The best way to prepare for a move is to start about eight weeks out, cut down what you own before you pack, and work through a written timeline that covers movers, utilities, address changes and a first-night box. Breaking the job into weekly tasks keeps costs under control and stops moving day from turning into a scramble. This guide gives you that timeline, plus practical tips for packing, hiring movers, budgeting and protecting your valuables.
Your moving timeline, week by week
Time management is the single biggest factor when preparing for a move. Pick your moving date, then work backward. Adjust the schedule if you are moving on short notice, but try to keep the order the same.
| When | Main tasks |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks before | Set a budget, start decluttering, create a moving folder or spreadsheet, research movers or truck rentals |
| 6 weeks before | Get at least three written moving quotes, book your mover, order packing supplies, request school or medical records if needed |
| 4 weeks before | Start packing rarely used items, schedule utility shutoff and setup, submit a change of address with USPS, book time off work |
| 2 weeks before | Pack most rooms, update your address with banks and insurers, confirm the mover’s date and arrival window, refill prescriptions |
| 1 week before | Finish packing except essentials, defrost the freezer, pack your first-night box, arrange child and pet care for moving day |
| Moving day | Walk through with the crew, check the inventory, do a final sweep of every room, take meter readings and photos |
| First week after | Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first, update your driver’s license and vehicle registration, check for damage and file claims promptly |
Declutter before you pack a single box
Every item you move costs money in time, boxes and, with professional movers, weight or volume. Go room by room and sort into four piles: keep, sell, donate and discard. A few rules of thumb help:
- If you have not used it in a year and it is not seasonal or sentimental, let it go.
- Measure your new rooms before moving large furniture that may not fit.
- Use up pantry food and cleaning products rather than packing them.
- Photograph sentimental items you do not have room for, then pass them on.
- Book a charity pickup early; popular slots fill up, especially at month’s end.
Hazardous items such as paint, propane, pool chemicals and aerosols generally cannot go on a moving truck, so plan to use them up or dispose of them through your local waste program.
Set a realistic moving budget
Costs vary widely with distance, home size, season and how much you do yourself. A small local move you handle with a rental truck may cost a few hundred dollars, while a full-service interstate move for a family home can run into many thousands. Build a budget that includes:
- Movers or truck rental, fuel and mileage fees.
- Packing supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, furniture pads and markers.
- Extra moving protection or insurance.
- Cleaning, either your time or a professional service.
- Utility deposits and connection fees at the new home.
- Travel, meals, temporary lodging and storage if dates do not line up.
- A contingency of around 10% for surprises.
If you are weighing a do-it-yourself move, our breakdown of Home Depot truck rental costs helps you compare the numbers against a moving company’s quote.
Research and hire movers carefully
Moving scams are common enough that a little checking goes a long way. Get at least three written quotes, ideally after an in-home or video survey rather than a quick phone estimate. Then check:
- Registration: interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and have a USDOT number you can look up. For local moves, check your state’s licensing rules.
- Estimate type: a binding estimate locks the price for the listed items and services; a non-binding estimate can change based on the actual weight or time.
- Protection level: basic liability coverage on interstate moves pays only a small amount per pound per item, so ask about full value protection for items that matter.
- Reviews: look for patterns in recent reviews about punctuality, damage and surprise fees.
- Red flags: large cash deposits, quotes far below everyone else, no physical address or a refusal to put terms in writing.
Moving to a different state brings extra considerations, from taxes to cost of living; our guide on what to consider before moving to another state covers them.
Pack smart and label everything
Set up a packing station in one spot with boxes, tape, markers, paper and a printed inventory sheet. Then follow a few habits that save hours later:
- Heavy items in small boxes: books and canned goods go in small boxes; light, bulky items like bedding go in large ones.
- Fill empty space: use towels, socks or paper to stop items shifting.
- Color-code by room: give each room a color and put tape or stickers on at least two sides of every box.
- Number the boxes: write the number and room on each box and a short content list on your inventory sheet, so you can tell at a glance if anything is missing.
- Photograph electronics: snap the cable setup behind the TV or computer before unplugging.
- Bag hardware: put screws and bolts from disassembled furniture in a labeled bag taped to the piece.
Handle utilities and address changes
Make a list of every provider: electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and any security or streaming services tied to your address. Schedule shutoff at the old home for the day after you leave and setup at the new home for the day before you arrive, so you are never without power or Wi-Fi. Internet installation in particular can take a week or more to book.
For mail, submit a change of address with USPS online or at a post office. Then update your details directly with:
- Banks, credit card issuers and investment accounts.
- Insurance providers (auto, home or renters, health, life).
- Your employer and payroll, plus the IRS and state tax agency if you change states.
- Doctors, dentists, pharmacies and your vet.
- Subscriptions and online shopping accounts.
- Your state DMV for your driver’s license and vehicle registration, which most states require within a set period after moving.
Pack a first-night essentials box
Assume you will be too tired to unpack on the first night. Pack one clearly marked box (or suitcase) per person that travels with you, not on the truck:
- Sheets, pillows and a towel for each person.
- Toiletries, toilet paper, medications and a basic first aid kit.
- Phone chargers, a flashlight and a small toolkit with a box cutter.
- Snacks, water, paper plates and a few basic utensils.
- A change of clothes, plus kids’ comfort items and pet food and bowls.
- Your moving folder: lease or closing papers, mover contract and contact numbers.
Protect valuables and important documents
Keep jewelry, cash, passports, birth certificates, laptops, external drives and irreplaceable family items with you. Wrap fragile pieces such as glassware and artwork individually, pack plates on their edges, and mark those boxes “fragile” and “this side up.” Take photos of valuable furniture and electronics before the move so you have a record of their condition if you need to file a damage claim.
Clean and close out the old home
If you rent, your deposit may depend on it. Clean from top to bottom: dust, wipe cabinets and appliances inside and out, clean the fridge and oven, scrub bathrooms and vacuum or mop floors. Patch small nail holes if your lease allows it. Do a final walkthrough of closets, drawers, the attic and garage, take date-stamped photos of every room, and return all keys and garage remotes. Buyers heading into a new place may also find our house hunting tips for first-time homebuyers useful as they settle in.
For more home and life guides, visit our Lifestyle section.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I start preparing for a move?
About eight weeks is ideal for a full household. That gives you time to declutter, compare movers, book dates and pack gradually. Smaller moves can be done in less time with a tighter plan.
What should I pack first when moving?
Start with items you rarely use: seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, books, spare linens and decor. Leave everyday kitchen items, toiletries and work essentials until the last few days.
How do I check if a moving company is legitimate?
For interstate moves, look up the company’s USDOT number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Get written estimates, read recent reviews and avoid movers who demand large cash deposits.
What goes in a first-night box?
Bedding, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, snacks, basic tools, pet supplies and your important moving documents. Keep it with you rather than on the truck.
When should I change my address?
Submit a USPS change of address about two to four weeks before you move, then update banks, insurers, your employer and subscriptions directly. Update your driver’s license and registration soon after arriving.
