Moving Checklist: Before, During & After You Move

Packing up all your belongings and moving to a new home can be stressful. There are so many things to remember that you could get overwhelmed and forget things in the process. This is where a moving checklist comes in handy.

A moving checklist is a great way to keep track of everything you need to do before, during, and after your move. It can help you stay organized and take some of the stress out of your moving day.

We’ve organized our guide to creating a moving checklist into three parts: to-do lists for before, during, and after your move. Breaking it down this way may help you to visualize where you are in the moving process and keep you on track.

Before you move
Moving day
After your move
How to create your custom moving checklist
Moving checklist FAQ
Summary of our guide to moving checklist

Before you move

Knowing what to do before you move is just as important as knowing what to do during your move. Here is more information on what your pre-moving checklist should include.

Create your moving to-do list

The first thing you need to do is make a list of everything you need to do before your move. Here are some items you might include:

• Decluttering, cleaning and junk removal
• Packing (including the purchase of packing supplies)
• Creating an inventory of all your items to move
• Hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck
• Getting a support system in place to help with kids, pets, and moving tasks
• Alerting neighbors of your departure/arrival
• Arranging how you’ll arrive at your destination (i.e., driving, taking a plane, etc.)
• Scheduling utility disconnection and connection
• Completing residential paperwork (like change of address, new ID, etc.)
• Creating a moving day checklist

Create a moving budget

Once you create your master list of things to do, it’s time to attach expenses to each item. Here are common items that many people forget to add to their moving budget:

• Additional food expenses. A move can shake up your regular eating schedule because you may not be able to get groceries, store your food or cook while you are in transition. This could mean you’ll need more shelf-stable food and have to dine out more. If you’re traveling by plane or car, you should have a budget for more eating out as well.
• Parking and tolls. If you’re renting a truck or driving your vehicle, these costs could come into play.
• Transporting your vehicle. This can be one of your largest moving expenses and can add hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, to your moving bill. It’s a good idea to check on the rate for this service and lock it in as soon as possible.
• Pet boarding and transport. Getting your pet to your final destination can also be costly. This is another expense your should pin down right away so you’re not surprised by a substantial bill at the last minute.
• Utility connection/disconnection fees. Some utility companies may require a deposit or a fee to start your services. And some even impose cancellation charges for turning off the utilities at your old house. Knowing about these charges ahead of time can help you plan accordingly.
• Moving insurance. Moving insurance protects your belongings in case of theft, loss or damage.
• Cost overruns. Incidental costs can add up and bust your budget. For this reason, we suggest that you add 15%-20% to your final moving budget. Setting aside additional money in a contingency fund can help you if you need more money.

Reserve your moving date and time with the moving company

If you plan to use a professional moving company, reserve your services as soon as possible. This will help ensure you get the date and time you want for your move. If you plan to use a moving broker, get a clear understanding of the relationship between the moving company and the broker. Find which team will service your account should anything go wrong.

Moving costs

Your moving costs will be based on a few different factors, such as:

• The size of your home
• How much stuff you’re moving
• The distance of your move
• The time of year you move
• The cost of services in both your old and new communities

To get the most accurate moving estimate, we recommend providing as much detail about your move as possible. Working with a moving company or broker that can provide an in-home assessment is ideal. To get a competitive price for moving services, we recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies.

As you gather quotes, make sure you understand what services are included in the price and what, if any, additional charges could come up. For example, some companies charge for hauling items in elevators and up or down stairs. You may also request additional services such as packing and unpacking, and storage, but they will typically cost extra.

Finally, we recommend working with a moving company that provides binding estimates. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates moving companies, a binding estimate is “a written agreement made in advance with your mover, indicating you and the mover are bound by the charges. It guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on your mover’s estimate.” This way, there will be a cap on how much the moving company can increase your estimate when your move is complete.

Decide which moving service is best for you

When it comes to booking moving services, you can choose the level of service that works for you. You can simply rent a truck for a DIY move, or you can have the moving company handle everything from packing to loading and to unpacking.

Full-service moving

Full-service moves can mean different things for different companies but typically include services such as:

• Packing/unpacking
• Transporting items by truck
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Additional equipment like dollies, furniture pads and packing supplies
• Cleaning
• Storage

Some moving companies offer these additional services in packages, or you may be able to add them a la carte. Either way, ensure you get an itemized quote to know exactly what your full-service move includes.

Packing yourself

If you want to save some money on your move, you can pack yourself. It will take more time and effort on your part, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a great way to cut costs.

Here are some tips to make packing more efficient:

• Start with items that you don’t use often or that are out of season. This could include things like winter clothes or holiday decorations.
• Pack one room at a time so you can stay organized and focused.
• Label each box with the contents and the destination room. This will make unpacking much easier later on.
• Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lighter items.

Moving only

If you plan on hiring a moving company but don’t want a full-service move, you should have a plan to cover the moving tasks they won’t handle. Whether you enlist family members or hire help to execute the rest of your move, you should still plan and organize the other aspects of your move. This will add more to your plate, but the cost savings you realize with this approach may be worth it for you.

Choose the correct packaging

Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting packing materials:

• Get good quality boxes or large Tupperware-style containers.
• Choose the right size box for your items. Don’t overfill boxes; they might break
• Wrap fragile items securely with bubble wrap or packing paper
• Use old blankets to protect large electronics and furniture

Boxes

Your boxes should be sturdy enough to hold your belongings without breaking. You can often find free boxes from nearby stores or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook. Just make sure they’re in good condition and the size you need.

