Moving Checklist for New Homeowners: Complete Guide

• Moving Expert

Quick Answer: When Should I Start Planning My Move?

Start planning your move 8 weeks before closing. Book movers 6-4 weeks in advance (earlier for summer/weekend moves). Begin packing non-essentials 4 weeks out. Schedule utility transfers 2 weeks before. Pack essentials box for first night. Total moving cost averages $1,000-3,000 for local moves.

  • Start planning 8 weeks before moving day
  • Book movers early—2-4 weeks minimum, 6-8 weeks for summer
  • Declutter before packing—don't pay to move what you don't need
  • Pack an essentials box for first night in new home
  • Take photos of electronics setups before disconnecting

8 Weeks Before Moving

Planning Phase

  • Create moving binder/folder
  • Set moving budget
  • Research moving companies
  • Get 3+ moving quotes
  • Check employer relocation benefits
  • Reserve moving date with chosen company

Declutter

  • Go through each room
  • Donate/sell unwanted items
  • Dispose of hazardous materials properly
  • Measure furniture for new space
  • Create inventory of valuable items

6 Weeks Before

Logistics

  • Book moving company (deposit paid)
  • Reserve storage unit if needed
  • Arrange time off work for moving
  • Plan travel arrangements if long-distance
  • Notify landlord (if renting currently)

Begin Packing

  • Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
  • Start packing non-essential items
  • Label boxes by room
  • Take photos of electronics setups

4 Weeks Before

Administrative

  • Submit change of address (USPS)
  • Update address with:
    • Banks and credit cards
    • Insurance companies
    • Employers
    • Subscription services
    • DMV (license and registration)
    • Voter registration
  • Transfer/cancel gym memberships
  • Arrange school records transfer

Utilities & Services

  • Schedule utility disconnect (current)
  • Schedule utility connect (new):
    • Electric
    • Gas
    • Water
    • Internet/cable
    • Trash
  • Schedule service appointments (new home)

Continue Packing

  • Pack room by room
  • Keep inventory of boxes per room
  • Pack valuables separately (move yourself)
  • Disassemble furniture

2 Weeks Before

Final Preparations

  • Confirm moving company details
  • Confirm utility dates
  • Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day
  • Clean current home
  • Confirm new home access (keys, codes)

Packing Intensifies

  • Pack kitchen (keep essentials out)
  • Pack most clothing
  • Pack linens (keep one set)
  • Drain equipment (lawn mower, etc.)

1 Week Before

Essential Packing

  • Pack remaining items
  • Prepare essentials box (first night):
    • Toiletries
    • Towels
    • Bedding
    • Change of clothes
    • Phone chargers
    • Toilet paper
    • Snacks
    • Important documents
    • Medications

Final Tasks

  • Confirm movers arrival time
  • Finish cleaning
  • Defrost freezer
  • Take final meter readings
  • Back up computer files

Moving Day

Before Movers Arrive

  • Remove bedding
  • Pack last items
  • Set aside items to move yourself:
    • Valuables
    • Important documents
    • Essentials box

During Move

  • Supervise loading
  • Check inventory
  • Get copy of inventory/bill of lading
  • Do final walkthrough of old home
  • Turn off all lights, lock doors

At New Home

  • Supervise unloading
  • Check items against inventory
  • Note any damage immediately
  • Pay/tip movers
  • Unpack essentials box

First Week in New Home

Immediate

  • Change locks
  • Test smoke detectors
  • Locate main shutoffs (water, gas, electric)
  • Set up beds first
  • Unpack kitchen essentials

Within First Week

  • File moving documents
  • Register vehicles (if new state)
  • Update driver’s license
  • Find local services:
    • Doctors
    • Dentists
    • Vets
    • Pharmacies
  • Meet neighbors

Frequently Asked Questions

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