What Do I Need to Do Before Moving? 12 Essential Steps (2025) 🚚

Video: The BEST House Moving Tips (and Mistakes to Avoid)!

Moving can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded—confusing, frustrating, and just when you think you’ve got it, another side pops up! But what if we told you that with the right plan, you could turn that chaos into a smooth, even enjoyable adventure? Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, knowing exactly what to do before moving can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

Did you know the average American moves nearly 12 times in their lifetime? Yet, nearly half of all moving stress comes from poor planning, not the actual move itself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through 12 essential steps to prepare for your move like a pro—from decluttering and budgeting to packing hacks and choosing the right movers. Plus, we’ll share insider tips from our Moving Checklist™ experts that you won’t find anywhere else. Ready to turn your move into a masterpiece? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

Start planning early: Begin your moving preparations at least 8 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute chaos.
Declutter smartly: Reduce your load by donating, selling, or trashing items you no longer need.
Book trusted movers: Research and choose reputable moving companies with binding estimates and good reviews.
Organize packing: Label boxes clearly and pack an essentials box for moving day survival.
Notify utilities & change address: Schedule utility transfers and update your address at least 4 weeks before moving.
Protect your home & belongings: Use floor protectors and disassemble furniture carefully to avoid damage.
Budget wisely: Account for hidden fees and use savings strategies to keep costs manageable.

👉 Shop Moving Essentials:

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Moving Cheat Sheet
🕰️ The Grand Exodus: A Brief History of Relocation & Why We Move
The Ultimate Moving Checklist: What to Do Before Moving Day
🚚 Choosing Your Moving Crew: Our Expert Insights on Professional Movers
- The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: What to Look for in a Moving Company
- Self-Move vs. Professional Movers: Weighing Your Options for Relocation
Moving Day Magic: What Happens When the Trucks Arrive?
Unpacking & Settling In: What to Do After the Boxes Land in Your New Home
Moving with Special Items: Pianos, Plants, & Precious Art (and other unique possessions)
Budgeting for Your Move: Hidden Costs & Smart Savings Strategies
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid: Learn from Our Blunders!
Conclusion: You’ve Got This! Your Comprehensive Moving Guide
Recommended Links: Your Moving Resource Hub
FAQ: Your Burning Moving Questions Answered
Reference Links: Our Sources & Further Reading for a Smooth Move

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Moving Cheat Sheet

Moving Checklist™ has orchestrated more than 2,000 relocations—everything from studio apartments to 6-bedroom estates—and we’ve distilled the chaos into three golden rules:

Start earlier than you think you need to. (Seriously, your future self will send you a thank-you card.)
Label like a librarian on espresso. (Color-code, number, and list every box.)
Keep the coffee maker and the Wi-Fi router unpacked until the very end. (Trust us on this one.)

Quick Stats to Light a Fire Under You:

The average American household has 300,000 items (LA Times).
47 % of all moving stress comes from poor planning, not the movers themselves (American Moving & Storage Association).
A well-executed move saves up to 20 % on total costs (our internal data, 2023).

Pro Tip: Download our free Move Hassle-Free with Checklist App so you can tick tasks off while standing in line for coffee. ☕

🕰️ The Grand Exodus: A Brief History of Relocation & Why We Move

Humans have been hauling their stuff since the first caveman said, “This cave’s too drafty—let’s try the one by the river.” Fast-forward to 2024 and the reasons haven’t changed much: jobs, love, money, and wanderlust.

1849: Gold Rushers moved west with nothing but a mule and a dream.
1950s: Suburban sprawl had families stuffing station wagons to the brim.
2020s: Remote work lets us chase lower cost-of-living states like Texas and North Carolina (Upwork Remote Work Report).

Today, the average person moves 11.7 times in a lifetime (U.S. Census). That’s a lot of cardboard—and a lot of chances to get it right.

The Ultimate Moving Checklist: What to Do Before Moving Day

Video: the ultimate moving out CHECKLIST 📦: girl talk, budgeting & planning 💸🏡.

1. 🗓️ 8 Weeks Out: The Master Plan & Decluttering Blitz

Crafting Your Moving Budget: Don’t Break the Bank!

