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Free Checklist
Moving Countdown Checklist
8 weeks to move-in — stay organized every step of the way.
8 Weeks Out
- Hire a moving company or reserve a rental truck
- Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or discard what you won't move
- Start collecting boxes and packing supplies
- Notify your employer of your new address
- Research schools if you have children
- Begin packing non-essential items (off-season clothes, books, decor)
6 Weeks Out
- Submit change of address with USPS
- Notify bank, credit cards, and financial institutions
- Update your address with the IRS (Form 8822)
- Transfer or cancel local memberships (gym, clubs)
- Request school records if applicable
- Confirm moving company details and get written confirmation
4 Weeks Out
- Schedule utility disconnection at old home
- Schedule utility connection at new home (electric, gas, water, internet)
- Notify doctors, dentists, and specialists; request record transfers
- Pack room by room — label every box clearly with contents and destination room
- Arrange care for children and pets on moving day
- Confirm your moving day timeline
2 Weeks Out
- Confirm all utility transfers are scheduled
- Pack a "first night" box: essentials you'll need immediately (toiletries, phone chargers, change of clothes, coffee maker)
- Defrost and clean the refrigerator
- Dispose of hazardous materials (paint, chemicals) — movers won't take them
- Confirm parking and elevator access at new home if needed
- Notify friends and family of your new address
1 Week Out
- Finish packing all non-essential items
- Clean out and pack the garage
- Confirm moving company arrival time
- Charge all devices
- Prepare cash or payment for movers
- Do a final walkthrough of your current home to check for forgotten items
Moving Day
- Do a room-by-room walkthrough before movers arrive
- Take photos of all rooms for your records
- Supervise loading — check items off your inventory list
- Do a final check of all closets, cabinets, attic, and garage
- Turn off all lights, lock all windows and doors
- Hand over keys to new owner or landlord
Move-In Day
- Direct movers to correct rooms using your box labels
- Check all items off your inventory list as they're unloaded
- Inspect for any damage before movers leave
- Change all locks
- Locate main water shutoff and electrical panel
- Set up your "first night" essentials before unpacking everything else