Moving Checklist

A complete week-by-week moving checklist covering packing, utilities and moving day.

Published June 20, 2026

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8 Weeks Before

Create a moving folder for quotes, receipts and contracts
Set a realistic moving budget
Include movers, supplies, deposits and a buffer for surprises
Get quotes and book a moving company or rental truck
Declutter room by room — sell, donate or bin what you won't take
Make an inventory of valuables and large furniture

6 Weeks Before

Order packing supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap and markers
Start using up freezer food and pantry items
Measure doorways and large furniture for the new home
Request time off work for moving day

4 Weeks Before

Pack rarely used rooms first (attic, garage, guest room)
Label every box by room and contents
Number boxes and keep a master list
Give notice to your landlord or list your home
Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day

2 Weeks Before

Confirm the date, time and address with your movers
Set up or transfer utilities: electricity, gas, water and internet
Change your address with the post office and key accounts
Refill prescriptions and gather important documents

Moving Week

Pack a first-night essentials box and keep it with you
Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer
Disassemble large furniture and bag the screws
Confirm parking for the moving truck
Back up your computer and important files

Moving Day

Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet and cupboard
Take meter readings and photos of the empty home
Keep valuables, documents and chargers with you, not on the truck
Check items off your inventory as they are loaded and unloaded
Hand over keys and leave a forwarding address

After the Move

Unpack the essentials box and make the beds first
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
Update your driver's license and vehicle registration
Register with a local doctor, dentist and pharmacy
Introduce yourself to the neighbors

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Break your move into small, manageable tasks—from booking movers to packing the last box—with this week-by-week moving checklist. It keeps you on schedule and makes sure nothing important slips through the cracks on moving day.

This checklist works for any move, whether you hire a moving company or do it yourself. Start about eight weeks out for a calm, low-stress move, and check off each task as you finish it.

Want a copy for the fridge? Print this moving checklist or download it as a PDF and tick items off as you go.

FAQ

When should I start a moving checklist?

Start about eight weeks before moving day for a relaxed timeline. With less notice, work backward from your move date and prioritize booking movers, packing, and switching utilities first.

What should go in a first-night box?

Pack a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, basic tools, bedding, and snacks — anything you will need before you unpack, like a kettle and coffee.

How far in advance should I book movers?

Book a moving company four to eight weeks ahead, and earlier for peak times such as summer, weekends, and month-end, when reputable movers fill up fast.

Built from public guidance and kept up to date — how we write our checklists. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.