[2023] What Should Be Included in a Moving Checklist? The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Move

Are you planning a move? Don’t let the stress of packing and organizing overwhelm you. With a comprehensive moving checklist, you can stay organized and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Our team at Moving Checklist™ has compiled the ultimate guide to help you create a moving checklist that covers all the essential tasks, from two months before your move to moving day itself. So grab a pen and get ready to check off those boxes!

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Two Months Before
• Six Weeks Before
• One Month Before
• Two Weeks Before
• One Week Before
• A Few Days Before
• Moving Day
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

A moving checklist should include tasks such as decluttering, hiring movers, notifying utilities, packing, and cleaning. It should also cover important documents, address changes, and creating a moving budget. By following a comprehensive moving checklist, you can stay organized and ensure a smooth and stress-free move.

Key Points:

• Declutter your belongings before packing.
• Hire professional movers or rent a moving truck.
• Notify utilities and change your address.
• Create a packing plan and gather packing supplies.
• Clean your current home and prepare it for the move.
• Organize important documents and keep them accessible.
• Create a moving budget and track your expenses.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Moving can be a stressful experience, but with a well-planned moving checklist, you can stay organized and reduce stress.
• Start planning your move at least two months in advance to ensure you have enough time to complete all the necessary tasks.
• Decluttering before your move will not only save you time and money but also help you start fresh in your new home.
• Hiring professional movers can make the moving process smoother and more efficient, but be sure to research and compare quotes from different companies.
• Notify your utility providers, including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable, about your move to ensure a seamless transition.
• Changing your address with the post office, banks, insurance companies, and other important institutions is crucial to avoid any missed mail or important documents.
• Creating a packing plan and gathering packing supplies in advance will save you time and ensure your belongings are protected during the move.
• Cleaning your current home before moving out is not only a courtesy to the new occupants but also helps you get your security deposit back.
• Organize important documents such as passports, identification cards, birth certificates, and financial records in a secure and easily accessible folder or box.
• Creating a moving budget will help you track your expenses and avoid any surprises during the moving process.

Now let’s dive into the details of each stage of the moving checklist.

Two Months Before

Two months before your move is the perfect time to start planning and preparing for the big day. Here are the key tasks to include in your moving checklist:

1. Declutter and Downsize

   • Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell.
   • Host a garage sale or sell unwanted items online to make some extra cash.
   • Donate gently used items to local charities or shelters.
   • Dispose of any hazardous materials properly.

2. Research and Hire Movers

   • Research different moving companies and request quotes.
   • Read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your needs.
   • Book your movers in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

3. Create a Moving Binder

   • Organize important documents such as lease agreements, contracts, and moving estimates in a dedicated moving binder.
   • Keep track of receipts, contact information, and any other relevant paperwork.

4. Notify Utilities and Service Providers

   • Contact your utility providers to schedule disconnection and reconnection of services.
   • Notify your internet, cable, and phone providers about your move.
   • Update your address with banks, insurance companies, and any other important institutions.

5. Start Gathering Packing Supplies

   • Purchase or gather packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
   • Label each box with the room it belongs to for easier unpacking.

Pro Tip: Use color-coded labels or stickers to easily identify boxes belonging to different rooms.

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6. Create a Moving Budget

   • Estimate your moving expenses, including packing supplies, movers’ fees, and any other related costs.
   • Keep track of your expenses to avoid overspending.

7. Start Researching Your New Neighborhood

   • Familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood, including schools, healthcare facilities, and nearby amenities.
   • Research local regulations and requirements, such as parking permits or homeowner association rules.

Six Weeks Before

As you approach the six-week mark, it’s time to start taking action on your moving checklist. Here’s what you should focus on:

1. Begin Packing

   • Start packing non-essential items that you won’t need before the move.
   • Pack seasonal clothing, decorations, and other items that are not in regular use.
   • Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.

2. Notify Schools and Transfer Records

   • If you have children, notify their current schools about your move.
   • Request to transfer their records to their new school.

3. Notify Healthcare Providers

   • Inform your doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers about your upcoming move.
   • Request copies of your medical records to ensure continuity of care.

