The Ultimate Moving Checklist for 2021

8 weeks before you move checklist:

It’s important you plan every aspect of your move. Would you like to hear the good news? We’re here for you. And we’re not going to lie.. There’s a lot to do to be ready. Even so, you’ll be relieved you started early and had this ultimate moving check-list to ensure you stay on top of things.

1. Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox.
   ‍Take pictures with your phone of quotes, receipts, and records related to your move and store them in your online storage system. It's impossible to remember all the details, so write them down and store them for easy reference.
2. Schedule in-home estimates with a moving company.
   It’s a good idea to get at least three estimates, if you can. Since you’re planning ahead, you should have plenty of time.  
3. Plan your budget for moving expenses.
   ‍We know you want your room redone and to buy a new sectional, but priorities, right?
4. Read over documents from your movers before signing anything.
   ‍Learn what documents you will receive ahead of time to avoid feeling intimidated by contracts. Ask questions. We cannot stress this point enough, it’s the reason #4 on our list.
5. Request time off work for moving day.
   Taking off on a Friday is the best option if you can. The rest of the weekend is yours to get yourself organized. Great tip, right?
6. Choose a school for your children.
   Do you need help with research? Great Schools can help you choose the best school in your area.
7. Request transcripts for your kids from their current school for their new school.
   The new school your child attends, regardless of where you are moving, will require these. So your kids don’t get left behind, arrive prepared.
8. Plan a garage sale.
   Use our tips to plan a successful garage sale. Then, donate anything left that you couldn’t sell.
9. Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as gun safes, pianos, fine art, pool tables, appliances etc.
   Moving larger or fragile items may require you to hire a specialty mover. Our crews at My Pro Movers and Storage are equipped and experienced in moving most large, heavy and specialized items.
10. Confirm your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their Department of Transportation (DOT) number.
    ‍When you are moving, worry about whether your belongings are safe shouldn’t be one of them.

6 weeks before you move checklist:

Make sure you have everything in order six weeks before moving. If you’re moving, you should make time to spend with family and friends. Organize your possessions then (and life in general). Six weeks is plenty of time to make it all happen.

11. Collect boxes from restaurants, grocery, office supply stores, or local bookstores. Purchase moving supplies and boxes.
    Most have a surplus of boxes and are happy to give them away for free. If you can’t locate any, MyProMoversDc.com sells box kits for as low as $34.99 (free shipping).
12. Research packing hacks to make moving day even easier.
    Our website is a great resource, here's a helpful article on how to pack your kitchen.
13. Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers for each room.
    
14. Create an inventory sheet of your valuables and which box they are in before they go on the moving truck.
    Once you get to your new place, this will make unpacking much easier.
15. Mark moving boxes that are fragile so your movers are aware.
    You don’t want a heavy box of books stacked on top of your grandmother's knicknacks.
16. Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them.
    As you are connecting things like your TV and stereo, this will help to refresh your memory. It will also verify working conditions for your movers.
17. Put all hardware in labeled baggies for easy furniture reassembly.
    
18. Be nice to Mother Earth. Gather socks, t-shirts, towels, and linens to use as free packing supplies.‍
19. If moving into an apartment building, find out if there are any moving day requirements.
20. Address all minor home repairs before moving out.
    It might make a big difference whether you get your security deposit back or not if you live in an apartment.
21. If you’re moving cross country, have your vehicles serviced and arrange an auto-shipper if necessary.
    The last thing you need on the day of your move is a breakdown.
    
22. If your move requires shipping your car, don’t leave anything in it!
    Spare tires and roll bars can disappear.
23. Measure doorways, stairways and elevators to make sure your furniture will fit.
    Measure twice - move once!
24. Pack a little everyday. If your movers end up needing to help you pack, the cost of your move will increase.
    Who wants to pack all of their belongings at the last minute?

4 weeks before you move checklist:

One month down – you made it! Set aside the documents that you’ll need for your new home. Sell and donate items now. Moving is easier when you’re not weighed down by stuff you’re not taking.

25. Arrange for moving insurance to cover all your belongings during the move.
    Your moving company should provide options beyond the standard released value protection of $0.60/lbs. This means that you will be reimbursed for everything from your paperclips to family heirlooms at 60 cents per pound.
26. Confirm parking options for your moving truck & secure any permits.
    The moving day may require a parking permit. If you’re planning a DIY move, compare the cost of moving trucks.
27. Use or donate items that you can’t pack or sell, such as food, bleach, chemicals, gas & aerosol canisters.
    
28. Gather all financial, legal and medical (includes dental and optical) records in one place.
    Once you get to your new place, this will make unpacking much easier.
29. Gather birth certificates and passports for everyone in your home.
    Be sure to carry important documents on your person during your move.
30. Notify your homeowners or renters insurance company of your upcoming move.
    In order to secure the proper insurance coverage, it's important that you contact your insurance agent/company to discuss your upcoming move date, coverage, and insurance plan.
31. Change your internet providers who will serve your new address and schedule your installation appointment.
    
32. Don’t forget any of your clothes at the dry cleaner.
33. Find a new doctor, dentist and vet in your new neighborhood.
34. Update your voter registration!
    
