Moving Checklist

There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning a move. It’s easy to get confused, to not know where to start and getting behind on the various preparations for your move. To help you out, we’ve created this handy checklist to keep you on track. Starting to plan in advance and staying organized is key for a successful moving process.

3 Months Out

  • Start contacting moving companies and gathering estimates.
  • Check professional references and customer reviews of movers you are considering.
  • Narrow your list and read through the fine print so that you know what services you getting for the price they ask for.
  • Make your decision—chose a mover.

2 Months Out

  • Start going through your possessions and decide what you can get rid of. Dispose of any belongings you don’t need by donating, selling or throwing them out. The less possession you need transported, the less you will need to pay to have them moved.
  • Just to give yourself a head start, start packing all non-essential items.

1 Month Out

  • Confirm the date and time of your move with your moving company.
  • Contact an auto transport company if you will need to ship a car.

2 Weeks Out

  • If you are handing your own packing, now is a good time to start.
  • Clean all your furniture. Dust and other debris on furniture can cause scratching during transport.
  • Wrap all furniture in bubble wrap, padding, or plastic sheeting—this will help protect them during the moving process from being damaged, its worth the additional effort.
  • Wrap all fragile and valuable possessions in bubble wrap, cardboard, or padded wrapping before packing them into boxes. Even if you have hired a full service mover, there are some items you will want to pack yourself in order to insure they won’t be damaged.

One Week Out

  • Begin packing essentials, but not day-to-day items.
  • Confirm with movers the day and time the moving truck will arrive.
  • Send change of address cards to the post office, creditors (including credit cards), insurance companies, banks, magazine subscriptions, etc.
  • Call local services about shut-off dates for your water, gas, electric, cable and any other local services, and make sure they are connected at your new home by the time you move in.

One Day Before

  • Make sure all your possessions are packed and all furniture is wrapped and prepared for loading.
  • Protect mattresses with plastic sheeting or cloth covers.
  • If you are self-service moving—confirm with all your help that they will be showing up the next day for the loading and moving process.
  • Pack a separate box that you will take with you with essentials you might need along the way and for the first few days you are getting settled into your new home. You can also include small valuables and important documents you can’t risk losing.

Moving Day

  • Be around to coordinate loading and answer any questions the moving crew might have.
  • If you are shipping a vehicle, be available for the pre-loading inspection.

Once everything is removed, clean your home.