They say death and taxes are the only things you can count on in life, but we think moving belongs on that list. Sooner or later, we all have to do it—and moving can quickly become overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. With the right prep and a solid plan, you can take the chaos out of relocating and even (dare we say it?) enjoy the process.
The Only Moving Checklist You’ll Ever Need
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7 min read
Reviewed ByAlina BradfordWith 30+ years in journalism, Rebecca specializes in home services and tech. She’s moved 15+ times and has been featured in NPR, The Washington Post, and HGTV.
Whether you're headed down the street or across the country, our step-by-step moving checklist has you covered. From decluttering your space to securing the best moving company, we’ll guide you through every stage so you can focus on settling into your new home stress-free.
Your checklist for moving into a new home
Decide how to move
Before you begin packing, you’ll need to figure out the logistics of your move. You need to decide whether you’ll do it on your own or bring in the pros. Consider the distance, the amount of stuff you have, and any special requirements (like shipping a car or dealing with stairs).
Moving timeline
This timeline is based on a "perfect world" scenario where you have at least 8 weeks to plan and execute your move. We know every move is unique, and sometimes you need to speed things up. Whether you're spreading out tasks over time or working on a tighter schedule, this checklist covers the key steps to keep your move on track. By following these essentials, you'll reduce stress and be ready to start your new life as soon as you arrive at your new home!
Timeline: 8 weeks before you move
- Set a moving budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend.
- Evaluate the complexity: Are there stairs, tight hallways, or tricky parking situations that could make your move more difficult?
- Consider your family’s needs: Children, pets, and older family members might need extra care during a move.
- Car or motorcycle shipping: Will you need to ship a vehicle to your new home?
- Help from friends or family: Decide if you’ll need help packing or moving.
- Compare moving services: Get quotes from professional movers or look into rental trucks or moving pods for a DIY move.
- Make your decision: Choose between a DIY move, hiring professional movers, or going for a hybrid option (like packing yourself but hiring movers to do the heavy lifting).
DIY vs. Professional moving
Deciding between a DIY move and hiring professional movers can be tough—especially when weighing cost, convenience, and control. Each option has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, depending on your budget, timeline, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of both to help you choose the best fit for your move.
DIY moving pros and cons
Pros
Cost-effective: You’ll likely spend less by renting a truck and handling the move yourself.
Flexibility: You control the schedule, pace, and packing process.
Hands-on: You’re fully in charge, which can give you peace of mind about how your items are handled. 
Cons
Physical effort: Moving heavy furniture and boxes can be exhausting and potentially dangerous.
Time-consuming: Coordinating everything from packing to driving takes longer without professional help.
Risk of damage: Without experience, items may not be packed or transported securely. Professional moving pros and cons
Pros
Convenience: Movers handle the heavy lifting, driving, and even packing, making your move less stressful.
Experience: Professionals are trained to pack and transport items safely and efficiently.
Coverage: Most moving companies provide coverage or insurance options for extra protection. Cons
Cost: Professional movers are more expensive than a DIY move.
Less control: You’ll need to work within the mover’s schedule and trust others with your belongings.
Potential for delays: Unexpected factors, like weather or scheduling conflicts, can slow things down. Both options have their merits—DIY is great if you want to save money and don’t mind the work, while professional moving offers convenience and expertise at a higher cost.
Save money with a hybrid option
Moving containers like PODS cost less than professional movers and don't require as much work as rental trucks. Compare the best moving container companies.
Timeline: 7 weeks before you move
- Create a moving binder or folder: Keep all your moving-related documents, quotes, and plans in one place (physical or digital).
- Create a calendar: Mark important dates like packing days, moving day, and utility setup.
- Check into moving coverage: See if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers your belongings during the move. If you’re hiring a professional moving company, they may offer coverage, or you can buy a specialized moving plan.
- Room-by-room inventory: List everything you’re taking with you and measure large items to ensure they fit in your new space. (You may also need this to get an accurate quote if you're hiring a professional moving company).
Compare the best moving companies
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Pricing data collected by requesting estimates from top moving container companies for four home sizes across six distances.
*Based on a 3-bedroom across-country move.
Timeline: 6 weeks before you move
- Review moving quotes: Follow up with moving companies to provide any additional info and confirm estimates.
- Choose your moving company and coverage: Finalize your mover and select the level of insurance that suits you.
- Apply for permits: Some cities and HOAs require parking permits or moving day permits for loading/unloading.
- Schedule repairs or touch-ups: Take care of any repairs in your current home before moving out.
- Begin packing: Start with non-essential items and valuables.