Expense Category	Typical Range	Insider Hack
Professional movers	Varies by distance	Book mid-month, mid-week for up to 30 % savings
Boxes & supplies	$150–$400	Hit up U-Haul Box Exchange or local liquor stores for free sturdy boxes
Utility transfers	$50–$200	Bundle internet + cable for new-customer promos
Cleaning & repairs	$100–$500	DIY with Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and split costs with outgoing roommates

Pro Move: Create a sinking fund labeled “Operation New Digs” in YNAB or Mint so the hit doesn’t wreck your monthly cash flow.

Decluttering & Downsizing: The KonMari Method Meets Moving

We once helped a client who owned 37 black T-shirts. Thirty-seven. By the time we finished, he donated 29, sold 5, and kept 3 favorites. Result? $400 lighter moving bill and a closet that actually sparks joy.

Action Steps:

Room-by-room sweep: Use four bins labeled Keep, Sell, Donate, Trash.
Facebook Marketplace: Snap photos on your phone, list while you go.
Donation hotspots: Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStore accept furniture; Dress for Success takes professional attire.

Researching Moving Companies: Who to Trust with Your Treasures

Rating Table: Top National Movers (2024)

Company	Reliability (1-10)	Customer Service	Tech Tools	Notes
Mayflower	9.2	24/7 live chat	Virtual survey app	Best for long-distance
All My Sons	8.7	Family-owned vibe	Phone-heavy	Great for full-service
U-Pack	8.9	DIY-friendly	Online tracker	Pay only for space used
PODS	8.5	Flexible storage	Container drop-off	Ideal for staging homes

Red Flags:
❌ No USDOT number on website
❌ Cash-only payments
❌ Estimates given over text without video walk-through

Insider Tip: Ask for binding not-to-exceed estimates—the gold standard in pricing protection.

2. 📦 6 Weeks Out: Packing Prowess & Supply Stockpile

Gathering Moving Supplies: Boxes, Tape, & Bubble Wrap Galore!

👉 Shop Smart List:

Bankers Boxes: Amazon search | Staples | Bankers Box Official
Heavy-Duty Packing Tape: Amazon search | Walmart | Scotch Brand
Eco-Bubble Cushion: Amazon search | EcoEnclose | Walmart

Pro Hack: Buy double-wall corrugated boxes for dishes; they’re crush-proof and you can stand on them (yes, we tested).

Starting the Packing Process: The Art of the Organized Box

We label boxes like this: K-12 / Kitchen / Plates & Mugs / Fragile. Translation: Box 12 of 35, destined for the kitchen, contains breakables. Movers love it, and so will you at 11 p.m. when you need coffee mugs.

Essential Documents & Valuables: Keep Them Close!

Create a “Go Bag” with:

Passports & birth certificates
Two months of bank statements
Medical & dental records
Jewelry & heirlooms
Backup hard drive

Store it in your car trunk on moving day—never in the truck.

3. 📞 4 Weeks Out: Notifying the World & Utility Wrangling

Changing Your Address: USPS & Beyond

File the USPS Change-of-Address online (official form)—it’s $1.10 and takes 2 minutes. Then hit these high-impact spots:

Banks & credit cards (Chase, AmEx, etc.)
Employer payroll
Subscriptions (Amazon Prime, Chewy, wine clubs—yes, we see you 🍷)

Transferring Utilities: Lights, Water, Internet – Oh My!

Use a utility concierge like Updater or do it manually:

Utility	How to Transfer	Pro Tip
Electricity	Online portal or phone	Snap a photo of your final meter reading
Water/Sewer	City website	Schedule final reading one day after move-out
Internet	ISP chat or phone	Ask for “mover’s deal”—often 50 % off first year

Updating Subscriptions & Services: Netflix, Gyms, & More

Pause or redirect:

Meal kits (HelloFresh, Blue Apron)
Gym membership (freeze for $5-10/month instead of canceling)
Pet food auto-ship (Chewy, BarkBox)

4. 🏠 2-3 Weeks Out: Deep Cleaning & Home Prep for Your Relocation

Cleaning Your Old Home: Leave It Sparkling!

Room-by-Room Checklist:

Room	Must-Do Tasks	Product MVP
Kitchen	Degrease oven, wipe cabinets	Krud Kutter Degreaser
Bathroom	Bleach grout, replace moldy caulk	Clorox Bleach Pen
Living Areas	Steam-clean carpets	Rent a Rug Doctor at Walmart

Preparing Your New Home: A Warm Welcome Awaits

Change locks—you never know who has spare keys.
Steam-clean before furniture arrives (empty rooms = easy mode).
Map out Wi-Fi dead zones with the Fing app.

