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Let’s be real — moving isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It can feel overwhelming with so much to do and remember. That’s why we put together this epic moving checklist to keep you organized and make the whole process way easier.
This 8-week moving guide lays out all the steps you need to take before, during and after your move. It’ll help you stay on top of things, keep everything organized and make the whole moving process feel a lot less stressful — so you can settle in and start enjoying your new home.
Keep all your moving info in one place by creating a digital folder. This could be on your computer or in the cloud (like Google Drive or Dropbox).
As you go, add things like pictures of receipts, quotes from movers and any important documents. That way, everything you need is easy to find when you need it.
Reach out to at least three moving companies and get a quote from each one. Compare their prices and services to see which one fits your budget best. Also, double-check that they’re licensed and insured — that’s really important.
If you’re planning to move on your own, now’s a good time to look into truck rental prices and any other costs that might come up.
List out all the moving expenses you expect — big or small — and try to set some money aside ahead of time. Having a bit saved up will help take the pressure off when moving day comes.
And if you’re moving for work, don’t forget to ask if your company will cover any of the costs. It could save you a good chunk of money.
Your moving company will send you documents that explain what they’ll do and how things will work. Take your time reading everything before you sign anything. It’s better to catch any issues now than deal with surprises later.
And if something doesn’t make sense, don’t be shy — ask questions before moving day gets closer.
After you’ve booked your movers, take some time to look over your new home and think through the move.
Figure out which streets are best for the moving truck, where they can park and whether the area gets a lot of traffic. If you’re moving into an apartment or condo, see if there’s a service elevator and ask about any building rules for moving in.
Planning all this in advance can save you from last-minute problems on moving day.
If your move falls on a weekday, make sure to request the day off ahead of time. You might also want a day before or after to get things sorted. The earlier you ask, the more likely it is your time off will be approved.
If you have kids, start checking out schools near your new home. Sites like GreatSchools can help you find good ones in the area.
Don’t forget to ask their current school for transcripts and any other paperwork. Sending everything in early will make the switch smoother before their first day.
The less stuff you bring, the easier packing will be. Go through your things and decide what you really want to take with you.
Anything you don’t need can be sold, donated or given away. Local shelters and charities are great places to donate gently used items.
There are certain things movers usually won’t take — like valuables, breakables, firearms, safes or special artwork. It’s a good idea to keep these items separate from everything else.
Even if you’re not packing them yet, make a list of the things you plan to move on your own.
If you’re renting, don’t forget to tell your landlord that you’re planning to move. Most leases require some kind of notice ahead of time.
Also, make sure any remaining rent or fees are paid so everything’s settled before you leave.
With about 6 weeks to go, it’s time to start finalizing some important details. This is also a great time to let your friends and family know about your move.
If you won’t get to see them again soon, maybe plan a little hangout or get-together before you leave.
If you need help from friends or family on moving day, ask them now so they can save the date.
Let your loved ones know you’re moving. If you have kids, talk to them early so they know what to expect and can feel more prepared.
It’s also a good time to hang out with friends and family you might not see for a while once you move.
If you’re going to need a hand with the move, ask your friends or family about 6 to 7 weeks ahead of time. Giving them a heads-up early means they can plan to be there when you need them.
This is a good time to book a moving van or truck. Compare a few rental companies and pick one that works for your budget and the size of your move.
If you think you’ll need storage during the move, start looking into those options now as well.
You can buy boxes if you want but you might be able to find free ones nearby and save some money. Check with local places like grocery stores, liquor shops, restaurants or office supply stores — they often have extra boxes they’re happy to give away.
If you still need more, try websites like Used Cardboard Boxes for affordable, eco-friendly options.
Packing isn’t just about tossing things into boxes. Take a little time to look up easy packing tricks — they can help you save space and make unpacking way easier.
To stay organized, label each box with the room it goes in and keep similar items together — like putting all your kitchen gadgets in one box.
Using colored labels or markers is a smart way to show which box belongs in which room — it makes unpacking much easier.
For boxes with breakables, be sure to write “fragile” or “handle with care” and add notes like “this side up” so movers know how to carry them safely.
It might take a little time but writing down everything you’re bringing can be super helpful. If something goes missing, you’ll know if it was packed or not.
You can also note which items are in which boxes — it makes finding things later a whole lot easier.
If tech stuff isn’t your thing, take a few pictures of how your electronics are plugged in before you disconnect them. That way, you’ll have a guide when it’s time to set them up again in your new place.
You can also label each cord so you know exactly where it goes and what it’s for — no guessing later!
Begin disassembling any furniture you don’t need to use before the move. Put all the screws and small parts into a labeled container or zip-lock bag so they don’t get lost.
If there are lots of little pieces, use smaller bags to keep them organized, then place everything into one big bag.
Taking photos or short videos while you take things apart can also help you remember how to put them back together later.
