The Ultimate Moving Checklist and To-Do Timeline

Whether your last move was across the country or across the street, it probably ended with two words: "Never again!" But you don't always have the luxury of staying in the same place forever. Sooner or later, you're bound to find yourself surrounded by cardboard boxes and packing tape―again.

To make things smoother this go-around, look no further than this moving to-do list that details not only what needs to get done, but the right time to do different tasks to minimize stress. Print it out, check every item off week by week, and maybe the two words that end your next move will simply be "I'm home."

Two Months Before

Sort and purge

Go through every room of your house and decide what you'd like to keep and what you can get rid of. Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage. Think about decluttering before you move, it can help streamline the process and your life!

Research movers

Start investigating moving company options. Do not rely on a quote over the phone; request an on-site estimate. Get an estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a USDOT number on it. This certifies that the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and bound by its safety standards.

Set a Moving Budget

Make note of your upcoming moving expenses like boxes, moving companies, renting a van, repurchasing necessities like toilet paper for your new place, etc. Also, remember that you'll be taking time off work (most likely) and that could result in a change in your monthly income. Some companies will cover moving costs, now's the time to check if yours does.

Create a moving binder

Use this binder to keep track of everything—all your estimates, your receipts, and an inventory of all the items you're moving.

Organize school records

Go to your children's school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school district.

Six Weeks Before

Order supplies

Order moving boxes and other supplies such as tape, Bubble Wrap, and permanent markers. Don't forget to order specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.

Use it or lose it

Start using up things that you don't want to move, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.

Check in with friends and family

If you're moving far away, or even just down the street, now's the time to reach out to your close friends and family. Keep them informed of your moving date, schedule, and the plan to make it all happen and be sure to remind them of important dates if they're forgetful. In addition to spending quality time, they might want to pitch in and help you move! It's also a great opportunity to get rid of some unneeded items, gift your cousin that old coffee pot you never use!

Take measurements

Whip out those measuring tapes and make sure to check room dimensions at your new home, and if possible, check that your larger pieces of furniture will actually fit through the door. You don't want any more added stress than trying to squeeze a couch in that is just too big!

One Month Before

Choose your mover and confirm the arrangements

Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.

Begin packing

Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the waffle iron and croquet set. While packing, note items of special value that might require additional insurance from your moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound, such as a computer.

Label

Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it's destined for. This will help you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label "essentials" boxes of items you'll need right away.

Separate valuables

Add items such as jewelry and important files to a safe box that you'll personally transport to your new home. Make sure to put the mover's estimate in this box. You'll need it for reference on moving day.

Do a change of address

Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at usps.gov. But in case there are stragglers, it's always wise to ask a close neighbor to look out for mail after you've moved. Check in with them two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that.

Notify important parties

Alert the following of your move: banks, brokerage firms, your employer's human resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.

Forward medical records

Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them yourself.

Set up internet

One of the worst things about moving is having to live without the creature comforts you're used to for a little bit. Internet is a big one these days. Check with local internet providers in the area you're moving to and get an appointment to get your internet all set up on or around your moving date that way you're all set to browse the web right when you walk in the door.

Two Weeks Before

Arrange to be off from work on moving day

Notify your office that you plan to supervise the move and therefore need the day off.

Get a tune-up

Take your car to a garage, and ask the mechanic to consider what services might be needed if you're moving to a new climate.

Clean out your safe-deposit box

If you'll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safe-deposit box and put them in the safe box that you'll take with you on moving day.

Return anything that isn't yours

As you sort through all your belongings you'll probably find some stuff that isn't...yours. Make sure to return any locally borrowed items to their rightful owners before you leave the area. This also cuts down on what you need to pack!

Contact the moving company

Reconfirm the arrangements.

One Week Before

Refill prescriptions

Stock up on prescriptions you'll need during the next couple of weeks.

Pack your suitcases

Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.

A Few Days Before

Defrost the freezer

If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.

Double-check the details

Reconfirm the moving company's arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.

Plan for the payment

If you haven't already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier's check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100. Don't forget that refreshments are always appreciated.

Moving Day

Verify

Make sure that the moving truck that shows up is from the company you hired: The USDOT number painted on its side should match the number on the estimate you were given. Scams are not unheard-of.

Grab some cash

Credit cards are great, but cash is still king. Make sure you have some on hand for emergencies, tipping your movers, or buying a cold beverage from the corner store down the street when you need a break from all the boxes.

Check the weather

There's nothing worse than trying to move everything out of your apartment in the pouring rain wearing only your sandals. Make sure to get a good forecast for the day and plan accordingly with your clothes, shoes, and any additional packing materials you might need to keep funiture and boxes protected from the elements.

Take inventory

Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.