Relocating? You Need This Ultimate Moving Checklist + Free Printable Moving Checklist

(Updated October 15, 2024)

Experiencing a smooth moving day and getting a great start in a new place are all about the planning and preparation. That’s why having a solid moving checklist and starting early will be your keys to making a big transition while minimizing stress. 

You can even start right this very moment, as we walk you through a complete 12-week moving checklist to help you stay organized, save time and energy, and make sure nothing gets overlooked. Plus, you can download our free printable moving checklist that gives you a streamlined version to make it easy to keep track.

Nervous? Don’t be. Once you dive into this moving checklist you’ll have a better idea of exactly what you need to do and when.

8–12 Weeks: Your Advance Planning Moving Checklist

6–7 Weeks Out: Your Early-Stage Moving Checklist

4–5 Weeks Out: Your Mid-Stage Moving Out Checklist

2–3 Weeks Out: Your Close To Moving Out Checklist

1 Week Out: Final Moving Day Checklist Items

Moving Day: Your Moving Out Checklist

8–12 Weeks: Your Advance Planning Moving Checklist

Even if your moving date is several months away, you can stay ahead of the curve with some prep work. From taking stock of your belongings and getting rid of unwanted stuff to creating a moving budget and choosing movers, these early steps will get you organized and reduce stress down the road. 

Create a moving binder

Set yourself up for success by creating a moving binder to hold your documents, paperwork, and receipts. You can use a three-ring binder, a digital folder, or both if you like the idea of always having backup copies. 

This will hold your most important household and moving-related items such as moving estimates, insurance policies, receipts, and change of address notifications. Think of it as your “command center” for your entire moving process from now through the early days in your new home. 

And of course, make sure to print out our free printable moving checklist and add it to your moving binder. That way you can enjoy each little endorphin hit as you check off an item. 

If you’re going digital, just download the file and save it to that folder. Oh, and don’t forget to put an inspirational name on your binder, like “Moving Success,” “Smart Move,” or “My Best Move Ever.” You’d be surprised how powerful setting positive intentions can be, especially when you see it every time you grab the folder or go to the file. 

Determine your budget

The cost of moving homes varies widely depending on factors like household size (which gives an idea of the weight of your belongings), distance to your new home, and even the season. Determining a moving budget now will help you make good decisions on what items to move, when to move, and how much service you actually need, want, and can afford. According to a recent Forbes Home Survey, the average short-distance move in the U.S. costs $1,400, while  the average long-distance move is $4,600.

To build your moving budget, you need to consider all possible expenses while also leaving room for unforeseen costs. You can use this free online template to guide you or just make your own with a spreadsheet or pen and paper.

Remember to record your expenses as you go to make sure you’re on track. If

your move is covered by an employer you’ll want your receipts, too. However,

don’t expect to deduct your move from your income taxes. The government

eliminated tax deductions for moves after 2018, unless you’re active duty

military. But if you want to be sure, check with your accountant.

Complete a home inventory

If you don’t already have a home inventory list on file for insurance purposes, now is the perfect time to make one. Start in one room of your home and make a list of the following: 

• Furnishings

• Electronics

• Valuables

• Collectibles

• Equipment

• Tools

• Household items

To help verify ownership and prove the condition of your belongings, you can also take photos and save them with your home inventory list.

Once you’ve made a thorough record of your belongings, look over the list and determine what needs special care during packing and loading, as well as what you may want to sell or give away before moving day.

Declutter to lighten your load

Let’s be honest, we Americans are notorious for having tons of extra stuff. Ask yourself if you really want to pack all that stuff and pay for it to be moved, only to have to unpack it and find a place for it again. If your answer is no, then it just makes sense to declutter as you prepare to move. Lightening the load now can lead to significant savings on moving costs, plus you’ll be able to start fresh in your new home with less clutter.

To begin, get rid of household items you no longer need. Go room by room and make three piles designated to sell, donate, or discard. 

Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and eBay are all popular online venues to sell belongings, while items for donating can go to local nonprofit organizations or second-hand stores. 

If you have a large quantity of things to throw out, renting a dumpster from a garbage service or hiring a junk cleanout service might be worth your time and money.

Hire a moving company

Now that you’ve done a complete home inventory and you’ve decided what you want to take to your new home, you can determine how much you’ll move yourself (if anything), the size moving truck you’ll need if you’re going DIY, and whether you want to hire assistance, from a couple of strong guys to do the heavy lifting to a full-service moving company.  

If you plan to use professional movers, it’s time to start your search by asking for referrals and searching online for the most highly rated companies. Get a minimum of three quotes, double-check reviews, and book the moving company that offers a fair price while demonstrating the best customer service through your interactions and reviews. 