If you’re flying, try to book your tickets as early as possible to avoid high prices or sold-out flights. Same thing if you need to rent a car — the sooner, the better.
If your move will take more than a day, make sure any hotel reservations are confirmed.
And if you’re driving your own car, get it checked and serviced so it’s ready for the road.
If you’re hoping to get your security deposit back, look around your home for little things that need fixing. This might include filling nail holes, touching up paint or any small damage that happened while you lived there.
Before moving day, measure your furniture to make sure it’ll fit through the doorways, hallways and stairs.
Think about the best way to move each piece out — some things might need to be turned or tilted a certain way.
And if anything’s too big or heavy, don’t try to lift it alone — ask someone to give you a hand.
Take some time to learn about your new area before you move — it’ll help you feel more comfortable once you’re there.
Look up nearby restaurants, parks, grocery stores and other spots you might need. Knowing what’s around will make settling in a lot smoother.
Begin packing slowly by boxing up things you don’t use much — like books, fancy dishes or jewelry.
Doing a bit each day adds up and by the time moving day comes, you’ll already have most of it done without feeling stressed.
With only a month to go, things start to pick up.
This is a good time to organize all your important paperwork. And if you still haven’t cleared out the stuff you’re not bringing, now’s the time to take care of it.
Moving insurance isn’t a must but it’s a smart way to protect your things in case something gets lost or damaged during the move. It can give you peace of mind, just in case something unexpected happens.
You probably won’t be bringing perishable food with you, so start planning meals around what you have in the fridge and freezer.
Pantry items like canned goods can be heavy, so try to use those up too — or consider donating them to a local food bank or charity.
If you have memberships at places like a gym or a club that you won’t be using after the move, now’s the time to cancel or update them.
It’s also a nice moment to say goodbye to people you’ve met there — especially if you might not see them again for a while.
If you haven’t done it yet, gather things like your medical, legal and financial records. Keep them in one folder so they’re easy to find and safe.
It’s also smart to store this folder with other important papers, like birth certificates and passports, so everything you need is in one place.
Reach out to your insurance provider and tell them about your move. They’ll need to update your address and make sure your coverage stays up to date.
Nobody wants to move into a new home without internet. Look for internet providers in your new area and schedule the setup early. Install appointments can book up fast, so it’s best not to wait.
If you’re moving to a new city or state, start searching for a new doctor and dentist ahead of time. It’s good to have a few choices lined up.
And if you have pets, find a local vet near your new home, just in case there’s an emergency. Be sure to bring your pet’s medical records with you.
If you’re moving far away, use Google Maps (or another app) to plan your drive. You can make the trip more fun by picking a few cool spots or landmarks to stop at along the way.
Moving day is almost here! Two weeks might seem like plenty of time but there’s still a lot to wrap up. Now’s the time to update your accounts, double-check your plans and make sure everything’s on track for a smooth move.
Besides your digital folder, it’s a good idea to keep a physical folder for any bills or receipts related to your move. Some moving expenses might be tax-deductible, so it’s worth checking with the IRS to see what you can claim later.
If you have anything flammable, toxic or corrosive — like old paint, cleaning chemicals or gas — be sure to dispose of them safely before you move. You don’t want to leave anything dangerous behind or risk taking it with you.
Let your regular helpers — like your gardener, cleaner or anyone else who works at your home — know that you’re moving. If you won’t be needing their services anymore, give them a heads-up early so they have time to plan.
If you still get mail through the post office, make sure to set up mail forwarding so your letters and packages go to your new address. If you need more time to get settled, you could also rent a PO Box near your new place.
As you pack, you might come across things that belong to friends, family or neighbors. Make sure to return anything you borrowed before you move — it’s a nice way to wrap things up on a good note.
If you have a baby or young kids, it’s smart to have someone watch them while you unpack. You’ll have your hands full, so a babysitter can really help.
Even better if a trusted family member can come by to lend a hand.
Before packing your computer, make sure to back up everything important. Use a USB drive, external hard drive or a cloud service to save your files — just in case something gets damaged during the move.
A lot of people don’t take plants with them when they move. If you’re leaving yours behind, see if a friend, neighbor or family member can take them and give them a good home.
Before you pack your lamps, make sure to remove the light bulbs. They can easily break during the move, so wrap them up and pack them separately to keep them safe.
Visit your local DMV (or go online if possible) to update your driver’s license with your new address. It’s a quick step that helps keep everything official and up to date.
Before you move, make sure to update your shipping address on websites like Amazon or any other stores you shop from. That way, your packages won’t accidentally get sent to your old place.
If you take any medications, transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home. This way, you won’t miss a dose or run into any delays after you move.
It’s finally moving week! Now’s the time to wrap things up — finish packing, organize what’s left and give your old place a good clean. The more you get done now, the smoother and less stressful moving day will be.
