The Ultimate Moving Checklist for 2026 [Free Printable PDF]

Moving ranks among life's most stressful experiences—right up there with divorce and job loss. And it's not hard to see why. Between coordinating logistics, packing your entire life into boxes, and somehow remembering to cancel the gym membership you forgot you had, things slip through the cracks.

Here's the thing: 31 million Americans move each year, and most of them wing it. They forget to forward mail until bills go to collections. They show up at the new place without toilet paper. They discover six months later that their bank has been sending statements to a stranger.

This checklist exists so you don't become a cautionary tale.

We've organized 128 tasks across an 8-week timeline—from the moment you decide to move through your first month in your new home. Every task has a purpose. Nothing is filler.

Want to track your progress automatically? Use our free interactive moving checklist →

8 Weeks Before Moving

The planning phase separates chaotic moves from smooth ones. This is when you lay the groundwork—before boxes enter the picture.

Research and decide on your moving method. Get quotes from at least three moving companies if hiring professionals. Compare full-service movers, portable containers, and truck rentals. For local moves under 100 miles, DIY often makes sense. For cross-country relocations, professional movers typically justify the cost.

Create your moving budget. Factor in movers or truck rental, packing supplies, travel costs, deposits, utility setup fees, and a 15% buffer for surprises. The average local move costs $1,700; long-distance moves average $4,900.

Start the great declutter. Go room by room. The formula is simple: if you haven't used it in a year and it doesn't have sentimental value, it goes. Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Donate the rest. Every item you don't move is money saved.

Gather packing supplies. You'll need more boxes than you think—typically 10 small, 8 medium, and 5 large boxes per room. Stock up on packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. Check Nextdoor and Buy Nothing groups for free boxes from recent movers.

Notify your landlord. If renting, check your lease for notice requirements—typically 30-60 days. Get it in writing. Request a move-out inspection checklist so you know exactly what's expected for your security deposit.

Research your new area. If relocating to a new city, now's the time to investigate schools, commute routes, healthcare providers, and neighborhood vibes. Join local Facebook groups. Read the subreddit. Knowledge reduces anxiety.

Create a moving binder or folder. Physical or digital—your choice. This becomes home base for contracts, receipts, inventory lists, and important documents. You'll thank yourself later.

6 Weeks Before Moving

Momentum builds. Decisions get made. The move becomes real.

Book your moving company or reserve your truck. Prices increase as your move date approaches, especially during peak season (May through September). Lock in your date now. Get the confirmation in writing with cancellation policies clearly stated.

Start packing non-essentials. Books you've already read. Off-season clothes. The waffle maker you use twice a year. Guest bedroom items. Holiday decorations. Label every box with contents AND destination room.

Gather important documents. Locate birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, medical records, school records, pet vaccination records, and financial documents. These travel with you personally—never on the moving truck.

Notify your employer. If relocating for work, confirm moving expense reimbursement policies. If keeping your job but changing location, update HR with your new address and discuss any remote work arrangements.

Begin your change of address process. This is the task most people underestimate. Your address lives in dozens of databases—banks, subscriptions, insurance companies, government agencies, doctors, pharmacies, and more.

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Request medical records and prescriptions. Ask current doctors for copies of your records. If you take ongoing prescriptions, get 90-day supplies or arrange transfers to a pharmacy near your new home.

Arrange school transfers. Request transcripts and records from current schools. Research enrollment requirements for new schools—some districts require proof of residency before registration.

4 Weeks Before Moving

The halfway point. Systems and logistics take center stage.

Transfer utilities. Contact electric, gas, water, trash, and internet providers at both addresses. Schedule disconnection at your current home for the day after you leave (you'll want lights for the final walkthrough). Schedule connection at your new home for the day before you arrive.

Update your address with financial institutions. Banks, credit unions, credit card companies, investment accounts, and retirement plans all need your new address. Don't skip this—financial mail going to wrong addresses creates identity theft risk.

Forward mail through USPS. Submit a change of address form at usps.com or your local post office. The $1.10 fee verifies your identity. Mail forwarding starts on your specified date and lasts 12 months for first-class mail, though periodicals forward for only 60 days.

Update insurance policies. Auto insurance rates vary dramatically by location. Home or renters insurance needs your new address. Health insurance networks change by region. Contact each provider to update your policy and verify coverage at your new address.

