Moving Day Checklist: Everything You Need to Know
A successful move comes down to preparation. The more organized you are before moving day, the smoother everything goes. This step-by-step checklist covers every phase of your move, from the first box packed to the last item unpacked.
Bookmark this page and check off each item as you go.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Start early. These tasks set the foundation for a stress-free move.
- [ ] Set your moving date. Weekdays and mid-month dates are typically cheaper.
- [ ] Create a moving budget. Account for movers, truck rental, packing supplies, cleaning, deposits, and travel.
- [ ] Book your movers. Whether you are hiring a full-service crew or hourly labor through RentAHuman, early booking gives you the best selection and rates.
- [ ] Start decluttering. Go room by room and sort items into keep, sell, donate, and trash piles.
- [ ] Gather packing supplies. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and packing paper. Ask local stores for free boxes.
- [ ] Notify your landlord. If you are renting, give proper notice per your lease terms.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
The heavy preparation starts now.
- [ ] Begin packing non-essentials. Start with seasonal items, books, decor, and anything you will not need in the next two weeks.
- [ ] Label every box. Write the room destination and a brief list of contents on at least two sides of each box.
- [ ] Transfer or set up utilities. Schedule electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable transfers for your move-in date.
- [ ] Forward your mail. Submit a change of address with USPS (you can do this online at usps.com).
- [ ] Update your address. Bank, insurance, subscriptions, employer, DMV, voter registration, and doctor's offices.
- [ ] Confirm your movers. Reach out to confirm the date, time, and any special requirements.
- [ ] Arrange child and pet care. Moving day is chaotic. Having kids and pets looked after makes everything easier.
1 Week Before Moving Day
Final preparations. You are almost there.
- [ ] Pack the remaining rooms. Leave only daily essentials unpacked.
- [ ] Prepare an essentials box. This goes with you (not on the truck) and includes toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, snacks, water, important documents, and basic tools.
- [ ] Clean out the fridge. Use up perishables and defrost the freezer if needed.
- [ ] Disassemble large furniture. Take apart bed frames, desks, and tables. Bag and label all hardware.
- [ ] Take photos of electronics. Before disconnecting your entertainment center or computer setup, photograph the cable connections for easy reassembly.
- [ ] Charge all devices. Make sure phones, tablets, and laptops are fully charged for moving day.
Moving Day Morning
The big day. Stay calm, stay organized.
- [ ] Do a final walkthrough. Check every room, closet, cabinet, and drawer. Look under beds and behind doors.
- [ ] Strip the beds. Pack sheets and pillows last or put them in garbage bags for easy transport.
- [ ] Protect floors and doorways. Lay down cardboard or old blankets to prevent damage during loading.
- [ ] Direct your movers. Show them which items are fragile, which go first, and which boxes go to which rooms.
- [ ] Keep valuables with you. Important documents, jewelry, medications, and electronics should travel in your personal vehicle.
Loading Tips
Make the most of your moving help:
- Heavy boxes on the bottom. Always load heavy items first and stack lighter boxes on top.
- Fill gaps. Use soft items (pillows, blankets, cushions) to fill empty spaces and prevent shifting.
- Load room by room. This makes unloading and unpacking far more efficient.
- Protect furniture. Use moving blankets or stretch wrap to prevent scratches and dings.
At Your New Home
You made it. Now finish strong.
- [ ] Check utilities. Verify that electricity, water, and gas are working.
- [ ] Direct box placement. Stand at the door and tell movers (or helpers) which room each box goes in. This saves hours of re-sorting later.
- [ ] Inspect for damage. Before your movers leave, check furniture and boxes for any damage. Note anything on the inventory sheet.
- [ ] Unpack essentials first. Set up beds, the bathroom, and the kitchen so you can function on night one.
- [ ] Change the locks. For a new home, this is a smart safety measure. You do not know who has copies of the old keys.
After the Move
- [ ] Update your driver's license. Most states require this within 30 days.
- [ ] Register to vote. Update your voter registration at your new address.
- [ ] Schedule a deep clean of your old place. If you are renting, a professional move-out clean helps ensure you get your deposit back. You can book cleaning help on RentAHuman.
- [ ] Unpack systematically. Tackle one room at a time, starting with the kitchen and bedrooms.
Make Your Move Easier with RentAHuman
Whether you need loading help, furniture assembly at your new place, cleaning for your old apartment, or a full moving crew, RentAHuman has you covered. Post a task and connect with vetted helpers in all 50 states.