The One Moving Checklist You Absolutely Need to Stay Sane!

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but let’s be honest—it’s also one of the most stressful events most of us will tackle. Between packing, organizing, and coordinating, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where a solid moving checklist comes in. With the right plan in place, you can break down the chaos into manageable steps and stay organized from start to finish.

As a professional moving expert, I’ve seen what a difference a well-thought-out checklist can make. I’ve helped families who were calm, cool, and collected because they followed a plan, and I’ve also stepped into last-minute moving disasters where everything felt like chaos. Trust me: a checklist is your best friend on moving day.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ultimate moving checklist. From planning weeks in advance to unpacking in your new space, this is everything you need to stay sane and stress-free during your move.

Eight Weeks Before Moving Day

Planning ahead is the secret to a successful move. Starting early gives you time to manage the details, avoid last-minute stress, and tackle the process one step at a time.

1. Start Planning Your Move

The first thing to do is set a timeline and budget for your move. Decide on the moving date and whether you’ll hire professional movers, rent a truck, or rely on friends and family to help.

Steps to Take

• Create a Budget: Include moving supplies, transportation costs, and any professional services you might need.
• Set a Moving Date: Confirm the availability of movers or trucks early to lock in your plans.
• Declutter: Begin sorting through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Decluttering early reduces what you’ll need to pack and move.

When I moved into my current home, I underestimated how much time it would take to sort through years of accumulated stuff. Starting early meant I could donate items thoughtfully instead of rushing to toss things at the last minute. It made unpacking so much easier, knowing I only brought what I truly needed.

2. Research Moving Services

Whether you’re hiring a moving company or renting a truck, now’s the time to do your homework. Get quotes, compare reviews, and find the right fit for your budget and needs.

How to Choose a Service

• Request estimates from at least three moving companies.
• Look for services that include packing or storage if needed.
• Check reviews and ensure movers are licensed and insured.

If you’re moving long-distance, look for companies that specialize in cross-country moves to ensure your belongings are handled properly. 

3. Notify Important Parties

Now’s the time to start updating everyone who needs to know about your move.

Who to Notify

• If you’re renting, give your landlord proper notice and schedule a final walkthrough.
• Start researching utility providers for your new home, such as electricity, gas, and internet services.
• Inform schools, doctors, and any other essential services about your upcoming change of address.

Starting eight weeks before your move might feel early, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. With a solid foundation in place, you’re ready to tackle the next phase.

Six Weeks Before Moving Day

With six weeks to go, it’s time to dive deeper into the planning and start organizing your belongings. This phase is all about gathering supplies, creating a packing plan, and making sure all the logistical pieces are coming together.

1. Gather Supplies

Having the right supplies on hand makes packing faster, easier, and safer for your belongings. Start gathering what you’ll need now so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Essential Supplies

• Sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes.
• Packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper for fragile items.
• Markers or labels for identifying boxes.
• Furniture covers or moving blankets for larger items.

Consider renting reusable packing crates or using what you already have, like suitcases, tote bags, and storage bins. Don’t forget specialty items like wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes or dish boxes with dividers for fragile glassware.

2. Create a Room-by-Room Packing Plan

Packing is less overwhelming when you break it down by room. Start with non-essential areas and save the rooms you use daily for later.

How to Plan

• Pack seasonal or rarely used items first (holiday decorations, guest room bedding, etc.).
• Label boxes with both the room and a brief description of the contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Baking Supplies”).
• Set aside a “Do Not Pack” box for valuables, important documents, and everyday essentials you’ll keep with you on moving day.

Color-coded labels are a lifesaver! Assign each room a color and use matching labels for quick identification on moving day.

3. Notify and Update Accounts

Getting ahead of administrative tasks now will save you headaches closer to the move. 

Checklist for Notifications

• Schedule the transfer or setup of utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) for your new home.
• Update your address with:
  • Banks and credit card companies.
  • Insurance providers (home, auto, and health).
  • Subscription services (streaming platforms, meal kits, etc.).
• File a change of address with the post office to forward mail.

During one of my moves, I forgot to schedule the transfer of internet service. It took an extra week to get connected, which felt like forever. Now, I always recommend handling utilities at least six weeks in advance. Six weeks out, you’re making great progress. You’ve gathered supplies, started planning your packing strategy, and handled key notifications.