4. Plan for Pet Transportation

   • If you have pets, research pet-friendly transportation options.
   • Schedule any necessary vaccinations or health check-ups for your pets.

5. Notify Friends and Family

   • Inform your close friends and family about your move and provide them with your new address.
   • Plan a farewell gathering or party if desired.

6. Research Storage Options

   • If you need temporary storage during the moving process, research and compare storage facilities in your new area.
   • Reserve a storage unit if necessary.

One Month Before

With one month left until your move, it’s time to kick your preparations into high gear. Here are the essential tasks for this stage of the moving checklist:

1. Notify Landlord or Real Estate Agent

   • If you’re renting, notify your landlord about your move-out date.
   • Schedule a move-out inspection and discuss any necessary repairs or cleaning.

2. Transfer or Cancel Subscriptions and Memberships

   • Contact magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, and any other recurring subscriptions.
   • Transfer or cancel these services as needed.

3. Start Packing Non-Essentials

   • Continue packing items that you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move.
   • Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to.

4. Change Your Address

   • Visit your local post office or go online to change your address.
   • Notify friends, family, and important contacts of your new address.

5. Update Insurance Policies

   • Contact your insurance providers to update your policies.
   • Ensure that your belongings will be covered during the move.

6. Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Companies

   • Inform your bank and credit card companies about your upcoming move.
   • Update your address and contact information.

7. Start Using Up Pantry Items

   • Begin using up perishable and non-perishable food items in your pantry.
   • Minimize the amount of food you’ll need to transport.

Two Weeks Before

As your moving day approaches, it’s time to focus on the final preparations. Here’s what you should tackle two weeks before your move:

1. Confirm Moving Details

   • Contact your moving company to confirm the date, time, and any specific instructions.
   • Double-check any additional services you’ve requested, such as packing or furniture assembly.

2. Finish Packing Non-Essentials

   • Complete packing non-essential items, leaving only essential items for the last week.
   • Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to.

3. Prepare Appliances for the Move

   • Defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer.
   • Disconnect and prepare other appliances for the move according to their specific instructions.

4. Notify Service Providers

   • Contact your internet, cable, and phone providers to schedule disconnection and reconnection at your new home.
   • Confirm the date and time of the disconnection and reconnection.

5. Plan for Cash and Valuables

   • Withdraw cash to have on hand during the move for any unexpected expenses.
   • Gather and pack your valuable items, such as jewelry and important documents, separately.

6. Confirm Travel Arrangements

   • If you’re moving long-distance, confirm your travel arrangements, including flights, hotel reservations, and car rentals.

One Week Before

With just one week left, it’s time to wrap up the final preparations. Here’s what you should focus on:

1. Pack Essential Items

   • Pack a separate box or bag with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.
   • Include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and any other necessities.

2. Confirm Moving Day Details

   • Contact your moving company to confirm the details of your move.
   • Provide them with your new address and any additional instructions.

3. Finish Cleaning

   • Clean your current home thoroughly, including floors, windows, and appliances.
   • Dispose of any remaining trash or unwanted items.

4. Prepare Your Plants

   • If you have indoor plants, prepare them for the move by trimming and watering them.
   • Pack them securely to prevent damage during transportation.

5. Notify Friends and Family

   • Remind your friends and family about your upcoming move.
   • Provide them with your new address and contact information if you haven’t already.

6. Confirm Pet Arrangements

   • If you’re traveling with pets, confirm your pet-friendly accommodations or pet transportation arrangements.

A Few Days Before

As moving day approaches, it’s time to finalize your preparations. Here’s what you should focus on a few days before your move:

1. Pack Your Suitcase

   • Pack a suitcase with enough clothes and essentials for a few days.
   • Include toiletries, medications, and any important documents you may need.

2. Disassemble Furniture

   • Disassemble any furniture that can be taken apart to make it easier to transport.
   • Keep screws and other small parts in labeled bags for easy reassembly.

