Don’t forget important tasks before move day with this countdown to move day checklist. Not everyone has 2 plus months to plan their move, but the sooner you can start the better. Click on the link below for the printable version of this moving checklist and check off each task as you go.
Click HERE for the printable version of this free moving checklist.
The Moving Site Ultimate Moving Checklist
2+ Months Until Moving Day
- Decide on which method that you will use to move. Many factors including your budget and your time constraints may dictate which moving option you choose. If you need help deciding check out the Moving Options page.
- Have a place to keep your moving information. Have a folder or binder for quote info, insurance info, appointments, room dimensions and other measurements, receipts, and records. You can also make a digital folder on your phone or other device.
Tip! Let the movers know if you have any specialty items ahead of time. Moving these items will often incur extra fees and you don’t want any surprises on move day. Check out our Moving Specialty Items page for more information.
- Start researching some companies. It’s a good idea to pick at least 3 to 5 companies to contact and compare. Moving company recommendations from friends and family are a great place to start or go online and start looking.
- Get estimates on services. Depending on the services that you select, the companies may do an in home survey of your items, some will do a video walkthrough, and some will ask you questions about your items over the phone.
Helpful Links: Understanding Moving Estimates – Questions to Ask Moving Companies – How to Compare Moving Companies
- Verify licensing and Insurance Information. Reputable companies should have no problem providing this informations. Inquire about their liability insurance coverage and any extra insurance coverages that they may offer.
Helpful Links: How to Check if a Moving Company is Legitimate – Moving Insurance
- Book your moving services. Review all documents before you sign anything. Confirm and document important moving dates and times and don’t forget to stick all the information into your moving binder or folder.
- Long distance moving? Book travel arrangements, car rentals, airline travel, and hotel reservations early for the best prices and availability.
Tip! Keep records of anything that may be tax deductible or that may be covered by your employer if you’re being relocated for work.
- Start downsizing, donating, and dumping. Host a yard sale or use an online marketplace to sell items. What you can’t sell you can donate. You can lookup a donation center near you or donation pickup. You can give things to friends or family. Anything you can’t donate throw away.
- Purchase moving and packing supplies. Make a list of the supplies you will need or use our moving and packing supply checklist to help you. For more on moving and packing supplies visit the helpful link below.
Helpful Links: Moving and Packing Supplies
1 Month Until Moving Day
- If you are doing your own packing, start. Start with barely used items like decor, holiday stuff, books, and out of season items. Continue packing non essential items room by room until all that is left are the things that you are going to need. Check out the link below for more about how to pack for a move.
- Take pictures of serial numbers and condition of any high value items in case of an insurance claim.
Helpful Links: How to Pack for a Move – How to Pack Frequently Asked Questions
Tip! Moving long distance? Pack some air tags or luggage trackers in your boxes to keep track of your belongings during transit.
- Eat the food. Start eating down the food in your pantry and freezer. You can donate any unwanted canned goods to your local food closet or Salvation Army.
- Notify everyone of the move, set up transfers, and set up of utilities. Check out The Moving Site’s Ultimate Change of Address Checklist below to keep track of everyone you need to notify.
Helpful Links: Change of Address Checklist
2 Weeks Until Moving Day
- Take time off work or school. Also, make arrangements for children and pets during the move if needed.
- Service the vehicle. If your car will be traveling or used for the move now would be a good time to think about a tuneup or oil change. Also be sure to check your tires.
- Schedule move out cleaning services if you will be needing them.
- If you are moving in a major metropolitan area and need to park a moving truck on the street there’s a good chance you may need a moving permit.
Helpful Links: Moving Permit Information
1 Week Until Moving Day
- Pack your travel bag for Moving. This is stuff that you’ll want to keep with you during the move. It contains essential items that you won’t want packed away in the moving container either because it’s valuable or you may need it.
- Clean out the fridge. Use up the rest of the food in the refrigerator, clean, and let it defrost for 24 hours before moving.
- Make arrangements for key exchanges. If there is a gate code at your new property make sure you have that as well. Don’t forget about garage door openers.
- Confirm all moving services. Confirm dates and times, confirm addresses, and make sure they have the correct phone number to reach you.
- Get some cash.You may need it to tip the movers and it’s good to have some on hand for emergencies.
Helpful Links: How Much to Tip Movers
Moving Day!
- Last check for important items. Make sure you have your travel bag for moving, your moving binder, purse, valuables, etc. Don’t forget the pet supplies and anything for the children if you have them.
- Don’t forget self care. Eat when you can, rest when you can, and stay hydrated.
- If you didn’t hire a cleaning crew to do the final clean out, you may need to do a final cleaning.
- Final walkthrough. Before the movers leave do a final walkthrough of the property. Check cabinets, closets, drawers, and out of site storage places for anything that may have been left behind.
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