Four Weeks Before Moving Day

With one month to go, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of packing, finalize moving arrangements, and start preparing your home for the transition. This is when things really start coming together.

1. Begin Packing

Packing early is the key to staying sane during your move. Start with the rooms and items you use the least, and work your way toward the essentials.

Packing Tips

• Tackle Low-Traffic Areas First: Begin with storage spaces, guest rooms, or seasonal items.
• Pack Smart: Use sturdy boxes and fill empty spaces with towels, socks, or packing paper to prevent items from shifting.
• Label Everything: Write the room and contents on each box. Use color-coded labels or tape to make unloading easier.

Pack one box per day to avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you start early enough then you don't have to worry about packing everything at once and you can take your time.

2. Confirm Moving Arrangements

Now is the time to make sure your moving logistics are in place. Double-check all the details so there are no surprises closer to the big day.

To-Do List

• Finalize contracts with professional movers or confirm your truck rental reservation.
• If you’re using movers, review their policies on items they won’t transport, like plants or hazardous materials.
• Arrange for temporary storage if you need it.

Create a folder (physical or digital) to keep all your moving-related paperwork, such as contracts, receipts, and quotes, in one place. That way everything is all in one place and you don't have to worry about losing anything or forgetting about anything.

3. Plan for Pets and Kids

Moving day can be stressful for everyone, especially pets and children. Make arrangements now to ensure they’re safe and comfortable.

Pet and Kid Prep

• For Pets: Arrange for a pet sitter or designate a quiet room for them during the move. Update their microchip information with your new address.
• For Kids: Consider scheduling a playdate or childcare for moving day to keep little ones out of the chaos.

During one move, I had a client whose dog got anxious amidst all the packing. They decided to board the dog for a couple of days, and it made the process so much smoother for everyone. At four weeks out, you’ve made significant progress. Packing is underway, your moving arrangements are confirmed, and plans for pets and kids are in motion.

Two Weeks Before Moving Day

With just two weeks to go, the finish line is in sight! This is the time to focus on final preparations, streamline what you’re bringing, and ensure both your current and future homes are ready for the big day.

1. Pack Essentials and Prepare Your Home

As you get closer to moving day, start packing the items you’ll need during your first few days in your new home. This ensures that essential items are easy to access when you arrive.

Essentials Box Checklist

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and toilet paper.
• Medications and first aid supplies.
• Chargers for phones and electronics.
• A change of clothes and pajamas for each family member.
• Basic kitchen supplies: Plates, utensils, coffee maker, snacks, and a few non-perishable foods.

Use a clear plastic bin for your essentials box so it’s easy to spot among all the other boxes.

Prepare Your Home

• Deep clean areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and closets.
• If renting, fix minor damages to avoid losing your security deposit.
• Remove items from the walls and patch up nail holes.

2. Dispose of Unwanted Items

At this stage, focus on clearing out anything you don’t plan to bring to your new home. Decluttering now saves you the hassle (and cost) of moving things you no longer need.

Decluttering Checklist

• Host a yard sale or list items on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
• Donate gently used items to local charities or thrift stores.
• Properly dispose of hazardous materials like old paint, batteries, and cleaning supplies at your local waste facility.

I once worked with a homeowner who held a last-minute yard sale and made over $500 selling furniture they didn’t need. Not only did they lighten their load, but the extra cash helped cover moving day expenses!

3. Prepare Your New Home

Take steps to ensure your new home is ready for your arrival. A little preparation now will make moving day so much easier.

Checklist for Your New Home

• Confirm your move-in date with your realtor or landlord.
• Ensure utilities (electricity, water, internet) are set up and active by your move-in day.
• Plan furniture placement and measure doorways to ensure large items will fit.

If possible, do a quick walkthrough of your new home before moving day to spot any issues, like leaks or broken fixtures, and address them in advance. Nothing is as frustrating as finding things like that while you're moving everything out and rushing to get it fixed before you move on. Two weeks out is all about tying up loose ends and preparing for a smooth transition.

Moving Week

The big day is almost here! With just a few days to go, this is your time to finish packing, confirm details, and get everything ready for a seamless move. Here’s how to tackle moving week like a pro.

