Moving Checklist: The Full Guide And Timeline For Your Move

Moving to your new home should be a time of excitement. But, if you aren’t prepared for the actual move, it can be a time of stress and chaos. To help keep the end of the home buying process just as smooth and thrilling, a moving checklist can help.

It isn’t just moving day you need to think about. There are many to do’s to check off before then. As such, our checklist timeline starts two months prior to the big day.

Checklist: 2 Months Before The Move

With 2 months before the move, you may still be in the process of finding a home or finishing up the final touches of the mortgage process. Even if you haven’t reached the closing table yet, you should start preparing.

Assess Your Budget

You’re spending thousands of dollars on the home purchase – but don’t forget you need to spend some money on moving as well. Be particularly attentive to your budget at this time and start pricing out the potential costs you might incur throughout the moving process. These costs may include:

• Renting a moving truck or hiring movers
• Gas to travel to and from your new home
• Moving supplies, including boxes, tape and protective materials
• Movers insurance
• Tips, food or other incentives for those helping with the move
• Storage unit

Choose A Moving Company

When choosing a moving company, price is important, but so is the care the movers take with your belongings. If you’re using a company to move, research and compare at least three companies to find the best option.

Gather referrals from friends, family and neighbors

Review each company’s website and social media to learn more about them

Read online reviews from trusted, third-party review sites

Request moving estimates and available dates

Make sure the movers are licensed and insured

Create A Digital File For Moving Day

Keep all your plans, quotes and lists in one spot for easy reference. You may have other things going on – like closing on your home – that may require other documents and such. Having one place for your moving day plans will help you from mixing up or misplacing documents. A digital file may be a good idea to keep such materials, so you don’t accidentally pack them.

Your digital file may include the following:

• Moving day itinerary
• Movers’ contact information
• Packing list
• Floor plans
• Receipts
• Contracts
• Estimates
• Directions for friends/movers
• Color coding or other organization key

Make Work And School Arrangements

If you have children that will be enrolling in a new school, or you’re starting a new job soon after you move, make sure you know what’s required those first days and keep those documents in an easy to access box or file. These documents may include:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of guardianship or custody
• Proof of residency
• School transcripts
• Copies of any testing
• Specialized learning plans
• Identification, including driver’s license or passport

Checklist: 1 Month Before The Move

With 1 month to go, you’ll begin packing up your home and possibly preparing your new one. While you may not be able to move in yet, you can start setting up things like utilities and local memberships.

Update Service Providers, Utility Services and Personal Identification

You’ll want to let your utility companies know when you need to cancel or transfer your utilities, so you don’t end up having to pay for utilities you aren’t using or move into a home that doesn’t have heat or electric yet. You’ll also want to let gyms, clubs and other places you’re a member know to cancel your membership or transfer it, if possible. Some service providers you may need to cancel, set up or transfer to include:

• Utility providers
• Banks
• Insurance agencies
• Medical offices and veterinarians
• Vehicle registration and insurance
• Gyms, clubs, day care, community and volunteer programs

Begin Packing What You Can

Packing takes time, energy and organization. You can start packing items that you don’t use much, such as knickknacks, old photo albums and other keepsakes, off-season clothes and sporting equipment. You can also start getting rid of stuff you never use. If items are in good condition, consider donating them. It’s important to come up with a labeling or color-coding system when packing, so unpacking can be easier in your new home.

Gather Boxes And Make A Moving Packing List

Before you pack your belongings, you’ll need something to pack them in. Packing materials can add up, so make a list of what you’ll need to care for your items while they’re in transport. Such supplies include:

• Boxes
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap or newspaper
• Stretch wrap
• Moving blankets
• Hand truck dolly
• Tie down straps and bungee cords
• Labels
• Permanent marker

Recruit Friends And Family

If you plan on having friends and/or family help you move, you’ll want to give them time to clear their schedules. Ask ahead of time so you’ll know whether you have enough people to help and so your loved ones aren’t mad you asked them last minute. (It also helps to have some kind of incentive – like free pizza).

Checklist: 3 Weeks Before The Move

With under a month to go, packing should ramp up even more and you start tying up loose ends and preparing your home for its new owners.

Purchase Moving Insurance

Your homeowners insurance may or may not cover your belongings in transit, so first check with your agent to see if you’re covered. If not, consider moving insurance, which helps cover damage or loss of items.

