The Only Moving Checklist You Need (Week by Week)

A good move comes down to doing the right things at the right time. Use this week-by-week checklist to stay ahead and keep moving day calm.

6 to 8 weeks out

• Get quotes and book your movers. Popular dates fill up fast.
• Start decluttering. Fewer things means a faster, cheaper move.
• Schedule a junk pickup for anything you won’t take.

4 weeks out

• Collect boxes, tape and markers.
• Start packing rooms you don’t use every day, like the basement and guest room.
• Set up your change of address and update your bank, insurance and subscriptions.

2 weeks out

• Schedule utilities to shut off at the old place and turn on at the new one.
• Confirm your moving date, time and addresses with your movers.
• Use up food in the freezer and pantry.

1 week out

• Pack everything except daily essentials.
• Label every box with the room it goes to.
• Take apart beds and furniture, or let your movers handle it.

Moving day

• Keep your “open first” box, medications and documents with you.
• Walk the crew through what’s going and what’s staying.
• Do a final sweep of closets, cabinets and the garage before you leave.

After the move

• Unpack the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom first.
• Book assembly for anything you don’t want to build yourself.
• Schedule a pickup for leftover boxes and packing materials.