The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Whether you’re headed across the country or across the street, moving can be an exciting adventure. However, we understand better than anyone that it can also be a challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to make the process easier – coming up with a moving checklist for the weeks leading up to moving day is easily one of the most helpful solutions.

To help you save some time, the U-Haul moving experts have created this checklist for moving – use it during your next move to make sure you’re staying on track throughout the entire process.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Designate a Moving Binder or File	Use this for all your moving-related documents so you stay organized throughout the process.
Inventory Your Belongings	Take stock of your things and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Start this process early and log everything in a notebook or on your computer. It’ll come in handy later.
Figure Out Your Transportation	There are many ways to move! Renting a moving truck is one of the most common. There are also portable moving containers and full-service moving companies. Keep in mind that full-service movers are much more expensive than renting a truck or container.
Notify Your Landlord	If you’re moving from a rental, notify your landlord in writing of your intent to leave. In most cases, this is required via your lease agreement. Check your lease to see how much notice is required (30-60 days is common) and what method your landlord prefers.

6 Weeks Before Moving

Create a Budget	Include expenses for packing supplies, moving services, and other related costs. If you’re not sure where to begin, our Moving Supplies Calculator is a great place to start. We also have guides for estimating your truck rental fees and portable storage containers costs to help get you started.
Notify Important Parties	Inform your current and future utility providers, schools, and other important parties about your upcoming move. Many providers allow you to change your address online for better convenience. If not, a phone call or email should suffice!
Start Packing	Begin packing items that are not used often, such as decorations, books, and items in storage. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room. The U-Haul My Belongings Organizer is a great resource for labeling your boxes and staying organized.

4 Weeks Before Moving

Change of Address	Update your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and any relevant institutions. You can submit a change-of-address form with the United States Postal Service – this will ensure your mail is forwarded.
Notify Service Providers	Inform your internet, cable, and other service providers about your move. If you’re able, it’s a good time to schedule transfer of services as well for providers that will need to activate service in person.
Medical Records	Arrange for the transfer of medical records to your new healthcare provider, if you have one picked out. If you don't have a new healthcare provider, you can inform your old healthcare provider of your new address at the minimum.
Hire Movers	If you think you're going to need a little help with the heavy lifting, now is the time to hire movers. Moving Help® offers loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking. Find movers in your area.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Finalize Packing

Finish packing most of your belongings, leaving only essentials for the final week or so.

1 Week Before Moving Day

Pack an Essentials Box	Pack a box with all the essentials you'll need right away. This should include important documents, medications, toiletries, and a few changes of clothes. Remember to load this box into the truck last so it's easy to get to when you arrive at your new place.
Confirm Moving Day Details	Make sure to double-check all the specifics with your chosen moving service provider, such as the reservation pick up information. It's crucial to confirm these details to ensure a smooth and hassle-free moving experience.
Defrost and Clean Appliances	If you're taking appliances with you, make sure to defrost the freezer and give everything a good cleaning. This is a good time to go through your fridge and discard perishable food items you won’t finish before moving day.

Moving Day Checklist

Keep Your Inventory on Hand	Having a list of your items helps you make sure that you do not forget something. Labeling your boxes as you packed will make writing this list much easier and will help unpacking go quicker.
Do a Final Sweep of Your House	Do a final walk through at your house. Check the cabinets, closets, yards, fridge, and storage spaces for any items that may have been left behind.
Finish Last-Minute Cleaning Tasks	You may need to sweep or dust some places that may have been missed. There also may be some trash that needs to be thrown out on moving day.
Prevent Unnecessary Energy Usage	As you lock up, turn off all your lights, heating/air conditioning, and water heater. On your way out, give your new landlord a call to make sure the place is ready for your arrival (if applicable).
Have Your Traveling Entertainment Ready	Download your playlists ahead of time so they are ready for your road trip or plane ride. If you are traveling with your children make sure they have something to keep them occupied.
Stock Up on Snacks and Water in Your Car	Make sure you keep some food and water handy in your vehicle, especially if you have a long drive ahead. It could even be beneficial to prepare your dinner the night before so you can conveniently heat it up before you leave.
Do a First Walk-Through with the Landlord	Before unloading your moving truck, take photos and detailed notes of the place and make sure things are in working condition. This will be important to have when you are getting your security deposit back.
Unpack the Essentials	Those last minute items you packed up at your old house will likely be the first ones to come out of boxes. These items will help you get through your first night in your new place.
Relax	What a long but exciting day it has been! Now, it's time to kick back, unwind, and revel in this tremendous achievement!

After Moving Day

Inspect Your Belongings	Make sure to inspect your belongings for any damage that may have occurred during the move, and if needed, document it.
Update Important Information	Don't forget to update your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration with your new address. It's important to keep all your documents up to date, so you don't run into any issues down the road. Take a few minutes to make these updates, and you'll be good to go!

That's it! By following this checklist, you’ll be smoothly moved out of your old place and into your new place. U-Haul is your moving resource – get quotes, make reservations, and more, today!

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