The Ultimate Moving Checklist

The process of moving is usually a long one that happens over the course of several weeks, but it’s never too early to start planning.

If you’ve just sold your home, purchased a new one, or you’re preparing to move into a new rental home, we’ve created a moving checklist that will help you from beginning to end.

From two months out to moving day, there are many little things that you may not have thought about yet. We know from experience that the more prepared you are, the better, so regardless of where you are in the planning process of your move, we hope this post will help!

Download a printable Ultimate Moving Checklist here.

Eight Weeks Until Moving Day

❑ Do your research. Request a quote from a handful of local moving companies and mobile storage container rental companies to weigh your options. Ask friends for recommendations and check online Reviews.
❑ Create a moving binder. This will be the home for all receipts, records, inventory list, and of course a copy of your Moving Checklist!
❑ Create a budget for moving expenses.
❑ Sort and purge! Go through all your belongings and sort items to keep, donate, sell, and throw away.
❑ Donate to a local charity or hold a garage sale. Take items you’re throwing out to a recycler or landfill.
❑ Research your new community.
❑ Check with your employer about moving expense benefits – some may be covered or tax exempt.
❑ Get a floor plan of your new home. Take detailed measurements.
❑ Make any repairs to your current home that you’ve committed to finishing before your move.

Six Weeks Until Moving Day

❑ Get packing supplies (boxes, tape, stuffing, padding, permanent markers, etc.)
❑ Try to use up stored food to reduce the amount you’ll need to move.
❑ Schedule disconnection of utilities (phone, internet, cable, water, gas, and electric).
❑ If you have kids, inform their school of the move and get copies of school records.
❑ Contact your insurance agent to see about any changes to your policies.
❑ Contact health clubs or organizations to cancel or transfer memberships.
❑ Compile records (medical, dental, prescription, legal, and financial) and ask for referrals.
❑ Return rented or borrowed items to their owners.
❑ Inventory all valuable items. Keep your list in your moving binder.
❑ Remove items in a storage shed or attic.
❑ List everyone you need to notify about your move (creditors, subscriptions, family, professional contacts, friends, etc.)
❑ Determine how long will it take you to pack/load for your move. Would the flexibility of a few days or weeks be helpful? Consider the need for storage in between homes.

One Month Until Moving Day

❑ Choose your method of moving and confirm timelines and arrangements for your moving company.
❑ Start packing belongings into boxes. Begin with items you use infrequently. Note valuable items that may need insurance from the moving company.
❑ Label boxes. Clearly write on the box which room it is destined for and its contents.
❑ Separate valuables to be moved personally and label the boxes “DO NOT MOVE”.
❑ Visit your local post office and complete a Change of Address form.
❑ Make any special moving arrangements for pets.
❑ Have your car serviced.
❑ Create a box for tools or parts you may need on moving day.
❑ Create a list of serial numbers for electronics or other valuable items.

2 Weeks Until Moving Day

❑ Continue packing and cleaning as you go.
❑ Arrange to be off work on your moving day if necessary.
❑ Clean out any safe-deposit boxes.
❑ If you hired a full service moving company, contact and re-confirm arrangements in case of double bookings.
❑ Plan your meals for the last two weeks and use up leftover food in the fridge.
❑ Assemble a folder of important info for the next homeowner.
❑ Arrange someone to watch any small children on moving day.
❑ Pack suitcases with personal items.
❑ Refill prescriptions.
❑ Note any current damages to your furniture. Keep in your moving binder.
❑ If travelling far, notify your credit card company of the relocation.
❑ Get rid of flammables (paint, propane, gasoline, etc.) and drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, heaters, etc.

A Few Days Until Moving Day

❑ Make an action plan for moving day.
❑ Set aside boxes you’ll be moving yourself.
❑ Clean rugs and carpets.
❑ Measure doorways and furniture.
❑ Disassemble furniture if possible.
❑ Defrost freezer and clean fridge.
❑ Pack essentials box to keep with you for the move.
❑ Prepare specific directions to new home if you hired a moving company.

MOVING DAY!

❑ Place carpet, floor, and door frame protectors throughout home.
❑ Take inventory before the movers leave. Keep a copy of the bill of lading and inventory list with you.
❑ Personally supervise any hired labour.
❑ Do a walkthrough. Check every room and closet one more time.
❑ Leave a forwarding address for the new owner for any stray mail.
❑ Lock windows and doors, turn off lights, turn the air conditioner off, or lower the heat.
❑ Wave goodbye!

After your Move

❑ Use your damage list to confirm your furniture wasn’t broken in the move if you didn’t do the packing and loading yourself.
❑ Confirm that mail is arriving at your new home.
❑ Make sure previous utilities have been paid for and cancelled.
❑ Schedule time to update your vehicle registration and driver’s license.
❑ Keep all documents in your moving binder and keep it in an easy-to-remember place.
❑ Enjoy your new home!

We’re here to help make moving feel better! If you think a DIY moving option like BigSteelBox would work best for you, contact us today at 1-800-373-1187 or online and we’ll be happy to create a free quote for you. If you’re concerned about the implications of COVID-19 on your move, you can learn more here about how we’re making moving safer.