The Ultimate Moving Checklist for 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Your Complete Moving Timeline

Moving is a project with hundreds of small tasks that need to happen in the right order. Miss one, and it can cascade into bigger problems. This checklist breaks everything down week by week so nothing falls through the cracks.

8 Weeks Before Your Move

• Research and hire movers — This is the most important step. Get quotes from at least 3 companies, check reviews, verify licensing. Or save time and get a Vetted Movers Report for your ZIP code.
• Create a moving budget — Include mover costs, packing supplies, deposits, travel, and a 10% buffer for unexpected expenses
• Start decluttering — Go room by room. Donate, sell, or trash anything you haven't used in a year
• Notify your landlord — If renting, give proper notice per your lease terms

6 Weeks Before

• Book your movers — The best companies book up 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (May-September)
• Order packing supplies — Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and wardrobe boxes
• Start packing non-essentials — Books, seasonal items, decorations, rarely used kitchen items
• Research your new area — Schools, utilities, doctors, grocery stores, DMV locations

4 Weeks Before

• File a change of address with USPS (usps.com)
• Transfer or set up utilities — Electric, gas, water, internet, trash
• Update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance, subscriptions, and employers
• Pack room by room — Label every box with contents AND destination room

2 Weeks Before

• Confirm with your movers — Date, time, address, and any special instructions
• Pack an essentials box — Toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, snacks, important documents
• Clean out the fridge and freezer — Use up perishables, defrost the freezer
• Take photos of electronics — Photograph the back of your TV, router, and gaming systems so you know how to reconnect everything

Moving Week

• Final walkthrough — Check every closet, cabinet, drawer, and the garage
• Charge all devices — You'll need your phone for coordinating with movers
• Prepare cash tips — $20-$50 per mover is standard for good service
• Keep valuables with you — Jewelry, important documents, medications, and laptops should go in your car, not the moving truck

Moving Day

• Be present — Someone should be at both the old and new location to direct movers
• Do a final walkthrough before the truck leaves
• Check the inventory list — Make sure everything is accounted for
• Inspect for damage before signing the delivery receipt

First Week in Your New Home

• Unpack essentials first — Kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms
• Check that utilities are working — Test every faucet, outlet, and appliance
• Change the locks — You don't know who has copies of the old keys
• Meet your neighbors — A friendly introduction goes a long way

Download Our Free Moving Checklist PDF

We've created a beautiful, printable moving checklist PDF that you can download for free. Visit our homepage and scroll to the "Free Checklist" section.

And when you're ready to find the best movers near you, get your Vetted Movers Report starting at $29.

Use code MOVE10 at checkout to save $10. Get Your Vetted Movers Report →