Research & Planning

• Get moving quotes – Contact at least 3 moving companies or rental truck companies. Prices vary wildly, and you want options.
• Calculate your moving budget – Use our moving cost calculator to estimate costs between cities. Don't forget to add 20% buffer for unexpected expenses (they always happen).
• Research your new area – If you're moving to a new city, check out our cost of living comparisons to budget for your new life.
• Decide: DIY or hire movers? – For local moves under 50 miles, DIY might save money. For long-distance moves, professional movers often make more sense.

Start Decluttering

• Take inventory – Walk through each room and make notes. You'll be shocked how much stuff you've accumulated.
• Start the purge – Begin with easy areas like the garage, storage closets, or that junk drawer everyone has. The less you move, the less you pay.
• Sell valuable items – List furniture and electronics on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. This can fund your moving costs!
• Donate regularly – Set up weekly donation runs. It's easier than one massive trip at the end.

Official Business

• Book your movers or rental truck – Don't wait on this. Summer weekends and month-ends book up fast.
• Notify your landlord – Give proper notice (usually 30-60 days). Check your lease!
• Request time off work – You'll need at least moving day, plus ideally 1-2 days after for unpacking essentials.
• Register kids at new schools – If you have school-age kids, start this process ASAP. Paperwork takes time.

Gather Supplies

Start collecting boxes and supplies now. You'll need more than you think.

• Boxes in various sizes – Small for books, medium for most stuff, large for light/bulky items
• Packing tape – Buy way more than seems reasonable. You'll use it all.
  Our Recommendation: Heavy-Duty Packing Tape on Amazon
• Bubble wrap and packing paper – For dishes, glassware, and fragile items
  Our Recommendation: Amazon Basics Bubble Wrap
• Markers – Permanent markers for labeling. Get multiple colors if you want to color-code by room.
  Amazon Basics version fo a Sharpie
• Box cutter – For unpacking later
  We like this one (safety first!)

Start Packing Non-Essentials

• Out-of-season clothes – Winter coats in summer? Pack 'em.
• Books and decorations – You can live without that decorative bowl for a month.
• Guest room items – Spare sheets, extra towels, guest room furniture
• Holiday decorations – Unless Christmas is next week, pack those ornaments

Address Changes & Cancellations

• Change your address with USPS – Do this online, takes 5 minutes. Mail forwarding starts on your move date.
• Update your address – Bank, credit cards, insurance, DMV, IRS, employer, etc.
• Transfer or cancel utilities – Electric, gas, water, internet, cable. Schedule disconnect/connect dates.
• Update subscriptions – Streaming services, gym membership, meal kits, that wine club you forgot about

Major Packing Push

• Pack room by room – Finish one room completely before starting another. It's more satisfying and less chaotic.
• Create an essentials box – Phone chargers, medications, important documents, toiletries, change of clothes. This box stays with YOU, not on the truck.
• Handle hazardous materials – You can't move paint, propane, cleaning chemicals, etc. Use them up, give away, or properly dispose.
• Defrost freezer – If you're moving your fridge, it needs 24-48 hours to defrost and dry out.

Logistics & Arrangements

• Confirm moving company – Double-check date, time, address. Verify the quote and what's included.
• Arrange childcare/pet care – Moving day is stressful. Having kids and pets underfoot makes it worse. Get help.
• Reserve elevator – If you're in an apartment building, reserve the service elevator ASAP.
• Check parking rules – Do you need permits for a moving truck? Check both old and new locations.

Final Preparations

• Pack everything except daily essentials – You should be living out of suitcases at this point.
• Clean as you empty rooms – It's easier to clean empty rooms than to come back and do it all at once.
• Dispose of trash & recycling – Don't leave this for moving day.
• Eat through perishables – Time to clear out that fridge and pantry. Get creative!
• Withdraw cash – For tipping movers, buying pizza, etc.

Morning Of

• Do final walkthrough – Check every room, closet, cabinet, garage. Easy to leave stuff behind.
• Take meter readings – Photo evidence of utility meters helps avoid disputes.
• Keep essentials accessible – Phone, wallet, keys, snacks, water, important documents
• Have a game plan – Know where you'll be and how to help (or stay out of the way)

At Your New Place

• Check for damage – Walk through before movers unload. Document any pre-existing damage.
• Direct traffic – Tell movers which rooms get which boxes. Clear directions = faster move.
• Do NOT disappear – Be available for questions. This is not the time for a coffee run.
• Test utilities – Make sure water, electricity, and gas are on and working.

Week One

• Unpack essentials first – Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen. In that order.
• Update your driver's license – Most states give you 30-60 days. Don't forget vehicle registration.
• Register to vote – New address = new voter registration
• Find essential services – Doctor, dentist, vet, pharmacy, grocery store, gas station
• Meet the neighbors – Even just a quick introduction. Good neighbors are invaluable.

First Month

• Finish unpacking – Set a deadline. Don't be the person still living out of boxes six months later. (I've been that person. Don't be that person.)
• Update medical records – Transfer prescriptions, get copies of medical files
• Explore your new area – Find your spots: coffee shop, park, restaurant, etc.
• Get involved – Join local groups, attend community events, find your people