Moving Checklist: A Week-by-Week Timeline
Moving goes better when it is broken into small jobs spread over several weeks. This timeline starts eight weeks before moving day. If you have less time, start at the step that matches your date and do the earlier steps quickly.
8 weeks before
- Set a moving budget and a folder (paper or digital) for quotes, receipts and contracts.
- Decide: hire movers, rent a truck, or use a moving container.
- Start decluttering one room at a time. Sell, donate or recycle what you won't move; it's cheaper than paying to move it.
- If you have children, ask the new school about enrollment and records.
6 weeks before: get and compare quotes
Ask at least three movers for written estimates based on an in-home or video survey. For an interstate move, the U.S. Department of Transportation's FMCSA Protect Your Move site explains your rights, how to check a mover's USDOT number, and the difference between estimates:
- Binding estimate: the price is fixed for the items and services listed.
- Non-binding estimate: the final price is based on actual weight and services, so it can be higher.
Compare quotes line by line, not just the total:
| Line | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Estimate type | Binding or non-binding? |
| Packing | Included? Materials charged separately? |
| Extra charges | Stairs, long carry, elevator, heavy items, fuel? |
| Valuation/protection | What coverage is included, and what does full value cost? |
| Deposit and payment | How much up front, and when is the balance due? |
| Dates | Pickup window and delivery window |
Be cautious of very low quotes and large cash deposits; FMCSA lists these among common red flags.
4 weeks before
- Book your mover or truck and get the agreement in writing.
- Collect boxes, tape, markers and padding.
- Start packing rooms you use least (guest room, books, seasonal items).
- Begin a packing inventory: number every box, write the room and a short list of contents, and note anything fragile or valuable. This helps if something goes missing and makes unpacking faster.
- File a change of address. The official USPS change-of-address service is at usps.com; be wary of look-alike sites that charge extra fees.
2 to 3 weeks before
- Schedule utility shut-off at the old place and start-up at the new place (electric, gas, water, trash, internet).
- Update your address with banks, employer, insurance, subscriptions, voter registration and your state's motor vehicle agency.
- Transfer prescriptions and records for doctors, dentists and vets if you are changing providers.
- Use up frozen and pantry food.
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day.
1 week before
- Confirm the date, time and address with your mover in writing.
- Pack an open-first box for each person: medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, toilet paper, basic tools, snacks and paper plates.
- Keep important documents, jewelry and small valuables with you, not on the truck.
- Defrost and clean the freezer if it is moving.
- Photograph the condition of the old home and furniture.
Moving day
- Walk through with the crew lead and point out fragile items.
- Check every box number against your inventory as it is loaded.
- Read the bill of lading before signing, and keep a copy.
- Do a final walk-through: closets, cabinets, attic, garage. Note meter readings.
- At the new home, check boxes off the inventory as they come in and note damage before the crew leaves.
First week in the new home
- Change or re-key the locks.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; find the main water shut-off and electrical panel.
- Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first.
- File any damage claim with your mover promptly, using your inventory and photos.
- Start a home maintenance list for the new place (see our home maintenance checklist).
Keep track of the money
Moving costs add up in small pieces: deposits, boxes, fuel, cleaning, meals. Keep every receipt in your moving folder and write each cost in one list as you go, then add it up yourself at the end. If your move may be tax-related (for example, certain military moves), keep records and check current IRS rules or ask a tax professional.
Want this as a ready-made template?
Everything above works with pen and paper. If you would rather have the math done for you, these are our related templates. They are paid digital downloads on Etsy; check each listing for current price, file format and details.
Moving Checklist & Planner (Printable, Fillable PDF)
A 7-page moving planner: weeks-before countdown, packing inventory, mover quote comparison and more. Fillable PDF in US Letter and A4, or print and write by hand. Totals are entered by you.
View on Etsy : Moving Checklist & Planner (Printable, Fillable PDF)
Home Maintenance Checklist & Organizer (Printable, Fillable PDF)
A 7-page home maintenance organizer with seasonal plans, a task log and filter/appliance care pages. Fillable PDF in US Letter and A4, or print and write by hand.
View on Etsy : Home Maintenance Checklist & Organizer (Printable, Fillable PDF)Sources
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Rules and recommendations change; confirm with the official sources above.