Long Distance Moving Checklist: Complete 8-Week Planning Guide

Long-distance moves (anything over 400 miles) are exponentially more complex than local moves. More planning, more money, more things that can go wrong.

This is your complete 8-week long-distance moving checklist: everything you need to do from the moment you decide to move until you're settled in your new home across the country.

What Makes Long-Distance Moves Different

Local Move vs. Long-Distance Move

Unique Long-Distance Challenges

• Can't easily visit new place beforehand
• Items in transit for days or weeks
• Higher risk of damage/loss
• Need temporary housing between move-out and move-in
• Coordinating logistics across multiple states
• Updating addresses, licenses, registrations in new state
• Higher upfront costs (deposits, travel, hotels)

The Complete 8-Week Timeline

8 Weeks Before Move

Research & Planning

• Set firm move date (coordinate with lease, job start date)
• Research new neighborhood/city online
• Calculate moving budget using cost calculator
• Decide: hire movers vs. DIY truck rental
• Get quotes from 3-5 moving companies (if hiring movers)
• Research housing options in new city
• Visit new city if possible (apartment hunting, area familiarization)

Financial Planning

• Create moving budget spreadsheet
• Start saving for upfront costs (deposits, moving costs, travel)
• Check if employer offers relocation assistance
• Research cost of living differences
• Plan for first month expenses (see budget section below)

Housing

• Secure housing in new location (sign lease or finalize purchase)
• Give notice to current landlord (check lease for required notice period)
• Schedule move-out inspection for current place
• Arrange temporary housing if there's a gap between move-out and move-in

6 Weeks Before Move

Book Moving Services

• Book moving company (if using professional movers)
• Reserve truck rental (if DIY move)
• Purchase moving insurance/valuation coverage
• Get written contract/binding estimate
• Confirm pickup and delivery dates

Start Decluttering

• Go room by room - donate, sell, or trash items you don't need
• Hold garage sale or list items on Facebook Marketplace
• Calculate weight reduction (movers charge by weight)
• Donate to charity (get receipt for tax deduction)

Rule of thumb: Every 100 lbs you eliminate saves $50-100 on long-distance moving costs.

Important Documents

• Create folder for all moving-related paperwork
• Gather important documents (birth certificates, passports, tax records)
• Make copies of essential documents
• Scan everything to cloud storage

4 Weeks Before Move

Change of Address & Notifications

• File change of address with USPS (usps.com/move)
• Update address with IRS and state tax departments
• Notify employer of address change
• Update address with banks and credit card companies
• Update address with insurance companies (health, auto, life, renters)
• Notify subscription services (magazines, meal kits, etc.)
• Update address with DMV (after you move)

Medical & School Records

• Request medical records from all doctors
• Request dental records
• Get prescription refills (1-2 month supply)
• Find new doctors in new city
• Request school records/transcripts for kids
• Research schools in new area

Utilities & Services

• Schedule utility disconnect at old place (day after move-out)
• Schedule utility connection at new place (day before move-in)
• Set up internet/cable at new place
• Transfer or cancel current services

Start Packing

• Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
• Pack off-season items and storage
• Pack rarely-used items (holiday décor, books, etc.)
• Start labeling system (see our labeling guide)
• Create inventory list

3 Weeks Before Move

Travel Arrangements

• Book flights (if flying)
• Reserve rental car at new location
• Book hotels for travel days
• Plan driving route (if driving)
• Research pet-friendly hotels (if traveling with pets)

Vehicle Preparation

• Schedule car service/tune-up (if driving cross-country)
• Check if car needs state inspection in new state
• Get auto insurance quote for new state
• Research vehicle registration requirements in new state

Continue Packing

• Pack guest rooms, storage areas
• Pack garage/attic items
• Pack books, décor, non-essentials
• Defrost freezer (if moving refrigerator)

Special Items

• Arrange transport for plants (many movers won't take them)
• Plan pet transport (see pet section below)
• Backup computer data
• Pack valuables to travel with you (jewelry, important documents)

2 Weeks Before Move

Confirm Everything

• Confirm moving company pickup date and time
• Confirm delivery window at new place
• Confirm hotel reservations
• Confirm utility disconnect/connect dates
• Confirm new place move-in date

Financial Tasks

• Close or transfer bank accounts (if changing banks)
• Withdraw cash for moving expenses and tips
• Set aside money for first month in new place
• Pay final bills at current location

Pack Remaining Items

• Pack all remaining rooms except essentials
• Prepare essentials boxes (see below)
• Pack suitcases with clothes for travel
• Set aside items you'll need during final week

Home Preparation

• Arrange for house cleaning (if required by lease)
• Schedule carpet cleaning (if required)
• Take photos/video of current place (for deposit disputes)
• Start using up frozen food

1 Week Before Move

Final Logistics

• Reconfirm all reservations (movers, hotels, truck rental)
• Pack remaining items except absolute essentials
• Empty safe deposit box
• Return borrowed items to friends/neighbors
• Collect items you loaned to others

Essentials Boxes

• Pack "First Night" box for new place
• Pack "Last Night" box for current place
• Set aside items that will travel with you
• Keep these boxes accessible, not in moving truck

Appliances & Furniture

• Defrost refrigerator (48 hours before move)
• Disconnect washer/dryer
• Disassemble furniture that needs disassembly
• Keep furniture hardware in labeled bags

2-3 Days Before Move

• Do final walk-through of house (check closets, attic, garage)
• Pack remaining kitchen items
• Empty, clean, and dry refrigerator
• Dispose of hazardous materials properly (paint, chemicals)
• Fill prescriptions if needed
• Withdraw cash for tips and unexpected expenses

