Moving is one of life's most stressful events — but a week-by-week checklist turns chaos into a plan. Here's what to do and when, from two months out to moving day.
8 weeks before
- Set a moving budget
- Research movers or a truck rental; book early
- Start decluttering — donate, sell, toss
- Create a folder for quotes and receipts
4 weeks before
- Order packing supplies
- Start packing non-essentials, labeling by room
- Submit a change of address (USPS)
- Notify utilities to transfer or shut off
2 weeks before
- Confirm movers and dates
- Set up utilities at the new place
- Update your address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions
- Use up frozen food and cleaning supplies
1 week before
- Pack an essentials box (toiletries, chargers, documents, a change of clothes)
- Finish packing room by room
- Confirm parking and elevator access for moving day
Moving day
- Do a final walkthrough — check every closet and cabinet
- Keep valuables and documents with you
- Take meter readings and photos of the empty place
After the move
- Unpack essentials first
- Update your driver's license and registration
- Meet the neighbors and find nearby essentials
The easy way to stay on top of it
Keeping the budget, tasks, box inventory, and address changes in one place is the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one. Browse our home & family spreadsheets to plan your move without the chaos.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I start planning a move? About 8 weeks for a local move; longer for a long-distance or international one.
What should I do first when moving? Set a budget, book movers early, and start decluttering — less stuff means less to move.
What goes in a moving essentials box? Toiletries, medications, chargers, important documents, and a change of clothes — things you'll need the first night.