35. If moving long distance, plan your route and book hotels as needed.
    
36. Make sure your pets have ID tags updated and attached to the collars.
37. Request copies of vet records and get any necessary medications filled.
    If you’re moving out of the country, make sure your pets have all the necessary vaccinations.

2 weeks before you move checklist:

The big day is just two weeks away. Update your address on all your accounts. Make sure your moving list is complete before the two weeks are up. You’ll be glad you did!

38. Create a moving file to organize your move-related printed receipts and bills.
    In addition, to your digital “moving” folder, you’ll want to keep a file of moving-related expenses and check with the IRS to see if you can deduct your moving expenses on your tax return.
39. Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables and poisonous items.
40. Use up everything in your freezer and fridge!
    
41. Return any borrowed items from neighbors, friends and family.
42. Back up important files on your computer.
    If something happens during your move, you will be thankful that everything is saved on another machine.
43. Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service.
44. Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move.
    
45. Cancel or transfer your memberships at the gym, yoga studio. Clean out safety deposit box.
46. Fill your prescriptions.
47. Find somewhere safe for pets to go during your move.
    Look into doggy daycare or ask a friend to watch them for a day.
    
48. If moving long distance, plan your route and book hotels as needed.
    
49. Send a moving announcement to friends and family.
50. Change your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks and your payroll department at work.
    Also, remember to order new checks.
51. Forward your mail.
    
52. Change address for Social Security benefits within 10 days of moving.
    Make sure to notify government offices, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IRS.
53. Transfer your utilities including water, electric and natural gas.
54. Update your driver’s license.
    
55. Update your address on Amazon and any monthly subscription boxes, newspapers or magazines.
56. Change your auto insurance and car registration address.
57. Clean all outdoor furniture before it’s moved. Dust indoor furniture.
58. Transfer your prescriptions to new pharmacy.
    

The week you move checklist:

It’s here! It’s time to prepare your belongings, pack what you can, and clean your old home. After you’ve done all this, you won’t have to worry about moving day.

59. Donate unopened food.
    Ask your moving company if they work with Move for Hunger.
60. Make sure you cancel or redirect all scheduled deliveries.
    Did you ever get those shoes that were backordered? Be sure to ship them to your new address.
61. Hire cleaners or clean your current home.
    
62. Defrost your fridge and freezer the night before the move by unplugging them.
    Make sure you lay a towel in front of it to absorb any water that leaks.
63. Disconnect and drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice machine.
64. Empty all oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawn mowers and snow blowers. Movers won’t move gas.
65. Make sure nothing of value is hiding on shelves or in closet corners.
    
66. Prepare your final walkthrough with your current landlord.
67. Pack and essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.
68. Make a worst-case scenario plan incase your movers run late.
    
69. Take photographs of your empty place to prove it’s in move-out condition.
    
70. Hold some cash for moving day to tip your movers.
71. Clean your new place.
    Sometimes, the previous owners are only required to sweep their house or apartment. Don't you want your new place to be in pristine condition and shining from head to toe?

Moving day checklist:

All your moving preparations have led you here. It’s important to get an early start on the day of your move. The earlier you move in, the more time you will have to finish unpacking and settle in to your new home.

72. Set an alarm and get up early on moving day.
    
73. Make sure your movers protect floors and carpets during the move.
    When you move with the pros, we make sure your previous and new home are well-protected.
74. They’ve worked hard for you all day, so tip your movers.
    
75. As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries.
    This enhances the quality of a nap and a shower. Once you are settled, it is the first thing you will want to do.
76. Get to know your neighbors!
77. Go grocery shopping.
    You’ve eaten your fill of take out at this point. Keeping food around will also prevent you from unnecessary spending.
78. Cover your windows with curtains, sheets or shades for your first night.
79. Thank your real estate agent or broker.
    You moved into your dream home because of them. A simple thanks goes a long way.
    

Download the full moving checklist!

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One week, post-move checklist:

You are moved in now! The moving checklist is nearly checked off, but you’re not finished yet. Now is the time to start transforming your new place into your own. Personalize your new home by unpacking, decorating, and having fun.

80. Leave a detailed review of your experience with your moving company
    
81. Post leftover moving boxes or unwanted furniture on Craigslist.
    Or, give them to someone you know is moving.
82. Clean the carpets in your new home.
    
83. Sweep your chimney before you use it.
84. Make sure your home’s address is visible from the street.
85. Install a new home security system.
86. Explore your new neighborhood.
    Get out there and visit local shops, supermarkets, libraries, cafés, grocery stores, and restaurants!
    
87. Send thank you notes to friends and family who helped you move.
    

Two weeks, post-move checklist:

That’s it! You’ve reached the last two checkpoints on this ultimate moving checklist. You should be settled in. Take a night off now that you feel comfortable and call a babysitter!

88. Set an alarm and get up early on moving day.
    
89. Make sure your movers protect floors and carpets during the move.
    When you move with the pros, we make sure your previous and new home are well-protected.

Download the full moving checklist!

Download now