{"id":38605,"date":"2025-03-19T15:51:06","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T19:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drewandjonathan.com\/?p=38605"},"modified":"2025-03-19T15:51:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T19:51:08","slug":"best-moving-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drewandjonathan.com\/how-to\/best-moving-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Moving Checklist to Keep You Organized and On-Track"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a reason people say moving is one of life\u2019s most stressful events. Between the neverending to-do lists, the whirlwind of boxes and bubble wrap, and the agonizing decision of what to keep or toss, it\u2019s enough to make anyone\u2019s head spin. (And don\u2019t even get us started on the basement clean-out<\/a>!) Whether you\u2019re moving across town or across the country, staying organized is the secret to keeping your cool. And that\u2019s where having the best moving checklist on-hand comes in! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From decluttering your home<\/a> to deciding whether to hire a moving company, this moving checklist has it all to help you stay on top of things and avoid any last-minute panic. We\u2019ll walk you through everything step by step\u2014what to tackle one to two months before, a week before, the night before, moving day, and even the week after you make the big move. That way, nothing slips through the cracks. Plus, we\u2019ll answer your most common moving questions, like where to get moving supplies and the best way to pack your things. Ready to tackle your move like a pro? Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 to 2 Months Before Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Sort and Declutter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Less clutter means fewer boxes to pack and unpack (and less junk taking up space in the moving truck).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Research Moving Companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Get quotes from at least three movers\u2014you can search local companies or even ask friends and family for recommendations\u2014and check their reviews. If you’re going the DIY route, start looking into truck rentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Set a Moving Budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to factor in expenses like moving supplies, truck rentals, movers, and storage units, if need be. Don\u2019t forget to budget for unexpected costs, too! It’s always better to have a little bit of a cushion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Create a Moving Binder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep all your estimates, receipts, and paperwork in one place for easy access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Notify Schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have kids, prep for any paperwork that might occur. If they’ll be changing school districts, arrange for their school records to be transferred to the new district. If not, still be sure to notify the school of your new address for their records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Week Before Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Start Packing Essentials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pack a box or suitcase<\/a> with must-haves like toiletries, snacks, chargers, and a change of clothes to get you through the first night. The last thing you’ll want to do the first night you move in is go digging through five different boxes just to find your favorite pair of pajamas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Confirm Moving Details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Double-check and confirm your moving date and time with your movers or truck rental company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Separate Valuables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Set aside important documents, jewelry, and anything valuable that you plan to move yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Update Your Address<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Notify the post office, banks, and any subscriptions about your change of address, marking the exact date your new address will take effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Night Before Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Pack Last-Minute Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finish packing any remaining essentials and clearly label your boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Charge Your Devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your phone and any other devices you’ll need are fully charged for moving day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Verify Moving Arrangements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Confirm the arrival time and specific moving details with the movers. Double-check that everything is packed and ready to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Take Inventory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the movers have moved in your things but before they leave, sign the inventory list and keep a copy for your records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Have Cash on Hand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need it for tipping movers or grabbing a quick bite before you start unpacking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Week After Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Unpack Essentials First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Focus on the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom first. Once these rooms are set up, you’ll be more comfortable unpacking the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2611 Explore Your Neighborhood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Take a walk, meet your neighbors, and get familiar with your new surroundings\u2014take it all in. Welcome to your new neighborhood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Moving Questions + Answers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Where to get moving boxes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can find moving boxes at home improvement stores, online retailers, and even local grocery stores. Many communities also have free box exchanges where people give away their used boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you use a moving company?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re moving locally and don\u2019t have a ton of stuff, renting a truck yourself might be manageable. But for long-distance moves, those with heavy furniture, or multiple rooms full of items, hiring a professional moving company can help save you time and<\/em> stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What supplies are needed when moving?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Exact needs will vary, of course, but these are the must-haves for nearly every move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n