Arrange care for pets and children on moving day. Moving day is chaotic. Doors stay open. Strangers come and go. The best gift you can give yourself is having kids and pets safely occupied elsewhere—with family, friends, or professional care.

Confirm moving company details. Call to reconfirm your move date, arrival time, and total cost. Verify what's included (packing, disassembly, insurance) and what costs extra. Get the crew leader's phone number.

Service your car. If driving long distance, get an oil change, check tire pressure and tread, inspect brakes, and top off fluids. Roadside breakdowns multiply moving stress exponentially.

Photograph valuable items. Before packing electronics, furniture, and antiques, photograph them from multiple angles. This documentation proves pre-move condition if you need to file a damage claim.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Packing intensifies. The countdown is real.

Confirm all reservations. Double-check moving company, truck rental, storage unit, travel arrangements, hotel bookings (if applicable), and pet boarding. Reconfirmation prevents disasters.

Pack the majority of your belongings. By now, only daily essentials should remain unpacked. Work systematically—one room at a time. Label boxes on multiple sides so you can identify contents regardless of how they're stacked.

Create a detailed inventory list. Number each box and note its contents. This serves three purposes: insurance claims if items are lost, directing movers at the new place, and finding things during unpacking.

Prepare your essentials box. This box stays with you—not on the truck. Include: toilet paper, paper towels, soap, phone chargers, medications, snacks, basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, box cutter), trash bags, first-aid kit, important documents, and a change of clothes.

Clean out refrigerator and freezer. Use up perishables. Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before the move. Dispose of anything that won't survive transport. Movers won't transport open food containers.

Dispose of hazardous materials properly. Movers won't (and legally can't) transport propane tanks, gasoline, paint, chemicals, ammunition, or other hazardous materials. Check local disposal guidelines—many communities have designated drop-off days.

Return borrowed items and collect loaned ones. That book you borrowed from your neighbor. The tools you lent to your brother-in-law. Now's the time.

Use up or transfer home supplies. Cleaning products, pantry staples, half-used toiletries—use them or leave them for the next occupant. Moving provides an excellent forcing function for using what you've accumulated.

1 Week Before Moving

Final preparations. The finish line is visible.

Finish packing. Only daily necessities remain: toiletries, sheets for tonight, tomorrow's clothes. Everything else should be boxed and ready.

Confirm arrival time with movers. Verify the window they'll arrive and estimated duration of the move. Exchange phone numbers with the crew lead for day-of communication.

Prepare payment and tips for movers. Confirm final cost and accepted payment methods. Withdraw cash for tips—$20-50 per mover for a local move, $40-100 per mover for long distance is standard.

Photograph electronics setup. Before disconnecting your TV, entertainment system, and computer setup, take photos of all cable connections from multiple angles. This eliminates guesswork during reassembly.

Defrost and clean refrigerator. Wipe down interior with baking soda solution. Leave doors propped open to prevent mold. Clean underneath and behind—you won't have access again for a while.

Collect all keys. Gather every key, garage remote, and access card for your new home. Confirm you'll receive them at closing or coordinate pickup with landlord/seller/realtor.

Pack a first-night kit. Separate from your essentials box, this is specifically for your first night: sheets, pillows, towels, pajamas, toiletries, phone chargers, coffee maker, and anything else you need to sleep and wake up functional.

Disassemble furniture that requires it. Beds, large desks, dining tables—anything that won't fit through doorways assembled. Bag and label hardware. Tape bags to furniture pieces.

Moving Day

Today's the day. Stay calm, stay organized, stay hydrated.

Do a final walkthrough of every room. Check every closet, cabinet, drawer, and shelf. Look behind doors. Check the garage, attic, basement, and outdoor storage. People leave things behind more often than you'd think.

Read utility meters and document readings. Photograph electric, gas, and water meters. This documentation protects you from billing disputes for usage after you've left.

Supervise loading carefully. You don't need to hover, but be present. Answer questions about which items are fragile. Direct loading order—heavy furniture first, boxes on top, fragile items last.

Do a final clean. At minimum, sweep floors and wipe down bathrooms. If required by lease or if you want your security deposit back, do a thorough clean including appliances, cabinets, and fixtures.

Lock up and hand over keys. Check every door and window lock. Hand keys to landlord, realtor, or new owner as arranged. Document the handoff.

Supervise unloading at new home. Direct movers to appropriate rooms. Check items against your inventory as they come off the truck. Note any damage immediately on the bill of lading before signing.

