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Moving Checklist

Moving checklist

Work through the essentials from eight weeks out to your first week in a new home.

A flexible starting point

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This checklist is a practical way to see what may need attention. Pick up at the phase that fits your move; you do not need an account to use it.

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Start with any phase. Leave tasks that do not apply unchecked.

Your timeline

Moving tasks by timing

Check a task when it is done. You can change your choices any time.

Jump to: 8+ weeks before 6–4 weeks before 3–2 weeks before Final week Moving day First week settling in

Timing

8+ weeks before

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Set the plan in motion and give yourself room for decisions that take time.

8+ weeks before tasks Set a target move date and work backward from it. Leave some flexibility if your lease, closing, or access date is not final. Review lease, notice, closing, and move-out requirements. Note deadlines for notices, deposits, inspections, and key returns. Create a moving budget and rough cash plan. Include movers, supplies, travel, storage, deposits, and a reserve. Research movers or rental trucks and request written estimates. Compare what each estimate includes, plus dates, insurance, and cancellation terms. Start sorting belongings into keep, donate, sell, and discard groups. Moving fewer items can reduce packing time and transportation costs.

Timing

6–4 weeks before

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Book the important services and begin the work you can finish early.

6–4 weeks before tasks Book your movers, truck, or moving help. Save the confirmation, contact details, arrival window, and payment terms. Give required notice to your current landlord or housing provider. Keep a copy of the notice and confirm how the final inspection will work. Pack seasonal and nonessential items. Label each box with its room and a short list of key contents. Arrange care or travel plans for children and pets. Plan for a calm, secure place while loading and unloading are underway. Gather boxes and specialty packing supplies. Include tape, labels, padding, mattress covers, and any needed wardrobe boxes. Confirm access details at both homes. Ask about elevators, loading zones, parking, stairs, gate codes, and time limits.

Timing

3–2 weeks before

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Handle address changes, services, and the details that are easy to forget.

3–2 weeks before tasks Set up mail forwarding and update your mailing address. Update banks, subscriptions, employers, schools, and other important senders. Schedule utilities to end at the old home and start at the new one. Confirm the dates for power, water, gas, trash, and other essential services. Schedule internet installation or service transfer. Check appointment windows and equipment return instructions. Update renters, homeowners, or moving insurance. Confirm coverage dates and any requirements for valuables or movers. Update your address with government, medical, and work records. Include licenses, voter registration, prescriptions, and emergency contacts as needed. Use, donate, or safely dispose of food you will not move. Plan meals around what is already open and avoid moving perishables unnecessarily.

Timing

Final week

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Finish packing and create a small, clearly marked kit for the first night.

Final week tasks Reconfirm the moving date, arrival window, and contact numbers. Share access instructions and parking details with anyone helping. Pack an essentials bag or box for each person. Include medication, chargers, toiletries, clothes, important documents, and snacks. Finish labeling boxes and mark anything fragile or needed first. Keep a simple inventory if you need to track high-value or fragile items. Clean the old home and prepare for the final inspection. Follow your lease or sale agreement and photograph the condition when appropriate. Keep identity documents, keys, contracts, and valuables with you. Do not put irreplaceable items in the moving truck or an unlabeled box. Prepare appliances and equipment for transport. Empty, clean, and defrost items according to their manuals or mover instructions.

Timing

Moving day

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Keep the day organized, document the handoff, and protect your essentials.

Moving day tasks Keep your essentials, documents, phone, and keys with you. Keep chargers, medication, water, and a change of clothes easy to reach. Complete a final walkthrough of the old home. Check closets, cabinets, storage areas, appliances, and outdoor spaces. Review the mover or truck inventory before departure. Note existing damage and keep copies of any bills of lading or receipts. Protect floors, walls, and high-traffic areas while loading and unloading. Use the materials permitted by your building or property manager. Record utility meter readings and the condition of each home. Save dated photos in case you need them for a deposit, handoff, or service question. Return old keys and secure the new home. Confirm that doors, windows, storage areas, and any access codes are accounted for.

Timing

First week settling in

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Get the essentials working first, then make the new place feel like home.

First week settling in tasks Unpack essentials and set up sleeping, bathing, and food areas. You do not need to unpack everything at once. Confirm utilities, internet, locks, and safety devices work. Replace batteries or arrange repairs for anything that needs attention. Complete any remaining local registrations or address updates. Check requirements for vehicles, schools, pets, parking, and local services. Inspect delivered belongings and report damage promptly. Keep photos, receipts, and mover documentation with your move records. Break down boxes and recycle or store reusable packing supplies. Keep a few boxes for returns or storage, then clear the remaining materials.

! Planning guidance, not a guarantee

Timing and task coverage are general planning guidance, not a guarantee. Your lease or closing date, movers, weather, access rules, household needs, and local requirements may change what you need to do and when.

Not every task applies to every move. Leave non-applicable items unchecked and use your own judgment, agreements, and professional advice where needed.

Start wherever you are

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