Complete Moving Checklist

Reviewed by Joey Padgett · Last reviewed September 2026

Moving has a lot of moving parts, and the tasks don't distribute evenly across the timeline. Some things need to happen 8 weeks out. Others can only happen in the final week. Miss the sequence and you'll be scrambling.

This checklist covers the full timeline for a typical residential move.

8 Weeks Before

Confirm your move date and give notice to your current landlord (check lease for required notice period)
Decide: hire full-service movers, rent a truck, or use a container service
Get at least three written moving estimates
Verify licensing for any company you're considering at protectyourmove.gov
Book your mover or reserve your truck/container
Start decluttering: sell, donate, or dispose of what you're not taking
Begin collecting boxes (free from liquor stores, grocery stores, Nextdoor)
Research your new neighborhood: grocery stores, hospitals, schools, pharmacy
If moving with kids, research school enrollment requirements at the destination

6 Weeks Before

Start packing non-essentials: off-season clothes, books, guest room, decorations
Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, packing paper) if you haven't already
Arrange to transfer school records if moving with school-age children
Research movers in your new area if you'll need help unloading there
Confirm your new address is ready; if it's not yet finalized, set up a PO Box or mail hold

4 Weeks Before

File a change of address with USPS at usps.com (set it to start 1 to 2 days before your move)
Notify your employer of your new address
Notify your bank and credit card companies
Notify health insurance and update your primary care provider if needed
Transfer or cancel utilities at current home; set up utilities at new home
Update address with subscriptions, online shopping accounts, and any recurring deliveries
Notify the IRS and Social Security Administration (can be done online)
Update your voter registration
Update your driver's license (some states require this within 30 to 60 days of moving)
Continue packing: living room, linen closets, additional bedroom items
Schedule any professional services needed at the new home (cleaning, appliance hookup, internet installation)

For a full address change list, see Change of Address: Complete Checklist.

2 Weeks Before

Confirm details with your mover: arrival time, number of movers, truck size
Disassemble large furniture that needs it (beds, shelving units, large desks)
Arrange for pet boarding or pet transport on moving day
Arrange childcare for moving day if needed
Return library books, borrowed items, and anything rented
Dispose of anything movers won't transport: flammables, propane tanks, open chemicals
Get cash for tipping the moving crew
Pack a separate "essentials" bag for each family member: see Moving Supplies: The Open-First Box

Moving Week

Defrost the freezer and refrigerator (at least 24 hours before they're moved)
Pack the kitchen (save daily-use items for the last day)
Pack all bathrooms
Pack remaining bedroom clothes and items
Disassemble beds
Photograph existing damage to walls, floors, and furniture at the current home
Clean out the garage, shed, and storage areas
Charge all electronics
Locate all important documents and pack them to travel with you, not in the truck: lease, ID, medical records, insurance cards, financial documents

Moving Day

Do a walkthrough with the moving crew before they start: point out fragile items, specialty pieces, and anything that needs extra care
Keep pets and children out of the movers' path (or arrange for them to be elsewhere)
Do a final walkthrough of the current home before the truck leaves: every closet, every cabinet, the attic, the garage, behind every door
Check that all windows are closed, all lights are off, all appliances are off
Leave keys, garage openers, and mailbox keys as required
Photograph the current home before leaving (date-stamped, for security deposit purposes)
At the new home, do a walkthrough with the movers before signing off on delivery
Note any visible damage on the delivery receipt before signing
Tip the crew if the work was good ($15 to $20 per mover is a common guideline; more for a difficult job)

After the Move

Set up beds first so everyone can sleep
Set up the kitchen next
Update your address with your vehicle's insurance company
Update your car registration if required by your new state
Get a new driver's license within the required period (varies by state, often 30 to 60 days)
Register your vehicles if you've moved to a new state
Register to vote in your new location
Find a new primary care doctor, pediatrician, and dentist
Transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy in the new area
Meet your neighbors (practical and useful for mail, packages, and emergencies)
Request your security deposit return from your previous landlord within the required timeline