Your Complete Moving Day Checklist
You’ve navigated the home buying process, closed on your new home, and now comes one of the most logistically challenging parts: actually moving. A well-organized moving day plan reduces stress, prevents forgotten tasks, and helps you settle into your new home quickly.
Eight Weeks Before Moving Day
Research and book movers. Get quotes from at least three moving companies. Verify licenses, insurance, and reviews. For DIY moves, reserve a truck early—especially during peak summer months. Create a moving budget. Account for movers or truck rental, packing supplies, insurance, cleaning costs, and utility setup fees. Start decluttering. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Less stuff means lower moving costs and less unpacking.
Six Weeks Before
Gather packing supplies. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and packing paper. Many grocery and liquor stores give away boxes for free. Begin packing non-essentials. Start with seasonal items, books, decor, and anything you won’t need in the next six weeks. Label every box with its contents and destination room. Notify important parties. Update your address with the post office, employers, banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, and government agencies.
Four Weeks Before
Transfer or set up utilities. Schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at your new address for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. Aim for service at the new home to start one to two days before moving day. Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration if moving to a new state. Arrange school transfers for children, including records and enrollment at new schools.
Two Weeks Before
Confirm moving arrangements. Verify dates, times, and addresses with your moving company. Pack an essentials box. This goes with you (not on the truck) and includes toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, important documents, basic tools, snacks, and water. Prepare appliances. Defrost the freezer, disconnect the washer/dryer, and prepare any appliances that are moving with you.
Moving Day
Do a final walkthrough of your old home—check every closet, cabinet, drawer, and storage area. Protect your new home by laying down floor coverings in high-traffic areas before movers bring boxes in. Direct traffic by being present to tell movers which boxes go to which rooms—clear labeling pays off here. Document everything. Take photos of your old home’s condition (for security deposit or sale purposes) and note any damage during the move for insurance claims.
First Week in Your New Home
Change the locks. You don’t know who has copies of the existing keys. This is a simple security step that costs $100 to $200 per lock. Test all systems. Run every faucet, flush every toilet, test every outlet, and verify that heating and cooling work properly. Locate the breaker box, water shut-off, and gas shut-off. Knowing these locations is essential for emergencies. Start your home maintenance routine from day one to protect your investment.
Make Your Move Easier with Professional Connections
Your real estate agent is a great resource for mover recommendations, utility setup guidance, and local service provider referrals. Agents from NearbyRealtors don’t just help you buy—they support you through the entire transition to your new home.