Your Complete Moving Guide
Free checklists, packing tips, and expert advice to make your move as smooth as possible.
Moving Checklist Timeline
Stay organized with our comprehensive week-by-week moving checklist.
- Research and get quotes from moving companies
- Create a moving budget
- Start decluttering - donate, sell, or discard unwanted items
- Begin collecting packing supplies
- Notify landlord if renting
- Research schools if moving with children
- Book your moving company
- Arrange for time off work
- Start packing non-essential items
- Notify important contacts of address change
- Begin using up frozen and perishable foods
- Arrange pet and plant transport
- Forward mail through USPS
- Transfer or cancel utilities
- Change address with banks, subscriptions, etc.
- Schedule disconnect/connect for internet and cable
- Continue packing room by room
- Confirm moving date with moving company
- Confirm all travel arrangements
- Prepare an essentials box
- Clean out refrigerator and freezer
- Drain fuel from outdoor equipment
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly
- Take photos of electronics setup
- Finish packing everything except essentials
- Confirm arrival time with movers
- Pack suitcases for moving day
- Prepare payment for moving company
- Do final walkthrough of current home
- Defrost freezer
- Be present when movers arrive
- Do final walkthrough before leaving
- Check all closets, cabinets, and drawers
- Lock all doors and windows
- Hand over keys to new owner/landlord
- Supervise unloading at new home
Packing Tips & Tricks
Expert packing advice to protect your belongings and make unpacking easier.
Start Early
Begin packing at least 6-8 weeks before your move. Start with items you use least often.
Label Everything
Label boxes on multiple sides with contents and destination room. Use color coding for quick identification.
Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Books and heavy items go in small boxes to keep them manageable. Light items can fill larger boxes.
Protect Fragile Items
Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and blankets. Fill empty spaces with paper to prevent shifting.
Take Photos
Photograph electronics setups before disconnecting. Document valuable items for insurance.
Pack an Essentials Box
Keep toiletries, medications, chargers, snacks, and important documents easily accessible.
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
- Wrap dishes individually in packing paper
- Pack plates vertically like records
- Use original boxes for small appliances if available
- Empty and clean refrigerator 24 hours before
- Keep knives in a knife block or wrap carefully
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Vacuum-seal off-season clothing
- Roll clothes to save space
- Keep bed linens in labeled bags
- Take apart bed frames and bag hardware
- Place toiletries in zip-lock bags to prevent leaks
- Use plastic wrap under lids of liquids
- Keep medications accessible
- Pack towels last - use them as padding
- Dispose of expired items before packing
- Photograph electronics before unplugging
- Use original boxes for TVs if possible
- Wrap lamps separately and pack shades on top
- Remove batteries from remotes
- Wrap artwork in bubble wrap and mark fragile
Moving Day Guide
What to expect and how to make the big day go smoothly.
- Eat breakfast and stay hydrated
- Have your essentials bag ready
- Ensure clear pathways for movers
- Protect floors if needed
- Have payment ready
- Charge your phone
- Review the inventory list
- Point out fragile or valuable items
- Show them where to park
- Discuss the order of loading
- Exchange phone numbers
- Walk through the house together
- Stay available for questions
- Keep children and pets safe
- Offer water to the crew
- Check rooms as they are emptied
- Keep valuables with you
- Document any concerns immediately
- Arrive before the moving truck
- Direct furniture placement
- Check items as they come off
- Note any damage immediately
- Tip the crew if satisfied
- Verify inventory is complete
For safety and legal reasons, these items should not be packed for moving
Free Downloadable Resources
Print-friendly guides and checklists to keep you organized.
Complete Moving Checklist
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
Moving Day Timeline
Change of Address Worksheet
Ready to Start Your Move?
Let our professionals handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home.