To make your move has pleasant as possible, we have provided some helpful information to make your move a success. Feel free to print this page and use as a check list. If you would like more detailed information on moving tips and your rights and responsibilities when you move, please contact us.

Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but it can also be a stressful and overwhelming process. Whether you’re moving to a bigger house, relocating for a new job, or simply starting fresh in a different neighborhood, careful planning and organization are key to ensuring a smooth transition.

Here is a comprehensive moving checklist that will guide you step-by-step from two months before your move to the day of. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to handle all the details and avoid common moving pitfalls.

Two Months Before Moving Day: Start Planning Early

Moving can feel like a monumental task, but starting early is the best way to reduce last-minute stress. At the two-month mark, you should focus on creating a plan and organizing the logistics of your move.

1. Create a Moving Binder or Folder

One of the most important first steps is to create a central place to store all of your moving documents, whether it’s a physical binder or a digital folder. Include things like moving quotes, a to-do list, receipts, inventory lists, and any legal documents you might need.

2. Declutter Your Home

Now is the time to take stock of your belongings and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. The less you take with you, the easier (and cheaper) your move will be. Begin with areas like closets, garages, and storage rooms, which tend to accumulate the most unused items.

3. Research Moving Companies = Call Craig Van Lines 🙂

Start researching moving companies and request quotes from at least three different companies. Be sure they have good reviews, plenty of insurance coverage and the company is properly licensed and insured (like Craig Van Lines).

4. Set a Moving Budget

Moving can come with hidden costs, so setting a budget will help you manage expenses. Consider costs like packing supplies, hiring movers, transportation, and utility setup fees. Build a little wiggle room into your budget for unexpected expenses, such as repairs or last-minute services.

5. Notify Schools and Employers

If you have children, inform their current schools about your move and begin the process of registering them in their new school district. For your job, let your employer know about your moving timeline, especially if you need time off.

Six Weeks Before Moving Day: Begin Prepping

At the six-week mark, you should begin to dive deeper into moving preparations. This is the time to start tying up loose ends and handling any administrative tasks associated with the move.

1. Gather Packing Supplies

It’s time to collect all the packing materials you’ll need: boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, and protective padding for fragile items. Many moving companies offer packing kits, or you can often get free boxes from local stores.

2. Start Packing Non-Essential Items

Begin by packing the items you don’t use on a daily basis—things like seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, and books. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. For fragile items, make sure to label them as “fragile” so movers handle them with care.

3. Notify Important Contacts

Update your address with the post office, banks, and any other relevant institutions like insurance companies or subscription services. Don’t forget to inform friends and family about your upcoming move as well. You can set up mail forwarding through the USPS website to ensure you don’t miss any important mail during the transition.

4. Transfer Utilities

Contact your utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, etc.) to schedule disconnections at your old address and setup at your new one. You’ll want to make sure your new home has utilities up and running when you move in.

5. Schedule Repairs or Home Improvements

If your current home requires any repairs before selling or renting it, now is the time to hire contractors or handle minor fixes. The same applies to your new home—if you want to make any upgrades or repairs before moving in, try to get them done before you’re fully settled.

One Month Before Moving Day: Get into the Details

With four weeks left, it’s time to tackle more detailed tasks that will ensure a smooth move. This is also a good time to start focusing on packing more essential items.

1. Confirm Moving Arrangements

Confirm your moving date and time with your moving company. Make sure you understand their policies regarding delays, damage, and cancellations. If you need additional services like furniture assembly, notify the company in advance.

2. Continue Packing

At this point, you should be packing up more frequently used items like kitchenware, linens, and office supplies. Remember to keep a list of what’s inside each box and which room it belongs in.

3. Organize Important Documents

Gather important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, financial records, and medical documents. Keep these in a safe place and make copies if necessary. You might want to keep these in a separate, easy-to-access folder during the move to prevent them from getting lost.

4. Make Travel Arrangements

If you’re moving long-distance, finalize travel plans. Book flights or hotels if necessary and plan out the route for your moving truck or personal vehicle.

5. Prepare for Moving Pets or Plants

If you have pets, research how to move them safely, whether by car or airplane. Make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and consider getting a pet-sitter for moving day. If you’re transporting plants, research the best way to move them without causing damage. (Check out our blog on moving with pets and children)

Two Weeks Before Moving Day: Final Preparations

Now that you’re two weeks away from your move, it’s time to finalize your packing and prepare your old home for its next owner or renter.

1. Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a separate box with all the essentials you’ll need for your first few days in your new home. This box might include toiletries, clothing, basic kitchen supplies, medications, and important documents. Keep it with you rather than in the moving truck so you can easily access it during the move.

2. Finish Packing

By this point, most of your belongings should be packed. Leave out only the items you’ll need for the final days before your move, such as some clothing, basic toiletries, and kitchen essentials.

3. Clean Your Home

Start cleaning your home room by room, focusing on deep cleaning areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. If you’re selling or renting your home, consider hiring professional cleaners for a thorough move-out clean.

4. Confirm Utility Transfer

Double-check that your utility services will be transferred to your new home on time. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your meter readings before you leave your old home to avoid any discrepancies with your final bill.

5. Cancel Local Services

If you have local services like lawn care, gym memberships, or home security, cancel or transfer them to your new address.

Moving Week: It’s Time to Move!

With just one week left, it’s all about finalizing the details and preparing for moving day. At this point, most of your packing should be complete, and you’ll be focusing on the final logistical tasks.

1. Defrost the Freezer

If you’re taking your refrigerator with you, defrost it a few days before the move to prevent any leaks or damage. Clean out any perishable items and either donate them or use them before moving day.

2. Prepare for Moving Day

Touch base with your moving company or truck rental one last time to confirm all the details. Make sure they have the correct addresses for both your current home and your new home.

3. Perform a Final Walkthrough

Once everything is packed and the movers have arrived, do a final walkthrough of your home to make sure nothing has been left behind. Check closets, cabinets, and the garage for any overlooked items.

4. Hand Over Keys

If you’re selling or renting out your home, make sure to leave the keys with your real estate agent, landlord, or new owner. Provide them with any necessary documents, such as appliance manuals or warranties.

Moving Day: The Big Day

The day has finally arrived! Now it’s all about making sure everything goes smoothly.

1. Oversee the Move

Be present to oversee the movers and answer any questions they might have. Make sure all your boxes and furniture are handled with care and that they’re labeled properly for the movers to place them in the right rooms at your new home.

2. Inspect Your New Home

Before moving your items into your new home, take a few minutes to inspect it. Make sure everything is clean and ready for your belongings to be unloaded.

3. Unpack Essentials First

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, start by unpacking your essentials box and setting up your most-used items, like toiletries, kitchenware, and bedding. This will make your first night in your new home more comfortable.

Moving can be an overwhelming process, but by following this moving checklist, you can make the experience much smoother. From decluttering and packing early to hiring Craig Van Lines, preparation is key to reducing stress and ensuring a successful move. With these steps in place, you’ll be able to settle into your new home with ease and start this exciting new chapter of your life!

A Quick Bullet Point List:

Make final arrangements with Craig Van Lines on:

Date and time of move
Boxes needed
Have Craig Van Lines pack you
Valuation coverage

Begin packing items seldom used:

Out of season clothes
Seasonal decorations
Books
Silver/China
Albums/Tapes

Clean out:

Attic
Closets
Garage/Shed
Basement

Find important papers and keep them packed for quick access when you arrive at your new home:

Medical records
Valuation records
Children’s school records
Car titles
Passports
Checking accounts
Settlement papers

Save all receipts of you move and record all expenses incurred as some moving expenses are tax deductible*. Accurate records are critical. Record such items as:

Movers expense
Boxes
Your travel expenses

*For specific tax information, please contact the IRS.

Two Weeks Before You Move

Send change of address forms and leave a forwarding address with the Post Office.

Contact utilities and arrange disconnect/connect dates for the following:

Electricity
Water / Sewer
Newspaper
Cable
Gas
Phone
Trash / refuse
Remember to check into hook-up charges and deposit policies

Pack a box of items which may be needed to get you settled in such as:

Garbage cans and bags
Paper towels, paper plates/cups
Can opener
Linens/towels
Flashlight
Tools
Cleansers and sponges
Vacuum/broom
Light bulbs

Empty gas and flammable liquids and dispose from:

Lawn mowers
Gas edgers
Gas grills
Kerosene heaters
Chain saws

A Helpful Moving Checklist