Do you need to ship your car?
If you're moving across the country, companies like Amerifreight offer car shipping, which can be a great way to save time, stress, and money. Compare the best auto transport companies.
Timeline: 5 weeks before you move
- Finalize paperwork: Add all finalized documents to your moving binder.
- Continue packing: Focus on items you won’t need in the next few weeks. This is a good time to find free packing supplies, too!
- Plan for time off work/school: Don’t wait until the last minute to request time off or make arrangements with teachers.
- Find insurance. Compare homeowners or renter's insurance and select a provider.
Get insurance for your new place
Don't forget to select homeowners insurance or renters insurance to make sure your property and belongings are protected once you move into your new home.
Timeline: 4 weeks before you move
- Confirm moving arrangements: Check with your movers to ensure everything is on track. If you haven't picked a mover, container, or moving truck yet—it's time to get booking!
- Plan travel: Book flights or arrange for travel to your new home.
- Research new schools, daycare, or pet care
- Continue packing: Make sure you've got the right packing materials, and keep the momentum going!
- Evaluate storage needs: If you need temporary storage, now’s the time to research storage units.
Save money on storage units
We've researched the best self-storage companies, including Extra Space Storage, to help you snag the lowest prices.
Timeline: 3 weeks before you move
- Make care arrangements: Organize childcare or pet care for moving day/
- Secure storage unit (if needed)
- De-clutter and consolidate: If you have old furniture or belongings that aren't worth moving, look into charitable donations or junk removal services.
- Plan/order furniture/appliances for new home
- Plan meals for final 2 weeks
- Plan goodbyes/farewells
Get rid of your junk
Move.org has a handy donation guide and reviews of the best junk removal companies to help you "Marie Kondo" your life. Companies like College Hunks either recycle or donate 70% of everything they hauls away.1
Timeline: 2 weeks before you move
- Identify services to disconnect or set up: Don’t forget utilities, internet, and other essential services.
- Refill prescriptions, identify new pharmacy
- Medical records: Forward/obtain copies
- Look into a home warranty options
- Schedule cleaning services (if needed)
- Fill out address change with USPS and change address for subscriptions
- Schedule a rental truck (if needed)
- Continue packing: kitchen, toiletries, etc.
Best rental truck companies
Don't use a company just because it has signs everywhere. If you're planning to rent a truck to move, check Budget and other top rental truck companies to see who we recommend — and why.
Last-minute stress-savers!
Make your move
It’s finally here! Moving day can be chaotic, but sticking to a plan will keep things running smoothly.
Timeline: Moving day
- Get up on time: Set alarms to avoid any last-minute rushing.
- Verify helpers or movers: Make sure everyone knows their role for the day.
- Prepare food and drinks: Keep everyone hydrated and fueled with snacks.
- Final walkthrough: Check each room to ensure nothing gets left behind.
- Tip movers (if applicable): If you hired professionals, be sure to thank them for their hard work.
- Confirm arrangements at the new home: Whether you’re moving directly in or staying in temporary housing, make sure your final destination is ready.
Get settled
After the movers and helpers are gone, it’s time to catch your breath and get started on the next stage: settling into your new home.
Timeline: 1st week after move
- Set up beds and bathrooms first: Having a good night’s sleep and a functional bathroom are priorities.
- Unpack the kitchen: Unpack essentials so you can start cooking and eating at home.
- Get groceries
- Set up utilities: Make sure electricity, gas, water, internet, and other services are up and running.
- Change locks
- Visit schools/daycare/pet care
- Meet the neighbors: A quick hello can go a long way in making you feel at home.
Timeline: 2-3 weeks after move
- Finish unpacking: Tackle boxes that haven’t been opened yet.
- See what's missing: I always forget something when I move—now's a great time to take note of what may have been forgotten and make a shopping list!
- Make spare keys: You don’t want to get locked out in your new neighborhood!
- Identify storage needs: If you have too much stuff, look into storage solutions or junk removal.
- Identify houseware and organization needs (blinds, rugs, etc.)
- Send thank you notes
- Learn HOA policies (if applicable)
- Leave a moving review (if applicable)
Timeline: 4 weeks after move
- Set up home security: Now that you’re settled, consider installing a home security system to protect your new abode.
- Plan a housewarming party: Celebrate your new space with friends and family.
- Create a family emergency plan: It's important to know what to do in emergencies like a fire or natural disaster in your new home and neighborhood.
Don't put off home security
The average burglar gets away with about $3,000 worth of valuables. Minimize your risk with a home security system that helps you, your stuff, and your loved ones stay safe in your new place. SimpliSafe is a reliable option that you can install yourself.