3. Prepare Appliances for Transit

   • Disconnect and prepare appliances for transportation according to their specific instructions.
   • Secure any loose parts or shelves to prevent damage during the move.

4. Double-Check Your Moving Supplies

   • Ensure that you have enough packing supplies to finish packing the remaining items.
   • Purchase any additional supplies needed, such as extra boxes or packing tape.

5. Confirm Travel Arrangements

   • Double-check your travel arrangements if you’re moving long-distance.
   • Confirm flight times, hotel reservations, and car rentals.

Moving Day

It’s finally here – moving day! Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and successful move:

1. Check Each Room

   • Before the movers arrive, do a final walkthrough of each room to ensure everything is packed and ready to go.
   • Double-check closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.

2. Supervise the Move

   • Be present during the move to answer any questions the movers may have.
   • Supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings.

3. Take Inventory

   • Create an inventory of your belongings as they are loaded onto the moving truck.
   • Note any existing damage to furniture or other items.

4. Clean Your Current Home

   • Do a final cleaning of your current home, including sweeping or vacuuming floors.
   • Check all rooms and storage areas for any items you may have missed.

5. Lock Up and Hand Over Keys

   • Lock up your current home and hand over the keys to the landlord or new occupants.
   • Ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secure.

6. Arrive at Your New Home

   • Arrive at your new home before the movers to ensure everything is in order.
   • Direct the movers to the appropriate rooms for unloading.

7. Unpack and Settle In

   • Start unpacking essential items and setting up your new home.
   • Take your time and prioritize unpacking based on your immediate needs.

FAQ

What to do 7 weeks before moving?

Seven weeks before your move, you should focus on the following tasks:

• Declutter and downsize your belongings.
• Research and hire professional movers or rent a moving truck.
• Start gathering packing supplies.
• Notify utilities and service providers about your upcoming move.
• Begin researching your new neighborhood.
• Create a moving budget to track your expenses.

Read more about “What to do 7 weeks before moving?”

What to do 20 days before moving?

Twenty days before your move, you should focus on the following tasks:

• Continue packing non-essential items.
• Notify schools and transfer records for your children.
• Notify healthcare providers about your upcoming move.
• Plan for pet transportation.
• Notify friends and family about your move.
• Research storage options if needed.

Read more about “[2023] What Should I Do 30 Days Before Moving? Your Ultimate Moving Checklist”

What should you not pack when moving?

When moving, there are certain items you should not pack. These include:

• Hazardous materials such as flammable liquids, explosives, and corrosive substances.
• Perishable food items that may spoil during transportation.
• Plants, as they may not survive the move.
• Valuable items such as jewelry and important documents, which should be kept with you during the move.
• Items with sentimental value that you prefer to transport personally.

Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to check with your moving company or consult the Department of Transportation’s guidelines for a comprehensive list of items that are prohibited or restricted during a move.

Read more about “[2023] What Should I Do 30 Days Before Moving? Your Ultimate Moving Checklist”

How can I stay organized during the move?

To stay organized during the move, follow these tips:

• Create a comprehensive moving checklist and refer to it regularly.
• Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
• Keep important documents and valuables in a secure and easily accessible folder or box.
• Use color-coded labels or stickers to easily identify boxes belonging to different rooms.
• Keep a separate box or bag with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.
• Take inventory of your belongings as they are loaded onto the moving truck.

Read more about “[2023] What to Do 4 Weeks Before Moving a House: A Comprehensive Guide”

Conclusion

Moving can be a daunting task, but with a well-planned moving checklist, you can stay organized and reduce stress. By following the steps outlined in this ultimate guide, you’ll be able to tackle each stage of the moving process with ease. Remember to declutter, hire professional movers, notify utilities, pack strategically, and create a moving budget. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful and stress-free move.

Recommended Links

• Shop moving boxes on Amazon, Walmart, Etsy
• Shop packing supplies on Amazon, Walmart, Etsy
• Explore moving services on Amazon, Walmart
• Shop home organization products on Amazon, Walmart, Etsy

Reference Links

• The Spruce: The Ultimate Moving Checklist
• Moving.com: Moving Checklist