Moving Day

Morning

• Do final walk-through of entire house
• Take photos/video for security deposit
• Supervise movers/loading
• Sign bill of lading and inventory list
• Give movers contact info for delivery location
• Lock up and return keys

Travel Day Preparation

• Keep essentials accessible (documents, medications, chargers)
• Pack snacks and water for travel
• Keep cash handy for tolls and meals
• Download offline maps
• Have emergency roadside assistance number

After Arrival at New Home

First Day

• Do walk-through of new place, note any damage
• Test all utilities
• Change locks (or request landlord to do so)
• Locate utility shutoffs (water, gas, electric)
• Find nearest grocery store, pharmacy, hospital

Delivery Day

• Be present for delivery
• Check inventory list as items are unloaded
• Note any damage immediately
• Tip movers (15-20% of move cost)
• Keep all paperwork

First Week

• Register vehicle in new state (usually 30-90 days)
• Get new driver's license (usually 30-90 days)
• Register to vote in new state
• Find new doctors, dentist, vet
• Transfer kids to new school
• Update employer with new address documentation
• Update voter registration
• Update Amazon and online shopping accounts

Essentials Boxes: What to Pack

First Night Box (Keep With You)

This box should have everything you need for first 24 hours:

• Bedding: Sheets, pillows, blankets for everyone
• Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towels
• Clothes: Change of clothes for everyone, pajamas
• Kitchen basics: Paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels
• Food: Snacks, easy breakfast items
• Tools: Scissors, box cutter, screwdriver, tape
• Cleaning: All-purpose cleaner, trash bags
• Tech: Phone chargers, laptop
• Kids: Favorite toys, comfort items
• Pets: Food, bowls, leash, litter box

Important Documents Box (Keep With You)

• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Passports
• Medical records
• School records
• Financial documents
• Moving contracts and paperwork
• New home lease/purchase documents
• Insurance policies

Long-Distance Moving Budget

Moving Costs

Travel Costs

First Month in New Location

Moving with Pets

Before the Move

• Visit vet for health check and records
• Get health certificate if crossing state lines (required for some states)
• Update pet tags with new address and phone
• Get prescriptions refilled
• Research vets in new area

Travel Day

• Keep pets in quiet room during packing/loading
• Use secure carrier for transport
• Pack pet essentials separately (food, water, medications)
• Never leave pet in hot car
• Plan rest stops for bathroom breaks

Flying with Pets

• Small pets: Can usually fly in cabin ($125-200 each way)
• Large pets: Must fly in cargo ($200-500 each way)
• Alternative: Pet transport service ($300-1,000+)

DIY Long-Distance Move Tips

If You're Renting a Truck

• Reserve truck 6-8 weeks in advance
• Get largest truck you can drive (26-foot for 3BR house)
• Budget $3-5 per mile for gas
• Add insurance (standard coverage is minimal)
• Account for 2-4 days driving time cross-country
• Factor in truck rental one-way fees ($500-1,500)

Loading Strategy for Long Moves

1. Heavy items first: Appliances, dressers, against front wall
2. Mattresses: Stand on side along walls
3. Furniture: Fill in gaps strategically
4. Boxes: Heavy on bottom, light on top
5. Strap everything: Items shift during long drives
6. Fill gaps: Use pillows, blankets to prevent movement

Choosing a Long-Distance Moving Company

Red Flags to Avoid

• No DOT number or company refuses to provide it
• Quote given without seeing inventory (must be in-person or virtual)
• Company demands large deposit upfront (max 20% is standard)
• Company doesn't have physical address
• Quote is much lower than others (lowball then charge more later)
• Poor or no online reviews
• Pressure tactics or rush to sign contract

What to Look For

• Valid DOT number (verify at fmcsa.dot.gov)
• Proper licensing and insurance
• Positive reviews from multiple sources
• Transparent pricing with written binding estimate
• Clear insurance/valuation options explained
• Professional communication
• Willingness to answer all questions

Questions to Ask Moving Companies

1. What is your DOT number?
2. Is this estimate binding or non-binding?
3. What insurance/valuation coverage do you offer?
4. What is your claims process if items are damaged?
5. What is your delivery window?
6. Will my items share a truck with other customers?
7. What forms of payment do you accept?
8. What happens if delivery is delayed?
9. Do you charge extra for stairs, long carry, etc.?
10. Can I track my shipment?

Moving Insurance & Valuation

Standard Liability (Included)

Coverage: $0.60 per pound per item

Example: Your 50 lb TV breaks = $30 reimbursement (NOT $1,000 replacement)

Verdict: Basically useless for valuable items

Full Value Protection (Add-On)

Cost: $100-500 depending on total value

Coverage: Replacement value or repair cost

Verdict: Worth it for long-distance moves with valuable items

Third-Party Insurance

Cost: 1-3% of declared value

Example: $50,000 worth of items = $500-1,500 premium

Verdict: Best coverage, especially for high-value moves

The Bottom Line

Long-distance moves are complex, expensive, and stressful. But with proper planning, they're manageable.

Keys to a successful long-distance move:

1. Start early: 8 weeks minimum planning time
2. Budget realistically: Add 20% buffer for unexpected costs
3. Research thoroughly: Verify moving companies, read reviews
4. Declutter aggressively: Less stuff = lower cost
5. Stay organized: Checklists, labels, inventory lists
6. Protect valuables: Invest in proper insurance
7. Keep essentials accessible: Don't pack everything in the truck
8. Build cash reserves: $5,000-10,000 liquid for first month

Yes, it's a lot of work. Yes, it's expensive. But thousands of people successfully move long-distance every day.

Follow this checklist. Stay organized. You've got this.