1. Pack Final Items

By now, most of your belongings should already be packed. Focus on the last few essentials and items you’ve been using up until now.

Final Packing Checklist

• Pack kitchen essentials: coffee maker, pots, pans, and remaining dishes.
• Finish packing clothes, shoes, and toiletries.
• Leave out cleaning supplies to tidy up after you’ve moved out.
• Label boxes clearly with the room name and contents for easy unpacking.

Take photos of how electronics are wired before packing them. It’ll save you time and frustration when reconnecting everything at your new home. Defrost your refrigerator 24–48 hours before moving day to avoid leaks during transport.

2. Confirm Moving Day Details

Double-check all the arrangements for your move to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Moving Day Prep

• Movers: Reconfirm arrival times and addresses with your moving company. If friends or family are helping, remind them of the schedule.
• Supplies: Set aside tools like box cutters, scissors, and tape for moving day.
• Payment and Tips: Prepare payment for movers and small cash tips to thank them for their hard work.

Keep snacks and bottled water handy for movers and helpers. A little hospitality goes a long way.

3. Perform Final Checks

Before you leave, do a final walkthrough of your old home to make sure nothing gets left behind.

Final Walkthrough Checklist

• Check all closets, cabinets, and drawers.
• Look under beds, behind doors, and in storage spaces.
• Ensure all windows are closed and locked.
• Take photos of the empty home, especially if you’re renting, to document its condition.

4. Prepare for Moving Day

Moving day will be busy, but you can make it easier by preparing a few essentials.

Moving Day Kit

• Keep your essentials box, important documents, and valuables with you rather than on the truck.
• Pack a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, and snacks to fuel your day.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for all the moving action.

Have a printed copy of your moving checklist and schedule on hand to stay organized. With moving week underway, you’re nearly ready to step into your new home.

Moving Day

The day has finally arrived! With all your preparation, you’re ready to tackle moving day head-on. Staying organized and calm will ensure the transition to your new home goes smoothly. Here’s how to make moving day stress-free and efficient. 

1. Stay Organized

Keeping track of essentials and sticking to your plan will make moving day a breeze.

Checklist for the Day

• Double-check that all boxes are labeled and ready to go.
• Keep your essentials box and important documents (like leases or contracts) with you, not in the moving truck.
• Have a printed or digital copy of your moving checklist to refer to throughout the day.

Assign roles to family members or helpers. For example, one person can direct movers while another ensures nothing is left behind.

2. Communicate with Movers

Clear communication with your movers (or friends helping you) is key to staying on track.

How to Guide Movers

• Use color-coded labels or room names on boxes to direct them to the correct areas in your new home.
• Provide a quick walkthrough of your old home to point out large or fragile items that need extra care.
• Share your contact information in case movers need to reach you during transit.

Be present during loading and unloading to answer questions or provide directions.

3. Perform a Final Walkthrough

Before leaving your old home, do one last check to make sure nothing is forgotten. It wouldn't be very fun if you forget something small at your old house and have to go back for it, especially if you're moving really far away.

Final Walkthrough Tips

• Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas.
• Look behind doors, under beds, and in outdoor spaces like sheds or patios.
• Turn off all lights, close windows, and lock the doors.

I once worked with a client who almost left behind a small box of keepsakes in a crawl space. Luckily, their final walkthrough caught it just in time. A quick check of every nook and cranny can save you from losing something valuable!

4. Unpack Essentials First

When you arrive at your new home, start with the essentials to make your first night comfortable.

What to Unpack First

• Bedroom: Set up beds and unpack pillows, sheets, and blankets.
• Bathroom: Unpack toiletries, towels, and toilet paper.
• Kitchen: Set up a few dishes, utensils, and snacks for quick access.

Focus on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

5. Celebrate Your Move!

You’ve done it! Take a moment to appreciate the hard work it took to get to this point.

Ways to Celebrate

• Order takeout or pizza to enjoy in your new space.
• Walk around your neighborhood to get a feel for your new surroundings.
• Take a deep breath and relax—you’ve earned it!

Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a solid plan, clear communication, and attention to detail, you can make the process seamless and stress-free. Remember, your hard work and preparation have set the stage for success. Now, it’s time to settle into your new home and start the next chapter of your life. Congratulations, and happy moving!