It’s time to move—but where do you start? Use our handy, printable moving checklist below to prepare for moving day!

2 months before the move:

Get estimates from moving companies and/or storage units.
Print your floor plan and review furniture placement.
Make a list of people who will need your new address.
Donate, sell or throw away unnecessary items.
Inventory your valuables for insurance purposes.

6 weeks before the move:

If you’re packing yourself, collect boxes and other necessary supplies.
Start packing items you don’t use often (clearly label each box with its contents and destination room).
Set an official moving date.
Settle on a moving company and make your reservations.
Make any necessary travel arrangements (don’t forget your pets).
If you have children, have their records transferred to their new school or daycare.
Obtain your medical records to give to future medical providers.
Organize and host a yard sale.
Contact an insurance consultant to research insurance carriers and tailor a policy for your new home.

1 month before the move:

Check with your loan officer to make sure you’ve submitted everything needed for your loan application.
File with the post office to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
Call utility companies to cancel services at your current home and activate services at your new address on the appropriate dates.
Pick up all dry cleaning.
Pick up any prescriptions and have prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home.
Properly dispose of cleaning solutions, flammable liquids and other items that can’t be moved.
Return all library books.
Drop off anything you plan to donate.

1 week before the move:

Call to confirm any travel arrangements.
Change your address with your creditors, magazine subscriptions, financial institutions and other companies and organizations as necessary.
Send friends and family your new address.
Finish packing and pack yourself a suitcase with a few days’ worth of clothing, toiletries and any valuable belongings you prefer to keep with you.
Empty, defrost and clean out your refrigerator.
Drain your washing machine and hoses.
Arrange for childcare/pet care for moving day.
Confirm your reservation and prepare your payment and tip for the moving company.
If you have a new bank, move the contents of your safe-deposit box.
If you are driving to the new location, take your car to a garage for a tune-up.

Moving day:

Monitor moving company workers as they pack/move your belongings.
Leave a note to the new residents and include your new address in case the post office doesn’t forward your mail right away.
Scout out every room, cupboard and closet to make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
Turn off lights, lock windows and close and lock doors before you leave.

Be sure to also check out our Moving Checklist for Kids,  Moving Checklist for Your Pets and Moving party ideas Pinterest board.

Not sure where you’re moving yet? Take a look at our new homes across the country!