If there’s still food in your fridge or pantry, now’s the time to clear it out. Throw away anything that’s expired and give away what you won’t be taking with you.
Just because you’re moving out doesn’t mean you should leave a mess behind. Take some time to clean your old place — the next person will be thankful and it’s just a nice thing to do.
If your fridge is a bit older, unplug it at least a day before moving so it has time to defrost. This helps avoid leaks or messes during the move.
If you’ve got packages on the way that won’t arrive before your move, either cancel them or change the delivery address so they go to your new place instead.
Before you hand over the keys, your landlord will probably want to do a final walkthrough. Make sure everything looks clean and in good shape — patch up any holes and fix anything small that needs attention.
Take a quick look at the weather for moving day. If it looks like rain or something unexpected, be ready to adjust your plans and stay prepared.
It’s smart to have a little cash on hand for moving day — especially if you plan to tip the movers or need to grab something last minute. Better to be prepared just in case!
If you can, stop by your new place and give it a good clean before move-in day. It’s always nicer to unpack in a fresh, tidy space.
It’s finally here — moving day! If you’ve been following your checklist, everything should go pretty smoothly. Just be sure to wake up early and get started right away to keep things on track.
While moving, make sure your floors don’t get scratched or dirty. Use floor protectors, old rugs or pads to keep everything safe and clean.
Stay available in case the movers have any questions. Once you arrive at your new place, let them know where each box or piece of furniture should go. And if they’ve done a good job, it’s always nice to give them a tip.
Begin by unpacking the basics — like your bed, toiletries and a change of clothes. After a long moving day, you’ll want to take a shower and get some rest without digging through boxes.
Once you’re a bit settled, take a moment to say hello to the neighbors. It’s a great way to make a good first impression and start building friendly connections.
Head to the store and grab some essentials — just enough food and basics to get you through the first few days in your new place.
For a little privacy and comfort, try to get your curtains or window shades up soon after moving in. It’ll help your new place feel more like home.
It’s always nice to show a little appreciation. Let your agent know you’re thankful for their help and that you’re happy in your new home. Even a quick thank-you note can go a long way.
Just because you’re in your new home doesn’t mean the work is done. There’s still a bit to take care of. Start by unpacking and getting settled so your new place starts to feel like home.
During your first week after the move, there are a few important things to check off. Here’s what to focus on as you start settling into your new place.
Take a few minutes to write a review about your movers. Whether it was a great experience or not, your feedback can help others decide who to hire.
If you haven’t done it yet, take some time to clean your new place — especially the carpets. And if your new home has a fireplace, make sure the chimney is cleaned before you use it.
Go ahead and unpack the rest of your boxes so everything’s in its place. If the boxes are still in good shape, don’t toss them — pass them along to someone else who might need them for their move.
Once you’re moved in, consider installing a security system. It’s a smart way to help keep your new home safe and give you peace of mind right from the beginning.
Take a little time to walk around and explore your new area. You might’ve looked it up online but seeing it in person helps you feel more connected and at home.
Once you’re settled, let your loved ones know you made it safely. And don’t forget to thank anyone who helped you pack, move or supported you along the way — it means a lot!
By this point, you’re probably feeling more settled. But there are still a few final things to wrap up and check off your list.
It’s totally normal to still have a few boxes left after a couple of weeks. Take some time to go through them and put everything where it belongs — it’ll help your place feel more complete.
It’s a good idea to make spare keys for anyone who might need access to your home — like a babysitter, nanny or dog walker.
If your new place needs a fresh coat of paint, get in touch with a local painter for a quote. Or, if you’re up for it and want to save some cash, you can paint it yourself.
Take your pet to meet their new vet. Even if it’s just a quick checkup, it’s a good way to introduce them and get their records on file.
Make sure your bank has your new address. It’s usually quick and easy to update it through online banking or a quick visit to your local branch.
If your old landlord hasn’t returned your security deposit yet, it’s a good time to check in and ask about the status.
For added peace of mind, it’s a smart idea to change the locks. You never know who might still have a key from before you moved in.
Trash collection days are different depending on where you live, so find out when pickup happens in your new neighborhood. It’ll help you stay on top of things and avoid any mess.
Make sure all the smoke alarms in your new home are working. Replace the batteries just to be safe. It’s also a good idea to add a carbon monoxide detector if there isn’t one already.
It’s a smart move to have an electrician look over the wiring in your new home to make sure everything’s working properly. You can also check other utilities while you’re at it. It’ll give you peace of mind knowing your place is safe and in good shape.
That’s a wrap — you’ve got everything covered before, during and after your move. We hope this guide made things a little easier for you.
If there’s anything you think we missed, we’d love to hear your thoughts. But most of all — congrats on your new home!
Enjoy the move and your fresh new beginning.
We started No Borders to make moving easier for everyone no limits, no stress, just real help wherever you need to go.