Moving checklist

1. 8 weeks before

   • Set a moving budget and decide: movers, a rental truck, or a container.
   • Ask three movers for written estimates, and check each one’s USDOT number. Find movers by city →
   • Start one folder (paper or phone) for quotes, receipts, leases and contracts.
   • Get the new place’s floor plan, or measure the big rooms and doorways.

2. 6 weeks before

   • Book your mover or truck in writing, with the date and price.
   • Go room by room: mark everything keep, sell, donate or toss. What to sell before moving →
   • Collect boxes, tape, markers and padding.
   • Request school, medical and vet records you’ll need at the new place.

3. 4 weeks before

   • Start your moving sale: list the big things first, they take longest to sell. Start a sale on PieceOut →
   • File a change of address with USPS. usps.com ↗
   • Schedule utilities and internet: stop at the old place, start at the new one.
   • Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance and subscriptions.
   • Reserve elevators, loading docks or street parking for moving day, if your buildings need it.

4. 2 weeks before

   • Pack the rooms and closets you rarely use.
   • Confirm the date, time and address with your mover.
   • Line up pickups for the things you’ve sold. Group them on the same days.
   • Plan meals that use up the freezer and pantry.
   • Arrange care for kids and pets on moving day.
   • Refill prescriptions.

5. 1 week before

   • Pack everything except daily essentials. Label each box with its room.
   • Pack a first-night box: chargers, toiletries, sheets, a change of clothes, tools.
   • Book a donation pickup or drop-off for what didn’t sell.
   • Set aside documents, jewelry and medicine to carry yourself.

6. 2 days before

   • Empty, defrost and dry the fridge and freezer if they’re moving.
   • Photograph each room of the old place, for your deposit.
   • Finish the last pickups. Anything left on PieceOut can go free on the last day.
   • Get cash for tips and small costs.

7. Moving day

   • Walk through with the crew and point out anything fragile.
   • Read the inventory and bill of lading before you sign, and keep a copy.
   • Take final meter readings and photos, then lock up and hand back keys.

8. After you move

   • Check for damage as you unpack, and report it to the mover in writing quickly.
   • Moved states? Update your driver’s license, car registration and voter registration. Deadlines vary by state.
   • Follow up on your old security deposit.

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