The Ultimate Moving Guide
Welcome
Moving is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between packing, coordinating logistics, and transitioning into a new space, it’s easy to get stressed. That’s why this guide was created—to give you a clear, practical roadmap to follow before, during, and after your move.
Inside, you’ll find an organized week-by-week plan (starting eight weeks out), along with helpful tips to make packing and organizing easier. Even if your move is happening on a shorter timeline, simply jump in where you are and work forward from there.
Wishing you a smooth and successful move!
8 Weeks Out
Start Getting Organized
- Create a digital “Moving” folder on your computer or cloud service to store quotes, receipts, and notes. Keeping everything in one place will save you time later on.
- Build a realistic budget for moving expenses, including supplies, professional movers, travel costs, and any new items you’ll need.
- Schedule in-home or virtual estimates with licensed, insured movers. Ask friends and family for recommendations
. - Carefully review any moving contracts before signing. Understand pricing, insurance coverage, and what services are included.
- Request time off for moving day. If you can move on a Friday, you’ll have the weekend to settle in.
Plan the Logistics
- Determine how oversized, fragile, or specialty items (pianos, safes, artwork, pool tables, firearms) will be moved. You may need a specialty service.
- Plan a yard sale or begin posting items online. Donate whatever you don’t sell.
- Confirm your moving company’s DOT (Department of Transportation) number to verify licensing and insurance.
6 Weeks Out
Start Preparing Your Home
- Make time for friends and family if you’re moving far away—enjoy a few final gatherings before things get busy.
- Collect free moving boxes from local stores, bookstores, or offices.
- Photograph electronics before disconnecting them so re-assembly is easier.
- Store furniture hardware in labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding piece.
- If moving into an apartment, confirm any elevator reservations or move-in rules.
- Complete small home repairs if necessary—especially helpful for renters who want their security deposit refunded.
- Measure doorways, staircases, and hallways at your current and future homes so you know what will fit.
- Begin packing little by little. Small daily progress helps prevent last-minute chaos.
4 Weeks Out
Organize Documents & Essentials
- Confirm where your moving truck can park. Some areas require parking permits.
- Use or donate items that cannot be moved, such as certain cleaning supplies or frozen food.
- Gather financial paperwork, legal documents, birth certificates, and passports. Keep these with you during the move.
- If relocating to a new town, begin searching for a new doctor, dentist, and veterinary clinic.
- Pick up remaining items from dry cleaners, repair shops, or storage.
- Transfer or organize medical, dental, and optical records for everyone in your household.
- Register to vote in your new location.
- If driving long distance, plan your travel route and book overnight stays.
- Shop for internet, cable, and phone services in your new area and schedule installation dates.
Don’t Forget About Pets
- Make sure pets have updated ID tags.
- Request veterinary records and refill medications.
- If moving out of the country, check vaccination or permit requirements.
- Create a fun playlist for packing and moving day—it makes the process more enjoyable.
2 Weeks Out
Finalize Details
- Keep track of moving-related receipts and expenses in case any are tax-deductible.
- Properly dispose of hazardous items such as paint, chemicals, or flammable liquids.
- Back up important files on your computer.
- Set up new trash, recycling, and utility services at your new home.
- Remove light bulbs from lamps before packing.
- Clean out safe-deposit boxes and lockers, especially if moving far.
Prepare Your Household
- Refill all prescriptions.
- Arrange childcare or playdates for moving day so little ones stay safe and occupied.
- Make pet care arrangements for moving day—many people use doggy daycare or ask a friend for help.
- Send a moving announcement to friends and contacts.
- Update your address with:
- Banks and loan providers
- Credit card companies
- Employer payroll department
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Social Security Administration and IRS (within 10 days of moving)
- Update or transfer homeowners, renters, auto, and health insurance.
- Transfer utilities: electricity, water, gas, and other services.
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- Change your address for Amazon and any recurring deliveries.
- Clean outdoor furniture before loading.
- Transfer your pharmacy account if needed.
Moving Week
Prepare Your Current Home
- Cancel or redirect expected deliveries so nothing arrives after you leave.
- Deep-clean your home for the next occupants.
- Unplug the refrigerator and freezer the night before to defrost—place towels underneath.
- Drain water lines for washing machines, refrigerators, and lawn equipment.
- Empty fuel from grills, lawnmowers, and similar items.
- Double-check closets, shelves, and storage areas.
- Watch the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Prepare for Arrival
- Pack a “First-Day Essentials” box with toiletries, basic kitchen items, medications, chargers, clothes, important documents, and anything needed immediately.
- Take out cash for tipping movers.
- Clean your new home before moving your belongings in—many sellers only perform basic cleaning.
Moving Day
- Wake up early to stay ahead of schedule.
- Protect floors and carpets during the moving process.
- Make the bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries first—this makes the first night much easier.
- After the move is complete, tip your movers for their hard work.
- Go grocery shopping so you’re not relying on takeout.
Make Packing Simple: A 1-2-3 Organization System
1. Number Each Box
Give every box a unique number (for example: Box 1 of 20, Box 2 of 20). This makes it easy to identify missing items before unpacking begins.
You can even assign number ranges by room—for example, boxes 100–120 for the kitchen.
2. Keep a Running Inventory
Use a notebook or the notes app on your phone to jot down what you place in each box.
It doesn’t need to be detailed—just enough to remind you what’s inside (for example: “Box 12 – baking sheets, silverware, hand towels”).
3. Color-Code by Room
Choose a different color tape or sticker for each room (yellow for kitchen, blue for bathroom, green for bedroom, etc.).
Place a visible strip or label on each box so movers or helpers instantly know where it belongs.
This simple color-number-inventory system will save time, minimize confusion, and make unpacking far more manageable.
