Moving Timeline Checklist

An 8-week moving timeline checklist showing exactly what to do each week before moving day.

Published June 20, 2026

8 Weeks Out

Set your moving budget
Book a moving company or reserve a rental truck
Start decluttering — donate, sell or bin what you won't take

6 Weeks Out

Order boxes and packing supplies
Begin packing rarely used items and seasonal goods
Create a room-by-room inventory

4 Weeks Out

Give notice to your landlord or finalize sale dates
Book time off work for moving day
Arrange childcare and pet care for the day
Pack non-essential rooms and label every box

2 Weeks Out

Set up or transfer utilities and internet
File a change of address and update key accounts
Confirm details and timing with your movers
Use up freezer and pantry food

1 Week Out

Pack everything except daily essentials
Prepare a first-night box and keep it aside
Disassemble large furniture
Confirm parking and access for the truck

Moving Day

Take meter readings and final photos of the empty home
Do a room-by-room walkthrough before the truck leaves
Keep valuables and documents with you
Hand over keys

Week After

Unpack essentials, then one room at a time
Update your license, registration and local records
Test alarms and locate shut-off valves and the fuse box
Confirm final bills from your old providers are settled

0 / 26 done

A moving timeline checklist is an 8-week countdown that tells you exactly what to do and when — so tasks are spread out instead of piling up the week you move. Work backward from your moving date and tackle one week at a time.

The goal is sequencing: book movers and declutter early, switch utilities and change your address mid-way, and leave only packing and cleaning for the final days. This order prevents the last-minute scramble that derails most moves.

Use it as your master schedule. Print the timeline or download the PDF, write your move date at the top, and check off each week as it passes.

FAQ

How many weeks before a move should I start?

Eight weeks is ideal. It gives you time to book movers, declutter, and switch services without rushing. If you have less notice, do the early tasks first and compress the middle weeks.

What should I do first when moving?

Set your budget, book your movers or truck, and start decluttering. Doing these first locks in your date and shrinks how much you have to pack later.

When should I switch utilities and change my address?

About two weeks out. Schedule electricity, gas, water, and internet to start at the new place on or before move day, and file your address change so mail follows you.

Can I download this moving timeline as a PDF?

Yes. Download the PDF or print the timeline, add your move date, and use it as the master schedule everyone in the household follows.