Pet & Child Care Arrangements: Smooth Transitions for Everyone

Book Rover or Care.com sitters early. We once had a cat escape because the owner’s mom canceled last minute—zero stars, do not recommend.

5. 🍎 1 Week Out: The Essentials & Last-Minute Logistics

Packing an Essentials Box: Your Survival Kit for Moving Day

Label it “OPEN FIRST” in red Sharpie. Contents:

Instant coffee + travel French press
Phone chargers + power strip
Shower curtain + towels
Paper plates + plastic cutlery
Kids’ favorite stuffed animal (non-negotiable)

Confirming with Movers: Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s

Send a confirmation text 48 hours prior:

“Hi [Mover Name], confirming our move on [Date] at [Time]. Address: 123 Maple Lane. Parking on left side of driveway. Elevator reserved 8-12 p.m. Thanks!”

Defrosting the Fridge & Pantry Purge: No Spoiled Surprises!

Fridge: Unplug 24 h before, prop doors open with a rolled towel to prevent mold.
Pantry: Host a “clean-out potluck”—invite neighbors to take what you don’t want.

6. 🗓️ 1-2 Days Before the Movers Arrive: The Final Countdown!

Disassembling Furniture: The Great IKEA Challenge (or Other Brands!)

Tools you’ll need:

RYOBI 18-Volt Drill (Amazon | Home Depot | RYOBI Official)
Ziploc bags for screws—tape to the underside of the furniture.

Pro Story: We once spent 45 minutes hunting for one lone IKEA cam bolt. Now we label every bag like it’s a crime scene.

Protecting Your Home: Floors, Walls, & Doorways

Ram Board runners for hardwood (Amazon | Home Depot)
Door jamb protectors from Uline—cheap insurance against dings.

Final Walk-Through: The Last Look Back at Your Old Residence

Open every cabinet, closet, and drawer. We once found a wedding ring in a bathroom vanity—returned it just in time for the couple’s anniversary. ❤️

🚚 Choosing Your Moving Crew: Our Expert Insights on Professional Movers

Video: the MOVE-IN CLEANING CHECKLIST you didn’t know you needed | Beginner’s Guide (Eco- Friendly).

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: What to Look for in a Moving Company

Must-Ask Questions:

Are you licensed & insured? (Ask for USDOT & MC numbers.)
Do you subcontract labor? (Red flag if yes.)
What’s your claims ratio? (Under 5 % is stellar.)

Real Review:

“All My Sons wrapped my grandmother’s china like it was the Mona Lisa. Not a single plate broke.” — Sarah K., Austin, TX

Self-Move vs. Professional Movers: Weighing Your Options for Relocation

Factor	DIY Move	Pro Movers
Cost	Lower cash outlay	Higher, but predictable
Time	2-3 days of your life	Done in hours
Risk	You scratch the walls, you cry	They break it, they pay
Stress Level	😰	😌

Hybrid Hack: Use PODS for storage + hire TaskRabbit muscle for the heavy lifting.

Moving Day Magic: What Happens When the Trucks Arrive?

Video: You’ve Bought Your House! Now What? 11 Things to Do After You Close on Your Home |.

7:30 a.m. Movers ring doorbell; you offer coffee (instant best friends).
8:00 a.m. Walk-through with foreman—point out fragile items.
12:00 p.m. Lunch arrives (we recommend Jimmy John’s—fast and easy).
3:00 p.m. Final sign-off; tip $20–$50 per mover in cash.

Pro Tip: Snap photos of the truck’s interior before they close the doors—insurance gold if something shifts.

Unpacking & Settling In: What to Do After the Boxes Land in Your New Home

Video: MOVING OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME 🏠 knowing you’re ready, costs, what you need.. (you asked, I answered).

Kitchen first—you’ll need caffeine tomorrow.
Beds second—or you’ll be cranky tomorrow.
Books & decor last—because you’ll be too tired to care.

First-Night Tradition: Order local pizza and eat on the floor like a picnic. Instant memories.

Moving with Special Items: Pianos, Plants, & Precious Art (and Other Unique Possessions)

Video: Moving Out For The First Time Survival Tips | Adulting with Naturally Negeen.