Make your new house a home
Timeline: 5+ weeks after move
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to start thinking about home maintenance and improvements. This final stage helps you turn your new place into the perfect space for you and your family.
- Decorate your new home: Add personal touches to each room (and don’t forget the front porch!).
- Assess lawn care and home repair needs: Identify areas that need attention and plan accordingly. It’s never too early to improve that curb appeal.
- Research services for home improvement: If you plan to renovate or make repairs, start getting quotes and set your budget.
- Look into financing options for bigger home renovation or remodeling projects.
- Figure out storage in your new home
- Revisit home warranty needs
Following this moving checklist will make your move more manageable and save you a pile of headaches, knowing that every detail is covered. Here’s to a less stressful move and a happy new home!
Moving checklist FAQ
The first step (once you know where you’re moving to) is figuring out if you want to do the move yourself or hire help. If possible, start planning about eight weeks before your move date. Begin by setting a budget and creating a moving binder or digital folder to organize important documents. As you get closer to the move, tackle packing in stages, starting with non-essential items. Make sure to arrange care for pets or kids, disconnect utilities, and schedule a final walk-through of your current home. Staying organized and gradually checking off tasks will make your move much smoother and less stressful.
One week before moving, focus on packing essential items you’ll need right away, like a suitcase or overnight bag with clothes, toiletries, medications, and important documents. Disassemble large furniture and pack any remaining non-essential items. Make sure to also gather important things like keys, garage openers, and cash for unexpected expenses (like tipping the movers). This is also the time to start cleaning empty rooms and resetting passwords for smart home devices.
To make a moving plan, start by creating a detailed timeline about eight weeks before your move. Decide if you’ll hire movers or handle it yourself, and set a budget. Organize a moving binder or electronic folder to keep track of quotes, important documents, and a room-by-room inventory. Break tasks into manageable stages, like packing non-essential items early, arranging for utilities, and preparing for moving day. Be sure to include personal tasks like notifying schools or pet care providers.
To create a move-out plan, start by setting your moving date and, if possible, make a timeline at least eight weeks in advance. Find a way to organize and track important documents, quotes, and checklists. Schedule tasks like booking movers or a truck, transferring prescriptions, and disconnecting utilities. Plan for repairs, cleaning, and a final walk-through of your current home. Make sure to coordinate childcare or pet care, and gather things you’ll need to leave behind, like keys and garage openers. When you break tasks down into smaller steps, it keeps your move-out process organized and less stressful.
Start by packing the rooms and items you use the least. This usually includes storage areas like attics, basements, and spare bedrooms. Pack non-essential items such as seasonal decorations, books, and infrequently used kitchenware first. This lets you get a jump start on packing without disrupting your daily routine. Save the most frequently used rooms—like the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms—for the final weeks before moving. Packing in this order helps you stay organized and ensures that you have the things you need until moving day.
The amount of money you’ll need to move out depends on several factors, including the distance of the move, whether you hire professional movers or go the DIY route, and your new living situation. On average, a local move can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, while long-distance moves can range from $2,000 up to $7,000 or more. You’ll also need to budget for packing supplies, potential storage fees, utility deposits, and any repairs or cleaning for your current home.
To start preparing for a move, begin by creating a moving plan as soon as possible, ideally at least two months before your move date. Start with the basics: set a budget, decide whether to hire movers or do it yourself, and organize moving quotes, receipts, and other important documents. Next, start to declutter your home—separating items to keep, sell, donate, or toss. Secure packing supplies and begin packing things you don’t use on a regular basis. As your moving day gets closer, schedule utilities, arrange childcare or pet care, and prepare for tasks like cleaning and repairs.
The sooner, the better. We recommend planning your move at least eight weeks in advance. This timeframe allows you to set a budget, research moving options, and create a detailed moving checklist. Starting early gives you ample time to declutter, pack non-essential items, and figure out necessary services like utilities, packing help, and movers. If you're making a long-distance move, consider planning even earlier to account for additional logistics and preparations—like travel to your new home, transporting a car, and finding a place to stay if you get there before your stuff.
Yes, two months is generally enough time to plan and execute a move, especially if you’re moving across town. With eight weeks, you have time to set a budget, research moving options (DIY or professional), declutter your home, and pack efficiently. To make the most of this timeframe, create a detailed moving checklist and schedule tasks week by week. If you’re facing a long-distance move or have a larger household, two months can still be enough time, but starting earlier gives you some extra flexibility for unexpected challenges.
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