Complete Moving Checklist

Decide why you're moving and clarify your goals

High

Set a total moving budget

High

Research target cities / neighborhoods

High

Visit top neighborhoods in person if possible

Medium

Choose move type: DIY, partial, or full-service movers

High

Determine your move-out and move-in dates

High

Decide: rent vs. buy at new location

High

Research rental/real estate market at destination

High

Check your credit score (needed for lease/mortgage)

High

Get mortgage pre-approval if buying

High

Start touring homes or apartments (in-person or virtual)

High

Review current lease for break fees and notice period

High

Give notice to current landlord (check required lead time)

High

Get 3+ quotes from moving companies

High

Book movers or reserve rental truck

High

Book travel (flights, hotel) if long-distance

Medium

Arrange car transport if needed

Medium

Start decluttering — sell, donate, or discard

Medium

Begin collecting free or cheap packing boxes

Low

Set up mail forwarding with USPS

High

Notify employer of new address for payroll/tax

High

Notify bank(s) and credit card companies

High

Transfer or enroll children in new school district

High

Research new healthcare providers at destination

Medium

Request medical/dental records for transfer

Medium

Locate nearest hospital, urgent care, pharmacy

Medium

Contact renters/homeowners insurance — update or cancel

High

Update auto insurance to new state/region

High

Check if movers offer valuation coverage

Medium

Buy packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)

High

Start packing non-essentials (seasonal items, books, decor)

High

Label all boxes by room and contents

High

Create a home inventory list for insurance

Medium

Photograph valuables before packing

Medium

Pack an 'essentials box' for move-in day

High

Set up utilities at new home (electric, gas, water)

High

Schedule internet/cable install at new address

High

Cancel or transfer utilities at current home

High

Confirm moving company details and get written contract

High

Arrange parking permits for moving truck if needed

Medium

Defrost and clean refrigerator 24–48 hours before move

Medium

Disassemble large furniture

Medium

Confirm move-in access (keys, elevator reservation)

High

Pack final items and clean old home

High

Do final walkthrough of old home

High

Hand over keys and get deposit receipt

High

Be present when movers load/unload — check inventory

High

Inspect new home before movers bring items in

High

Update driver's license and vehicle registration (new state)

High

Register to vote at new address

Medium

Update address with Social Security Administration

High

File change of address with IRS

High

Update address on all subscriptions and memberships

Medium

Set up new home (assemble furniture, hang pictures)

Low

Meet your neighbors

Low

Explore the new neighborhood

Low

Confirm all old utility accounts are closed

High

Follow up on security deposit return from old landlord

Medium

File claims with movers for damaged items (within 9 months)

High

Update address with doctors, dentists, specialists

Medium

Find new doctors, dentists, and veterinarians if needed

Medium

Update address on voter registration

Medium

Update address with loyalty programs and online retailers

Low