Complete Moving Guide
How to Prepare for Your Move
A complete week-by-week checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks \u2014 from 8 weeks out to moving day.
8 Weeks Before
- Create a moving budget and start tracking expenses
- Research moving companies — submit a free service order on Extra Help Moving to get quotes
- Use our AI-calculated estimate to set realistic budget expectations
- Start decluttering room by room — sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need
- If renting, give your landlord written notice per your lease agreement
- Start a moving binder or folder to keep all documents organized
- Begin researching your new neighborhood — schools, utilities, services
6 Weeks Before
- Compare mover quotes against your AI estimate — look for fair, good, or great deals
- Book your moving company and confirm the date in writing
- Start collecting packing supplies — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper
- Pack items you rarely use: seasonal clothes, books, decorations, guest room items
- Create a detailed inventory of valuable items and take photos for insurance
- Request time off work for moving day (and a day after to unpack)
- Arrange for pet and child care on moving day if needed
4 Weeks Before
- Forward your mail with USPS (can be done online at usps.com)
- Transfer or set up utilities at your new address — electric, gas, water, internet
- Update your address with banks, insurance, subscriptions, and the DMV
- Schedule disconnection of current utilities for the day after your move
- Continue packing non-essential rooms — aim for 2-3 boxes per day
- Arrange to transfer or close gym memberships, local services, etc.
- If moving long distance, plan your travel route and book hotels if needed
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm your moving date and arrival time with your moving company
- Finish packing all rooms — label every box with room name and contents
- Pack an "essentials box" for your first night (toiletries, chargers, snacks, sheets, TP)
- Disassemble furniture — beds, tables, shelving — bag and tape hardware to each piece
- Clean out the refrigerator and plan to use up perishable food
- Arrange for parking permits or elevator reservations at both locations
- Separate items movers cannot transport: hazardous materials, propane, paint, ammunition
1 Week Before
- Do a final walkthrough of every room — check closets, attic, basement, garage
- Defrost the freezer if you're not taking the refrigerator
- Charge all electronics and backup important data
- Pack your personal valuables (jewelry, documents, medications) to keep with you
- Prepare cash tips for movers ($20-50 per mover is standard for a good job)
- Take photos of your home's condition for security deposit purposes
- Confirm parking and access at your new location for the moving truck
Moving Day
- Be present and available when the movers arrive
- Walk the crew through the home — point out fragile items and special instructions
- Keep your essentials box, valuables, and important documents with you (not on the truck)
- Check each room as it's cleared — look under sinks, in closets, behind doors
- Take a final meter reading for utilities
- Get a copy of the Bill of Lading (your contract with the mover) — do NOT sign a blank one
- Lock up, return keys, and head to your new home!
Pro Moving Tips
Advice from 34 years in the moving labor and moving help industry.
Avoid Peak Season
May through September is peak moving season. Moving during winter months (October–March) can save you 20–30% on moving costs.
Pack Heavy Items Small
Use small boxes for books, tools, and canned goods. Large boxes should be reserved for lighter items like linens and pillows.
Label on All Sides
Label the top AND at least one side of every box. When boxes are stacked, you can still see what's inside without moving them.
Keep Important Contacts Handy
Have your mover's phone number, new landlord/realtor contact, and utility company numbers easily accessible on moving day.