The Ultimate Moving Checklist for a Stress-Free Relocation
The main stressor that makes every move overwhelming is when it's rushed and unplanned. Truth is, even if you plan weeks ahead, there are still a lot of things that are left to do and often missed out. So, by how far should you plan and do things? Whether it’s for FF&E transport, a gallery shipping high-value pieces, or an international client managing complex logistics, a clear checklist from planning to unpacking makes a huge difference.
Rather than relying on memory, which often leads to missed steps and preventable issues. With a checklist, you help bring order, save time, and make tasks more reliable. To help you make sure that all important plans are in order, in this article, we compile all the important things you need to get you settled peacefully in the new area.
What to Do 8 to 6 Weeks Before You Move
The last 8-6 weeks before relocation is when you should start to settle all your affairs. These weeks should focus mainly on initial planning and preparation, including finding trusted movers and planning how you’ll settle into your new place, while also accounting for the belongings you have at your current place.
8 Weeks Before Moving Checklist
Create a moving folder
Depending on where you are comfortable, this could be digital or physical. This is where you organize all documents, information, and notes related to your move to keep everything in one place. This also helps you track your tasks and timeline. This is a legit life-saver during the whole process.
Tips on how to make a moving folder:
Choose your format- put this on cloud storage, a folder on your computer, or a physical binder.
Create sections- make the most of it by dividing it into sections like: “Moving Company Info,” “Inventory List,” “Utilities & Services,” “Receipts & Payments,” and “Checklists”. You can use Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or specialized home inventory apps for this.
Add important documents- contracts, insurance papers, quotes, receipts, and notes. Mark important timelines, including important dates like packing, utility shut-offs, and moving day.
Check and Update- constantly check off completed tasks as you go.
Research and hire a reputable moving company
Begin your early search, as this is one of the most important decisions you have to make. Have time to compare companies and avoid last-minute stress. Don’t just take their word for it during inquiries.
Look for companies with strong Google reviews, complete licensing, and insurance. To help you decide, check platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, or Google Reviews, and verify DOT or FMCSA numbers for interstate moves. Ask how they handle damage claims and delays.
Important Reads: How to Choose the Right Full-Service Moving Company
Inventory your belongings
This is especially important for high-value belongings for 3 main reasons. First, weight will determine the moving cost estimate based on fuel and labor costs. Second, when organizing your new place, a list lets you track what to keep, donate, or discard to avoid unnecessary clutter at your new address.
This makes unpacking easier as you already know which moving boxes to unpack first. Lastly, for tracking purposes, of what has been packed, loaded, and transported. If there are missing or damaged items, access to information is easily available for a faster insurance claim. Don’t forget to add these to your moving folder list.
Notify landlord
Never delay this task to avoid conflict or needless penalties, like another charge in rent or losing a security deposit. This way, you leave on good terms and avoid legal issues. Landlords also need to prepare the place for a new tenant and give back your deposit.
Schedule cancellations of utilities and services
Old address
Gather all information for utilities and services, including account numbers and contact information. Check the notice for all electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, trash collection, and any subscription services tied to your current address. Most providers need 1-2 weeks' notice for disconnection, so you need to contact each provider and specifically set a cancellation date, ideally a day before your move. Transfer or forward services if needed.
New address
Look for new service providers in your new location. An easier way is to check for government resources found on their websites. Use tools like Sortly or Excel to track items.
6 Weeks Before Moving
Now that we have sorted out the initial tasks, the next thing to figure out is the preparation for transport.
Order moving supplies
Moving supplies vary from the type of protection and the size of a specific item. When moving, you will typically need boxes and bubble wrap. Choose the right size and make sure every material is sturdy enough to keep your belongings safe. For heavier items, you will need specialty crates.
Moving boxes and crates should also be labeled properly so you can identify them easily when it is time to unpack. This may feel like another heavy task, but when you hire professional movers, most moving companies can provide the moving supplies you need, making the entire process much easier.
Plan for high-value transport
Special care should be taken when relocating expensive items such as artwork, wine, and antiques. These items are an example of why you need specialty crates. For artworks and antiques, line your vehicle with a soft surface like a blanket or foam to absorb shocks during transit. Before loading these valuables, ensure the car’s temperature is stable and matches the environment where the items have been stored.
Wine needs to be placed in wine cases, either upright or lying down, with double-corrugated cardboard for extra protection. For these types of high-value items, the safest option is to hire white glove movers, especially for long-distance moves. These professionals provide climate-controlled transport and handle items with minimal impact, ensuring your valuables arrive safely and intact.
Start using up perishables and cleaning supplies
Those fridge items that might spoil and half-empty bottles of cleaners can turn into a real headache if you try to move them as-is. By using them up, you lighten your load, avoid waste, and make packing a lot less stressful. Plus, when you get to your new place, unpacking feels a lot easier without all those extra items weighing you down.
Measure the new space for furniture fit
Check doorways, hallways, and room dimensions to avoid surprises on moving day. Knowing the exact space helps you plan where each piece will go, prevents damage from tight squeezes, and saves time and stress during the move.
