Schedule professional cleaners for your move out and move in clean
  • Book flights or hotels if your move requires it

2 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Make sure all home services and utilities have been ordered or transferred
  • Schedule babysitter and pet sitter for moving day
  • Update your driver’s license & car registration, if moving to another state
  • Schedule final walk-through with landlord, if required
  • Pack all but essentials
  • Get storage quotes if there is a moving delay or if not all your items are traveling with you
  • Book friends or get moving helpers for your move

1 Week Before Your Move

  • Last minute errands
  • Withdraw emergency moving money

Moving Day

  • Pack essentials
  • Keep kids and pets safe and occupied. Have babysitter on-hand or send to friends or family.
  • Load your moving truck, if you have one. Otherwise wait for your professional moving company.
  • Conduct final walk-though
  • Ensure move-in property is clean
  • Take possession of keys and begin unpacking!

1 Week After Your Move

  • Send out change of address cards to friends & family
  • Hire contractors for fix or address new home issues, if needed
  • Exterminate unwelcome pests in your new home, if needed
  • Sign up for a landscaper & lawn care services, if needed

2 Weeks After Your Move

  • Order a security system
  • Recycle, donate or return your moving boxes