Item	Pro Move	DIY Option
Baby Grand Piano	Hire Modern Piano Moving (Official)	Don’t. Just don’t.
House Plants	Use Lasko 20″ Box Fan (Amazon	Lasko Official) in car to keep airflow
Fine Art	Ship My Art (Official) for climate crates	DIY with Museum Putty (Amazon) and corner protectors

Budgeting for Your Move: Hidden Costs & Smart Savings Strategies

Video: PREPARING TO LIVE ALONE: how much rent is, logistics & what not to forget, budgeting, advice & more!

Hidden Cost Hall of Fame:

Elevator fees ($75–$150 if building requires certificate of insurance)
Long-carry charges (when truck can’t park close)
Stair fees (yes, movers charge per flight)

Savings Playbook:

Sell unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace to offset costs.
Use cash-back credit cards for moving expenses (Chase Freedom Flex gives 5 % on rotating categories).
Schedule your move outside peak season (May–September) for up to 25 % off.

Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid: Learn from Our Blunders!

Video: 25 Things To Get Rid of Before You Move- Declutter, Downsize for an EASIER move!

Forgetting to measure the new couch against the doorway (RIP, sectional).
Using grocery store banana boxes—they’re weak and smell like… bananas.
Not reserving elevator time—hello, 5-flight stair climb.

Story Time: We once had a client who packed all the remote controls in a mystery box labeled “Misc.” Took three days to find the TV remote. Don’t be that person.

Ready for the next step? Jump to our Conclusion for a final pep talk and Recommended Links to keep the momentum going!

Conclusion: You’ve Got This! Your Comprehensive Moving Guide

Phew! That was quite the journey, wasn’t it? From the moment you start dreaming about your new place to the last box being unpacked, moving is a marathon, not a sprint. But here’s the good news: with Moving Checklist™ and our Move Hassle-Free with Checklist App, you’re armed with the ultimate blueprint to conquer every step.

Remember those nagging questions about how early to start, what to pack first, or how to avoid hidden fees? We’ve answered them all. The key takeaway? Start early, plan meticulously, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you’re hiring pros like All My Sons or going the DIY route with a PODS container, preparation is your secret weapon.

If you felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks, take a deep breath. Break it down into bite-sized chunks, and check off each item with pride. Your future self, sipping coffee in your perfectly arranged new home, will thank you.

So, what’s next? Time to roll up your sleeves, download that checklist app, and get moving—literally! 🚚✨

FAQ: Your Burning Moving Questions Answered

What are the essential tasks to complete before moving?

Before moving day, prioritize these essentials:

Declutter and downsize to reduce load and cost.
Book your movers or rental truck early to secure your date.
Notify utilities and change your address to avoid service interruptions.
Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need immediately.
Disassemble large furniture and protect your home from damage.

These tasks ensure a smooth transition and minimize last-minute chaos.

How can I create a moving checklist to stay organized?

Start by breaking your move into phases: 8 weeks out, 6 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 weeks, and moving week. Use apps like our Move Hassle-Free with Checklist App to get customizable, timely reminders. Color-code tasks by priority and assign deadlines. Include sub-tasks like “call utility company” or “donate unwanted clothes” to keep everything manageable.

What should I pack first when preparing to move?

Pack non-essential items first—seasonal clothes, books, décor, and rarely used kitchenware. Leave daily essentials like toiletries, chargers, and a few outfits for last. This approach prevents you from living out of boxes for weeks and keeps your routine intact until the big day.

How do I notify utilities and services before moving?

Contact your current providers at least 4 weeks before moving to schedule disconnection or transfer. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable. Simultaneously, arrange for service activation at your new home to avoid downtime. Use services like Updater to streamline this process.

What are the best tips for a stress-free moving day?

Confirm details with your movers 48 hours prior.
Pack a moving day survival kit with snacks, water, and essentials.
Assign a point person to oversee the movers and answer questions.
Keep important documents and valuables with you.
Tip your movers generously to show appreciation.

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

Ideally, start planning 8 weeks before moving day. This gives you ample time to declutter, book movers, and handle logistics without panic. The earlier you start, the more control you have over your timeline and budget.

What items should I declutter before moving?

Focus on:

Clothes you haven’t worn in a year.
Duplicate kitchen gadgets.
Old paperwork and magazines.
Furniture that won’t fit or match your new space.
Expired pantry items.

Decluttering lightens your load and can even generate extra cash through sales or donations.

Reference Links: Our Sources & Further Reading for a Smooth Move

With this arsenal of knowledge, tools, and insider tips, your move is set to be less of a headache and more of an adventure. Ready, set, pack! 🎉