4 Weeks Before Moving
Poor packing can be a cause of damage claims. Fragile items that aren’t properly cushioned or secured are more likely to break during transit. Here’s what you need to do:
Begin packing non-essentials
Things like seasonal clothing, extra kitchenware, or decor you don’t use every day can be packed early, giving you more time to focus on essentials closer to moving day. This approach reduces last-minute stress, keeps your space organized, and makes the entire packing process smoother and more manageable
Label boxes by room and content
This simple step makes unpacking much faster and keeps your new space organized from day one. Movers can also place boxes directly in the correct rooms, saving time and reducing the risk of misplaced or damaged items.
Arrange vehicle transport or storage
Decide whether items will go directly to your new home or need temporary storage, and book the necessary vehicles or storage units in advance. Proper planning ensures a smooth move, prevents last-minute stress, and keeps your possessions safe throughout the transition.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Confirm moving date and services
Before your move, confirm the moving date and the services you’ll need with your moving company. Double-checking details like the number of movers, equipment, and any special handling ensures everyone is on the same page
Set up mail forwarding via USPS
Set up mail forwarding with the USPS before your move to ensure important letters and packages reach you at your new address. This simple step prevents missed bills, subscriptions, or personal correspondence, giving you one less thing to worry about during the transition.
Backup important documents digitally
Before moving, back up all important documents digitally. Scanning or photographing items like passports, birth certificates, financial records, and insurance papers ensures you have copies in case anything is lost or damaged during the move. Having digital backups gives you peace of mind and easy access to essential information when you need it.
Arrange pet transport or childcare for move day
Keeping them safe and occupied reduces stress for everyone and allows you and the movers to focus on the move. It’s best to keep them with relatives or a friend and pick them up once the move is finished.
1 Week Before Moving
Finish packing essentials
Keep items like toiletries, medications, important documents, and a few days’ worth of clothes in a clearly labeled “moving essentials” box or bag. This ensures you have everything you need right away, making your first days in your new home.
Clean old residence
Sweeping, dusting, and wiping down surfaces ensures the space is ready for the next occupants and helps you get your security deposit back if you’re renting.
Confirm with movers and storage providers
Double-check the moving date, arrival times, services included, and any special handling requirements. This ensures everyone is on the same page, reduces the risk of delays, and helps your move go smoothly.
Moving Day Checklist
Supervise loading
Being present allows you to guide movers on fragile or high-value items and confirm that everything is packed efficiently. This oversight helps prevent damage and ensures your move stays organized.Perform final walkthrough
Check every room, closet, and cabinet to make sure nothing is left behind and confirm that the space is clean and ready for the next occupants. This last step gives you peace of mind and helps ensure a smooth, stress-free move.Secure valuables
Keep important items like jewelry, cash, documents, and small electronics with you rather than in the moving truck. Storing them in a safe bag or lockbox ensures they stay protected and easily accessible throughout the move.Take inventory photos before loading
Snapshots of furniture, electronics, and valuable items provide helpful documentation in case anything gets misplaced or damaged during the move.Provide movers with clear instructions and contact info
Let them know about fragile items, special handling needs, and where each box should go in your new home. Sharing your phone number and preferred contact method ensures smooth communication throughout the day and helps prevent delays or misunderstandings.
After the Move
Unpack essentials first
Start with items like toiletries, basic kitchen supplies, medications, and a few days’ worth of clothes. Having these necessities ready makes your first day in your new home smoother and helps you avoid digging through boxes when you’re tired from the move.
Inspect for damage
Check furniture, electronics, and fragile items carefully, and compare them with your inventory or photos taken before the move. Identifying any issues early allows you to file claims promptly and ensures your possessions are properly accounted for.Register new address with DMV, banks, IRS
Updating your address ensures you receive official documents, account statements, and tax information without delays. Taking care of these updates promptly helps you avoid missed deadlines and keeps your records accurate.Leave a review for your moving company
Sharing your experience helps other customers make informed decisions and gives the company valuable feedback. Highlight what went well and any areas for improvement to support better service in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do not pack flammable materials like gas or paint, perishable foods, live plants, pets, cash, jewelry, or important documents.
-
It’s ideal to book a moving company 8-weeks before the move to make sure that you will be able to book your chosen movers especially during peak seasons like summer or the end of the month.
-
While you could move valuable items in a regular truck, the safest option is to hire white glove movers. They have the expertise to carefully pack, transport, unpack, and even assemble high-value items like artwork, antiques, or wine collections.
-
For an international move, you’ll typically need:
A valid passport is required for everyone traveling
Visas or work permits for your destination country
Customs forms and import/export documentation for your belongings
Inventory lists for your shipment, especially for high-value or restricted items
Insurance documents for your household goods
-
Moving companies usually ask for a preliminary inventory list of items to be moved, so it’s best to prioritize this first. The list should include office equipment, furniture, documents, and all other important things. Schedule the move during off-hours or weekends if possible, and label all boxes by department or function.
Moving across town or shipping valuable pieces across the country? Contact us today for a moving estimate and personalized relocation plan.
