A Moving Checklist That Works Backward From Moving Day
What to do eight weeks, four weeks, one week and one day before a move, plus how to compare mover quotes and label boxes so unpacking is painless.
Moving goes wrong in predictable places: a quote that grows on the day, utilities that aren't on at the new place, and boxes nobody can identify. A dated checklist plus a box list solves most of it.
Eight weeks out
- Pick your moving date, and a backup date if your lease or closing allows it.
- Get at least three mover quotes, or price a truck rental if you're doing it yourself.
- Start a running budget: movers or truck, packing supplies, cleaning, deposits, and any overlap in rent.
- Start decluttering. Everything you don't move is money and time saved.
Comparing quotes fairly
Put every quote on the same row layout: total price, whether it's a fixed or hourly estimate, the number of movers, truck size, what's included (stairs, long carry, disassembly, packing materials), the deposit and the cancellation terms. Ask each company what would make the price go up on the day. Only compare once every row is filled in.
Four weeks out
- Book the movers or truck in writing.
- List every account that needs your new address: bank, employer, subscriptions, insurance, deliveries, mail forwarding. Tick each one off as you change it.
- Schedule utilities to stop at the old place the day after you leave, and start at the new place the day before you arrive.
Packing: number every box
Give every box a number and write the number, the destination room and a short contents note on two sides. Keep the same list in your spreadsheet. If box 37 goes missing, you'll know exactly what's in it, and unpacking "Kitchen, essentials" first becomes easy.
Mark a few boxes as open first: bedding, a kettle, chargers, toiletries, basic tools, medications and important documents. Those travel with you, not on the truck.
One week out
- Confirm the time and address with the movers.
- Reserve parking or a loading area if your building or street needs it.
- Defrost the freezer, use up food, and pack everything except the open-first boxes.
Moving day
Do a final walk-through of every room, closet and cupboard, take meter readings and photos, and check off box numbers as they come off the truck.
Or try the free sample first.
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