Complete Any Repairs

If you have any unfinished projects, repairs expected by the new owners or you uncovered damage during packing, make sure you get everything done at this time.

Checklist: 2 Weeks Before The Move

With just 2 weeks before the big move, you’ll need to start thinking about the essentials.

Pack An Essentials Bag

Even if you label boxes and get everything into the right rooms, your new space will still feel a bit chaotic before you begin unpacking. It can be hard to find the things you need, so pack an essentials bag that remains separate from your other bags and boxes. This should hold all the essential items you’ll need on hand for the first few days, while you work to unpack your life. These items may include toiletries, bottled water, toilet paper and paper towel, pajamas and clothing for a few days and cash.

Confirm Moving Day Itinerary

Two weeks gives you enough time to pivot if your moving day plans are foiled. During this time, make sure you call your movers – or friends and family helping you move – to confirm dates and times. Make sure everyone knows your contact info, thee packing or labeling system you used, the plan, the addresses, what to bring, etc.

Consider Your Pet

Moving into a new home can be stressful for pets. After all, their life is changing too. On top of that, having people going in and out of the house, keeping doors open and banging things around doesn’t help. If you’re moving with pets, consider keeping them at a loved ones home or boarding them while you move. That can reduce the stress and avoid them escaping through an open door.

Checklist: 1 Week Before The Move

In just 7 days, you’ll become the owner of a new home. You’ll likely have mixed emotions – excited, nostalgic, maybe even a little nervous – but there are still things to do before the big day.

Complete Packing And Finish Preparing The Home

Complete packing and start preparing large items with plastic wrap, blankets, etc. Pick up your new keys and make copies for those who need them. Throw away perishables and leftover food, wipe down surfaces, dust, vacuum and spot check for any damage that was done packing and moving things around. If there are any big items you don’t want, check with the buyers to see if they’d like them or if you should take them to the curb.

Enjoy The Area And Your Neighbors

If you’re moving far away, take time this week to soak up your favorite places and spend time with your favorite people. Say “so long” to neighbors, favorite restaurants, stores and other amenities. If there’s something you wanted to try or visit in the area, do it now!

Set Up Mail Forwarding

You don’t want to miss a bill or important note, so pick a date to have your mail start forwarding to your new address. You’ll also want to let loved ones know you’ve moved and give them your new address. You can do this through a mailer, phone call, mass text or announcement on social media.

Checklist: Moving Day To-Do List

If you’ve followed this checklist up until now, you’ll likely feel more prepared and confident come moving day. With your plan in place, everything packed and everyone on board, you can transfer your belongings to your new place. In the excitement of the move, you’ll want to make sure you do the following:

• Safeguard any floors and walls from bumps and scratches
• Pay the movers
• Do a last walkthrough of the property
• Review all items on your checklist
• Head out to your next adventure in your new home

Remember, even the most prepared mover may experience mishaps. Be prepared for a few bumps along the way.

Moving Out Checklist: FAQs

When it comes to a smooth moving day, preparation is key. Having all your questions answered ahead of time can be helpful.

What should I do if items get broken by the movers?

Take note of what was broken, how it was broken and how much it costs. Make sure you take pictures or video of the item as well. If you have moving insurance or if your homeowners insurance covers your items in transit, you can file a claim. If you don’t have insurance, talk to the moving company and see if they’re insured or if they can help.

How long does it take to move?

How long it takes to move will depend on a number of factors, including how prepared you are, how much stuff you have, how many people are helping you and how far you’re moving. If you’re making a local move, it’ll likely take a few hours to a full day. If you’re moving across the state or country, it may take a couple of days.

How much does it cost to move?

Again, this will depend on how much stuff you have, how many people are helping and how far you’re moving. According to Moving.com, the average cost of a local move is $1,250 and $4,890 for a long distance move of 1,000 miles. You can save a considerable amount of money moving on your own. However, you could damage your home, your belongings and your body if you don’t do it right.

What should I learn first about my new house?

You’ll want to learn where the circuit breakers and the shut-off valves are. You’ll also want to check for damage caused by the previous owners moving out – and make sure they made all repairs promised before they moved out. Walk through the home and inspect each room, while getting used to the new layout.

The Bottom Line: Moving Checklists Can Help You Prepare For A New Move

Moving can be a mix of stress and excitement. By utilizing a checklist, you can feel more prepared and able to enjoy this big milestone. If you’re getting ready to put down roots in a new place, learn more about moving into a new house.