Moving supplies

You’ll need more than just boxes to pack up your home. Here are some other moving supplies you may need:

• Tape. Use packing or duct tape to seal up your boxes.
• Bubble wrap or packing paper. These can be used to protect fragile items.
• Furniture pads or blankets. These will help prevent furniture from scratches and damage.
• Stretch wrap. This can be used to keep doorways and stairways clear and secure loose items.
• Labels or markers. You’ll need these to label your boxes so you know where everything goes when you reach your destination.
• Dollies. These can help you move heavy furniture or appliances.

Plastic bags

Plastic bags can be useful if you run out of boxes or other containers. In a pinch, they can fit into small spaces and give you some flexibility.

Make an inventory of everything to be moved

Making an inventory of everything you’re moving will help you keep track of your belongings so that nothing gets left behind – and so that you can be certain that absolutely everything has been delivered. You can make a list or use a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. Include a description of each item, as well as the quantity. If you have time, you might take pictures of these items for insurance purposes.

A thorough inventory is also helpful when you’re filling out paperwork for your moving company. They use this list to provide you with an accurate quote. Here are common categories to use to organize your list:

Furniture

Include the size, number and color of the furniture items you are moving. Note whether it requires disassembly and/or reassembly.

Bedroom

List your bedroom items. Include beds, dressers, nightstands, end tables, lamps, mirrors, etc.

Kitchen

Record what items you’re moving from your kitchen. This area usually includes appliances like refrigerators and ovens, dishes and cookware, silverware, and pantry items.

Electronics and entertainment

Include all electronics that you’ll pack and move. Don’t forget charging cords and accessories. Other items could include computers and laptops, televisions, stereo equipment, gaming consoles, etc.

Bathroom

Bathrooms usually hold many small items that can be hard to list. It’s best to clear small items out of these areas and place them into boxes so you don’t forget anything like toiletries, towels, linens, rugs, and shower curtains.

General home

There will always be miscellaneous items that don’t fit into any category. Don’t forget to take stock of your books, knick-knacks, souvenirs, pictures and photo albums.

Outdoor items

If you have any outdoor furniture or decorations, you’ll need to include these in your inventory as well. Grills, patio furniture and gardening tools should be on your inventory list if you plan to pack and move them.

Sort out and sell or donate items that you don’t want

One of the best ways to save money on your move is to declutter your home before you start packing. You can sell these items online, have a garage sale or donate them to a local charity. This will not only save you money, but it will also lighten the load when it comes time to move.

Remember to change your mailing address

Be sure to change your mailing address with the post office so you can continue to receive mail at your new home. You can do this online or by visiting your local post office.

You should also notify companies or organizations that send mail to you regularly, so you don’t miss bills, magazines or other subscriptions. (If you use food delivery apps, change your address immediately. You don’t want your food to go to your old address while settling into your new home!) Finally, update your contact information with friends and family so they know how to reach you after you move.

Moving day

Do a once-over of all your inventory

Now that everything is packed up, it’s time for a final check, so nothing’s left behind. Once you’re confident that everything is accounted for it’s time to load up the truck and get going.

Check official paperwork from the movers

If you’re hiring professional movers, they’ll usually do a walk-through with you before they start loading the truck. This walk-through may be the last assessment before your moving bill is finalized. Be sure to ask any questions you have during the walk-through so there are no surprises (i.e., demands for extra money) once the truck is loaded.

Make sure you carry important items with you

Consider packing a bag for essentials and valuables you want to keep close at hand:

• Toiletries
• Jewelry
• Valuables
• Medication
• Documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
• Cash
• Keys

Let the movers know about fragile and dangerous items

Some items require special care when moving. Let your moving crew know about fragile or dangerous items so they can take the necessary precautions with these things. You should also inform them of particularly valuable items so they can take extra care of them.

Tip your movers

It’s customary to tip movers for their services. How much you tip is up to you, but a general rule of thumb is $20-$40 per mover. Tipping is not required, but it is a nice way to show your appreciation for their hard work.

In addition to tipping your movers, you should consider leaving the moving company a review on a platform like Google Business, Yelp or Trustpilot. This allows you to note a good experience with the moving company and provide feedback that could improve their operations. If you had an exceptionally bad experience, consider filing a complaint against the moving company to recoup any losses or damages.

After your move

You might think the hardest part of your move is over, but you still have some work to do. Here’s what you should focus on when you reach your new pad.

Unpack room by room

First, unpack the essentials so you have the items you need to get by daily. This includes items like clothing, toiletries and bedding. You can also set up any essential furniture, such as beds and couches. Then focus on unpacking one room at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Make sure nothing is missing

Although you can take your time unpacking, we recommend finishing it as soon as possible in case you need to file a claim with the moving company for missing or damaged items. This can become more difficult after a lot of time has passed.

If you notice any missing or damaged items, contact the moving company as soon as possible so they can start the claims process. It’s also good to check all your appliances and electronics to ensure they’re in working order. Contact the moving company to start a claim if anything isn’t working properly.

Change the locks

If you’re moving into a new home, changing the locks is always a good idea. This will give you peace of mind knowing that only you and your family can access your home. You can get locksets at a local hardware store or hire a locksmith to handle this for you.

Change your address with the IRS

You can typically do this online or over the phone. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to change your address, so you don’t miss any important IRS mailings. The IRS website says that it can take up to six weeks to fully process your change of address.

How to create your custom moving checklist

Now that you know what to do before, during and after your move, it’s time to combine them all into a complete, custom moving checklist. This will help ensure you don’t forget any important tasks and that your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Start by listing all the tasks you need to complete before, during and after your move. Include everything from packing up your belongings to unpacking at your new home.

Then organize your list into categories for before, during and after your move. Finally, add any important details or deadlines to each task on your list, so you don’t forget anything or miss any deadlines.

Summary of our guide to moving checklist

Now that you know what to do before, during and after your move, you’re ready to tackle this big life event. Just remember to stay organized and take things one step at a time. Ultimately,  your move might go much better than you could’ve ever imagined.