6–7 Weeks Out: Your Early-Stage Moving Checklist  

With under two months left until moving day, it’s time to pack up your non-essentials and contact current and future utilities and other services to manage stop and start times. Work to complete these steps on your printable moving checklist now to avoid feeling stressed in the final weeks leading up to your moving date.

Gather packing supplies

If you’re hiring a professional mover and opting for packing services, they will supply all the boxes and packing materials needed. But if you plan to do some or all of the packing yourself,  you need to gather packing materials including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, scissors, and Sharpie pens for labeling. 

If you’re on a tight budget or like to save money, look for free moving boxes and wrapping materials at local stores and through online listings. Purchasing boxes and packing materials online or at a big box retailer can be a good choice, too, especially if you’re looking for particular sizes and quantities of boxes.

Pack your non-essentials

There’s a rule of thumb in the home organizing world that says if you haven’t used something in a year, then get rid of it. This rule doesn't necessarily apply in the moving world, but if you haven’t used something in several months to a year and you want to keep it, you can probably box it up now. 

Go room by room as you pack, and utilize a labeling system for all boxes. This strategy will make locating your belongings simpler once you’re moved. That said, remember to record all box label information on your home inventory sheet as you go.

Contact service and product providers

Another important element of your move will be notifying your utility companies by phone or online about your upcoming move — including gas, electric, cable, garbage, and internet providers. 

Schedule service disconnections and transfers to your new address if your current utility companies service the same area you’re moving to. If you’re moving long distance, it’s likely you’ll be starting from scratch, so spend time now researching costs and securing start dates.

Don’t forget to transfer subscriptions and memberships too. If you subscribe to meal services or any other auto-ship services, notify these companies of your address change and give them updated contact information as needed. 

Research your new area

After getting your new utilities and internet set up, you’ll also want to begin researching healthcare providers, schools, and service professionals. Online search works great for this, but you may want to ask for referrals from friends or family you might have in your new area. Then get on the phone to ask questions and make appointments. If you’re moving long distance, this moving records checklist will help you keep track of the details involved. 

To ease the transition into your new neighborhood, reviewing your future options for extracurricular groups, faith-based organizations, fitness, dining, and shopping is always helpful — plus a lot of fun! 

Make lodging arrangements 

If you’re traveling a long distance to your new home, you might need a night or two of lodging.  Contact family or friends who may live along the way or make reservations now. You want to avoid having trouble finding a place to stay after a long day of driving, or paying a lot more than you need to. Be sure to add reservation information to your moving binder and checklist.

4–5 Weeks Out: Your Mid-Stage Moving Out Checklist

Congratulations, you’re halfway through the moving process and only about a month from moving into your new home! This is the point when things start to feel real as you change your address and move important education and health information forward to future providers. You’ll also be getting more specific with your packing and putting together personal and legal documents.

Change your address

With a month of lead time, updating your address now will assure that your personal and financial data stays safe and you receive important documents in a timely manner. Here are common providers that require information updates:

• Postal and package carrier services

• Banks or credit unions

• Insurance companies

• Investment agencies

• Credit card companies

• Government agencies

As a reminder, don’t wait too long to make updates, since this can lead to mail delivery issues and important documents going to the wrong place.

You can easily update your address online with the U.S. Postal Service and then request mail forwarding. Most other service and benefits providers will allow you to change your address online as well.

Inspect your personal vehicle

Does your vehicle need any routine maintenance or repairs before moving day? If so, schedule service such as an oil change, systems checks, and tire maintenance. With a month to go, you can schedule and complete any needed repairs, which will give you peace of mind once you’re on the road to your new home.

Request records transfers

It’s now time to transfer school records and obtain copies of medical records and prescription orders from family medical providers, if you haven’t done so already. This is particularly crucial if you have school-aged children, ongoing medical treatments, or prescriptions to transfer to new pharmacies.

Strategize your packing

You’ve already got non-essentials ready to roll. Use the same method to begin packing your essentials room by room, labeling each box as you go and adding box details to your home inventory list. This will streamline the unpacking process and make it easier for you to find what you need in your new home.

Specialized packing tips:

Specialty items: If you have specialty items like pianos, antiques, or delicate artwork, be sure you’ve arranged professional packing or transport services with your moving company. These possessions need special care to ensure they arrive at your new home undamaged. 

Valuables: Put valuables such as jewelry, small sentimental items, and other irreplaceable possessions in a secure box to transport with you personally. Keep the bag or box close to you during your move for added security.

Essential documents: Pack a file or box with your passports, birth certificates, and other important documents to carry with you, including your moving binder. 

2–3 Weeks Out: Your Close To Moving Out Checklist

By now, your home is starting to look empty and you’re probably getting excited about the first day in your new place. 

With a few weeks to go until moving day, you can review all of your relocation logistics, finish most of your packing, and begin saying goodbye to friends and neighbors. It’s also a good idea to look over your printable moving checklist and plan to complete any tasks you may have overlooked.