Verify all items delivered. Before movers leave, confirm all inventory items arrived. It's much harder to file damage or loss claims after they've driven away.

Do a quick home check. Test that lights work, faucets run, toilets flush, and appliances function. Identify any issues while the home is still empty and visible.

First Week in New Home

The boxes can wait. Settling in comes first.

Unpack your essentials box and first-night kit. You need to function. Make your bed. Set up the bathroom. Get coffee ready for tomorrow. Everything else can wait.

Verify all utilities work. Flip every switch. Run every faucet. Test the HVAC. If anything's not working, contact providers immediately—don't assume it will sort itself out.

Update driver's license and vehicle registration. Most states require you to update your license within 30-60 days of establishing residency. Some require new plates. Check your state's DMV website for requirements and deadlines.

Register to vote at your new address. You can register online in most states at vote.org. Deadlines matter—check registration cutoffs if an election is approaching.

Find new healthcare providers. Research and select a primary care physician, dentist, and any specialists you need. Request appointments for initial visits to establish care. Transfer pharmacy preferences.

Find a new veterinarian. If you have pets, establish care before you need it. Bring vaccination records from your previous vet.

Meet your neighbors. A simple introduction goes a long way. They'll be helpful resources for local recommendations—from plumbers to pizza.

Unpack room by room. Start with the kitchen, then bedrooms, then bathrooms. Living areas and storage last. Don't try to do everything in one day.

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First Month After Moving

The heavy lifting is done. Now you're making it home.

Finish unpacking systematically. Set a daily goal—one box, one area. Progress matters more than perfection. Keep a "decision later" box for items you're unsure about.

Arrange furniture and hang pictures. Live with furniture placement for a few days before committing to wall hangings. Mark stud locations before you start drilling.

Update any remaining address-dependent accounts. Loyalty programs, alumni associations, professional memberships, magazine subscriptions—these often slip through initial change-of-address efforts.

Explore your new neighborhood. Find your grocery store, coffee shop, hardware store, dry cleaner, and pharmacy. Locate the nearest hospital and urgent care. Walk the streets. This place is home now.

File change of address with IRS. Submit Form 8822 to update your address with the IRS. This ensures tax refunds and important correspondence reach you.

Set up or transfer home security. If you have a security system, schedule professional installation or transfer service from your previous provider. If starting fresh, now's the time to research options.

Child-proof and pet-proof as needed. Fresh eyes spot hazards. Check electrical outlets, cabinet locks, blind cords, and backyard fencing.

Break down and recycle moving boxes. Flatten boxes and recycle them, or post on local Buy Nothing groups for others preparing to move.

The Address Change Checklist: What Most People Forget

Changing your address isn't one task—it's dozens. And missing one can mean missed bills, lost packages, and compromised accounts.

Here's what needs your new address:

Government agencies: DMV (license and registration), voter registration, IRS, Social Security Administration, passport services, selective service (if applicable), state tax authority, local property tax office.

Financial institutions: Every bank account, credit card, investment account, retirement account, HSA/FSA, student loan servicer, and mortgage company. Don't forget digital payment services like PayPal and Venmo.

Insurance providers: Auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and umbrella policies.

Utilities and services: Electric, gas, water, trash, sewer, internet, phone, and cable. Plus lawn care, pest control, and security monitoring if applicable.

Subscriptions and deliveries: Streaming services, magazines, newspapers, meal kits, Amazon, subscription boxes, and any recurring delivery service.

Medical providers: Primary care physician, specialists, dentists, optometrists, therapists, pharmacies, and insurance-adjacent services like vision and dental plans.

Professional contacts: Employer HR, clients, professional licensing boards, unions, bar associations, medical boards—anything tied to your professional identity.

Personal connections: Family, friends, alumni associations, religious organizations, and community groups.

The easy way? AddressGenie updates 4,000+ companies across all these categories with one form →

Track Your Progress with Our Free Interactive Checklist

Reading a checklist is one thing. Actually tracking 128 tasks while juggling boxes, schedules, and the chaos of moving is another.

That's why we built an interactive moving checklist at addressgenie.co/moving-checklist.

What you get:

• All 128 tasks organized by timeline

• Progress tracking that saves automatically

• Timeline adjustments to match your actual move date

• PDF download for offline access

• Email reminders so nothing slips through

No account required to start. Create a free account to save progress across devices.

Get your free interactive moving checklist →