The moving checklist: eight weeks to a stress-free move

8 weeks before your move

• Request free estimates from licensed movers and schedule your in-home or virtual survey. (How to choose a mover)
• Decide what's moving and what isn't. Start a donate / sell / discard pile in every room.
• Start a moving folder for estimates, receipts and important documents.
• If you're moving for work, confirm what your employer's relocation policy covers.
• For long-distance moves, research schools, doctors and vehicle registration at your destination.

6 weeks before

• Book your mover and confirm the move plan, packing dates and valuation choice in writing.
• Order moving supplies if you're packing yourself.
• Begin packing items you rarely use: seasonal decor, books, guest-room contents, garage and attic.
• Measure furniture and doorways at the new home. Sell or donate anything that won't fit.
• Use up frozen and pantry food; stop buying in bulk.

4 weeks before

• File your change of address with the post office and update banks, insurers, subscriptions and employers.
• Schedule utility disconnects at the old home and connections at the new one (electric, gas, water, internet, trash).
• Transfer prescriptions and request medical, dental and school records.
• Arrange vehicle transport if you're not driving. (Specialty moving)
• Pack a little every day. Label every box with the room and a short contents list.

2 weeks before

• Confirm dates, arrival windows and parking with your Personal Relocation Consultant.
• Reserve elevators and loading zones if you live in a building.
• Drain fuel from lawn equipment; dispose of paint, propane, aerosols and other hazardous items that can't be shipped.
• Back up computers and photograph the backs of electronics before unplugging.
• Arrange child care and pet care for moving day. (Moving with kids & pets)

Moving week

• Finish packing everything except daily essentials.
• Pack an "open first" box: sheets, towels, toiletries, chargers, basic tools, coffee maker, paper plates.
• Pack a suitcase for each family member with a few days of clothes and medications.
• Defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before load day.
• Set aside items traveling with you — documents, jewelry, cash, keys — and mark them DO NOT PACK.
• Get cash or plan for tolls, meals and tips for the crew if you choose to.

Moving day

• Be home (or have a trusted adult present) to walk the crew through the house and answer questions.
• Review the inventory with the driver and keep your copy of every document.
• Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, cabinet, attic and garage before the truck leaves.
• Confirm the delivery address and your phone number with the driver.

Delivery day and after

• Be at the new home before the truck; direct furniture placement room by room.
• Check off items on the inventory as they come off the truck and note any damage on the paperwork.
• Unpack the "open first" box, make the beds and get the kitchen working.
• Update your driver's license, vehicle registration and voter registration.
• Schedule box pick-up once you're unpacked.