Moving Checklist

Introduction

Moving touches almost everything at once: dates, money, boxes, utilities, mail, and a dozen small accounts that all have your old address. You do not have to do it in a rush or all in one weekend.

This page breaks a move into stages you can handle in order: decisions and logistics first, then packing, then address and utility changes, then settling in. It is general information, not legal, financial, or contract advice. Read your lease, closing documents, and mover contract for the terms that apply to you.

Start here

10 Minute Version

If you can only do a few things right now, start here.

Lock in your move date, and confirm access, parking, elevator reservations, and keys at both places.
Book movers, a truck, or helpers early — good ones fill up weeks ahead.
Start one folder (paper or digital) for the lease or closing papers, mover estimates, receipts, and utility confirmations.
Schedule utilities to start at the new place and stop at the old one, with a day of overlap.
File a mail-forwarding request with the postal service about two weeks before you move.
Pack a first-night box you can find immediately: medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, basic tools, and important documents.

Six To Four Weeks Before

This is the planning window. Decisions made now prevent scrambling later.

Set the logistics

Confirm your move-out and move-in dates, and any gap between them.
Decide whether you are hiring full-service movers, renting a truck, or asking friends.
Get written, itemized estimates from more than one mover, and check that the company is legitimate before paying a deposit.
Reserve elevators, loading docks, or parking permits if your building requires them.
Ask about insurance or valuation coverage for your belongings during the move.

Sort before you pack

Set up a donate, sell, recycle, and trash area so you move less.
Measure large furniture against doorways, stairwells, and the new floor plan.
Use up freezer food, cleaning supplies, and anything movers will not transport.
Start gathering boxes, tape, labels, and padding, or order a packing kit.

Two Weeks Before

This is when addresses, utilities, and services need attention so nothing lapses on move day.

Change your address

File a mail-forwarding request with the postal service so mail follows you.
Update your address with your bank, credit cards, employer or payroll, and insurance.
Update licenses, vehicle registration, and voter registration if you are moving to a new area.
Update subscriptions, pharmacies, medical and dental offices, schools, and any government benefits.
Tell a few important people and services directly — mail forwarding is temporary, not a permanent fix.

For the full list of who to notify, see our change of address checklist.

Transfer utilities and services

Schedule electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and phone to start at the new home before you arrive.
Schedule the old services to stop the day after you leave, not the day of.
Set up or transfer renters or homeowners insurance so there is no coverage gap.
Return or cancel equipment such as modems, cable boxes, and propane tanks.

Move Week And Move Day

The goal now is a smooth handoff and being able to function the first night.

Pack smart

Label boxes by room and mark the ones you need first.
Keep valuables, documents, keys, medications, and electronics with you, not on the truck.
Pack a first-night box: bedding, toiletries, chargers, medications, snacks, basic tools, and toilet paper.
Photograph the backs of electronics before unplugging so cables are easy to reconnect.

Move day

Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, garage, and outdoor space.
Read the mover's inventory and paperwork before signing, and keep your copy.
Take meter readings and photos of the empty old place and the new place before unloading.
Confirm the new home's utilities, locks, and heat or cooling are working.
Keep water and phone chargers handy for helpers.

First Weeks In The New Home

Settling in is easier one system at a time.

Finish any remaining address updates — banks, subscriptions, licenses, and registrations.
Change or rekey exterior locks, and check garage and gate codes.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff.
Note appliance model numbers and find filters that need replacing.
Register children in a new school and transfer medical and dental records if you moved areas.
Break down boxes and unpack one room at a time, starting with the kitchen and bedrooms.

Printable Moving Checklist

Use this condensed list as a working page. Print it or keep it on your phone.

Weeks before

Confirm move dates, access, parking, and keys.
Book movers or a truck and get itemized written estimates.
Start a folder for lease or closing papers, estimates, and receipts.
Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, recycle, and trash.

Two weeks before

File mail forwarding.
Update address with bank, employer, insurance, licenses, and subscriptions.
Schedule utilities to start at the new home and stop after you leave.
Transfer or start renters or homeowners insurance.

Move day and after

Pack a first-night box and keep valuables and documents with you.
Do a final walkthrough and take meter readings and photos.
Read and keep the mover's paperwork.
Change locks, test detectors, and find the main shutoffs.

Common Mistakes

Packing important documents into an unmarked box.
Booking a mover without confirming it is a legitimate, insured company.
Paying a large deposit before signing a written, itemized estimate.
Forgetting to schedule utility start dates, so the new home has no power or heat.
Relying on mail forwarding instead of updating your real address.
Leaving a coverage gap between old and new insurance.
Skipping the final walkthrough and leaving items behind.

Extra care

When To Slow Down And Check

Take extra care before paying money or signing if any of these apply:

A mover asks for a large cash deposit up front or will not give a written estimate.
A quote seems far lower than every other quote.
You are signing a lease or closing documents you have not read closely.
You are moving across state lines, internationally, or with valuable or fragile items.
You are unsure whether your belongings are covered during the move.

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

This page is reviewed periodically. Company procedures, fees, and government processes may change.

Sources And Further Help

These official resources can help with specific parts of a move.

USPS: change your address and forward your mail.
USAGov: who to notify when you change your address.
FMCSA Protect Your Move: avoiding moving fraud and checking a mover.
IRS: updating your address for tax records.