Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming without proper planning. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, staying organized is the key to a smooth and stress-free move. This ultimate moving checklist will guide you through every step of the process, helping you stay on track from start to finish.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Start Planning

1. Create a Moving Folder:
   • Keep all your moving-related documents, receipts, and contracts in one place.
   • Include important contact information for your moving company, real estate agents, and utilities.
2. Set a Moving Budget:
   • Estimate your moving expenses, including packing supplies, movers, and transportation.
   • Plan for additional costs like utility deposits, cleaning fees, and pet care.
3. Research Moving Companies:
   • Get quotes from multiple movers and check reviews and references.
   • Decide whether you want a full-service move or if you’ll be packing and transporting items yourself.
4. Declutter Your Home:
   • Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
   • Organize a garage sale or donate unwanted items to charity.
5. Notify Schools and Employers:
   • If you have children, arrange for school transfers and request academic records.
   • Inform your employer of your move and request time off if needed.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day: Get Organized

1. Order Packing Supplies:
   • Purchase boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
   • Consider specialty boxes for fragile items, such as dishware and electronics.
2. Begin Packing Non-Essentials:
   • Start with items you won’t need before the move, like seasonal clothing, decorations, and books.
   • Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in.
3. Plan Your Travel:
   • If you’re moving long-distance, book flights or make travel arrangements for your family and pets.
   • Reserve a hotel or temporary housing if needed.
4. Transfer Medical Records:
   • Notify your current healthcare providers of your move and request copies of medical records.
   • Research new doctors and dentists in your new area.
5. Make Moving Arrangements for Pets:
   • Ensure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and obtain any necessary travel documentation.
   • Arrange pet care or transportation for moving day.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day: Confirm Details

1. Confirm Moving Company:
   • Finalize your contract with the moving company and confirm the date and time of the move.
   • Discuss any special handling requirements for large or valuable items.
2. Notify Utilities and Service Providers:
   • Contact your current utility providers to schedule disconnection and final billing.
   • Arrange for utilities to be connected at your new home.
3. Change of Address:
   • Submit a change of address form with the post office and notify important contacts (banks, insurance, subscriptions).
   • Update your address on driver’s licenses, voter registration, and other official documents.
4. Pack Important Documents:
   • Gather essential documents like birth certificates, passports, and financial records.
   • Keep these items in a safe, accessible place for the move.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day: Final Preparations

1. Pack Most Items:
   • Continue packing, leaving only the essentials for the last few days.
   • Disassemble furniture and wrap it securely for transport.
2. Plan Meals:
   • Create a meal plan to use up perishable food in your pantry, fridge, and freezer.
   • Avoid grocery shopping and focus on minimizing food waste.
3. Arrange for Childcare on Moving Day:
   • If you have young children, plan for childcare on moving day to keep them safe and occupied.
   • Consider having them stay with a relative or friend during the move.
4. Service Your Vehicle:
   • If you’re driving a long distance, make sure your car is in good condition.
   • Get an oil change, check the tires, and address any maintenance issues.

Moving Week: Stay Focused

1. Pack a Moving Day Essentials Box:
   • Include items you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and phone chargers.
   • Keep this box with you during the move.
2. Clean Your Home:
   • Deep clean your home or hire a cleaning service to ensure it’s ready for the new owners or renters.
   • Take out the trash and do a final walkthrough.
3. Defrost Your Freezer:
   • Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer 24-48 hours before moving day.
   • Wipe down and leave the doors open to prevent mold.
4. Confirm Moving Details:
   • Reconfirm the moving schedule with your movers or rental truck company.
   • Make sure everyone involved is clear on the plan for moving day.

Moving Day: Execute the Plan

1. Meet the Movers:
   • Be present when the movers arrive to supervise the loading process.
   • Ensure everything is packed securely and that nothing is left behind.
2. Conduct a Final Walkthrough:
   • Check all rooms, closets, and cabinets to ensure nothing is forgotten.
   • Turn off lights, lock doors, and hand over the keys to the new owners or property manager.
3. Travel to Your New Home:
   • Keep your moving day essentials box with you, along with any important documents.
   • Stay in contact with your movers and confirm the arrival time at your new home.
4. Start Unpacking:
   • Begin unpacking essentials first, like kitchen items, toiletries, and bedding.
   • Take your time setting up your new home—unpack one room at a time.