Confirm moving details

Reconfirm your moving date, arrival, and logistics with your selected moving company. Ensure you have the correct contact information for the movers and that they have your correct addresses. Discuss any special requirements or concerns you may have, such as securing any specialty items.

Finish packing

What do you pack two to three weeks before your move? It’s now time to finish packing any remaining non-essential items. 

Additionally, go ahead and disassemble any furniture or equipment that can’t be moved as-is, keeping track of screws, bolts, and other hardware by placing them in labeled sandwich bags and attaching them to their respective furniture. Don’t forget to save assembly instructions in your moving binder. (If you’re using a professional moving service, many provide both disassembly and assembly service. Confirm your needs with your movers.) 

You can also group essential items together and determine what you’ll need on moving day, as well as the first few days in your new home. It’s helpful to place things in an open box inside each room. For example, consider what you’ll need for toiletries over the next week and place all those items in an open box in your bathroom. Pick out clothes you’ll need from now through moving day and the first week in your new home, and add them to a box or bag in your bedroom.

Say your farewells 

These few weeks may be bittersweet as you visit your friends and neighbors one last time to say goodbye. Let them know your moving date again and share new contact information if you haven’t already.

Reconfirm changes with utility services

Call or chat online with current and future utility services to reconfirm the disconnection of services at your old home and service connections at your new home. This includes gas, electric, water, cable, internet, and trash pickup services. By taking a few moments now to double check dates of service stops and starts, you’ll ensure a seamless transition of utilities and avoid interruptions.

1 Week Out: Final Moving Day Checklist Items

With most tasks completed, you might want to take one day this week to put your moving checklist down and just enjoy a couple relaxing activities. After all, you’ve earned it! This is also the time to review your travel arrangements if you’ve got lodging reservations and prepare for final days of work and school.

Pack a last-minute essentials box

The last thing anyone wants to do right after moving is search through a mountain of boxes to find things they need right away, like the coffee maker! This is why packing a last-minute essentials box with items you’ll need for the first few days in your new home is such a smart idea.

When you pack, include toiletries, a few changes of clothes for all household members, and any necessary prescriptions. Have pets? Remember their food and dishes, and a cat box with litter if you have kitties. Label this box clearly and keep it with you personally during your move for easy access.

Confirm lodging 

If you’ve booked lodging for the trip to your new home, check reservation dates and times with the lodging providers. 

Inspect your vehicle

In the days leading up to your move, it’s important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure, fill your tank, and check oil and fluids if they weren’t checked recently. Have contact information for your auto insurance and roadside assistance provider inside your glovebox in case there’s an issue while en route to your new home.

Spruce up your space for new residents

If you’re renting, start prepping your home to ensure you get your security deposit back. Deep clean, fix any minor damages, patch up holes in the wall, and make sure everything is in the same condition as when you moved in — and make sure to take photos when you’re all done. This attention to detail is also a nice gesture if you’re selling your home.

Review your printable moving checklist

Are all the important items checked off? What still needs to be done? It’s time to run through your printed moving checklist to make sure all your tasks are covered. Some last-minute items  on the list might include:

• Clearing out old storage and setting up new storage if needed at your new home

• Donating nonperishable food to a local food pantry

• Double-checking your moving details with your mover 

Moving Day: Your Moving Out Checklist

The day has finally arrived! You’re probably feeling a lot of excitement about your new home while also thinking of all the memories you’ve made in this one. Before you begin your day, go ahead and take a few moments to reflect and breathe. Soon, you’ll be starting a new chapter in your life.

Complete a final walkthrough

Before the moving company arrives, do a final walkthrough of your home to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Check closets, drawers, shelves, the basement, and the attic to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything. Also, inspect each room to make sure everything is clean and you haven’t left a box or item behind.

Supervise the move

Be present during the move to answer any questions your movers may have and ensure fragile items are handled with care. Verify that each box and piece of furniture is loaded onto the moving truck and that no items are left behind.

Take pictures

Especially if you’ve been renting, you’ll want a record that you’re leaving the apartment or home in good condition. This could help you get your security deposit back if there are any issues.

Download Your Free Printable Moving Checklist

Our moving checklist was designed to break down your tasks and prioritize them in chronological order so that you can make progress every week leading up to your long-distance move. Download a printable version to take full-advantage of all the wisdom and experience stuffed into our moving checklist!

Ready To Move? Reach Out to Top-Rated Movers

As you begin planning for your relocation, your moving checklist will be your guide to a successful and organized transition. The other essential piece is finding full-service professional movers you can rely on to be your partner in making a smooth move with a lot less stress. 

Colonial Van Lines understands that moving can be a challenging and complex process, and we’re here to provide the support and expertise you need. Our full-service moves are one of the best ways to cover your moving checklist from top to bottom.