Moving checklist: your ultimate guide to a stress-free move

A calm move is almost always a well-planned one. This checklist breaks the process into manageable phases — from six to eight weeks out through settling in — so nothing piles up at the end.

6–8 weeks out: research and book

• Get quotes from at least three reputable moving companies, and book early.
• Start decluttering — donate, sell, or toss what you won’t move.
• Create a moving binder (or folder) to keep quotes, receipts, and checklists in one place.
• Begin notifying the institutions that need your new address.

4 weeks out: confirm and pack

• Confirm the date and details with your moving company.
• Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day.
• Start packing room by room, labeling every box clearly on the side.

2 weeks out: prep the big stuff

• Disassemble furniture you can take apart ahead of time.
• Pack an essentials box with what you’ll need the first night.
• Defrost the refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move.

1 week out: final confirmations

• Reconfirm timing and the arrival window with your movers.
• Refill prescriptions and set aside medications.
• Pack a valuables box (documents, jewelry, irreplaceables) to keep with you.

Moving day and after

• Do a final walkthrough of the old place before you leave.
• Be on hand to point the crew and answer questions.
• Unpack gradually — one room at a time — and finish updating your address.

The planning is the hard part. The lifting? Leave that to us.