Long Distance Moving Checklist
Two Months Before the Move
Create a Moving Budget:
- Include moving company fees, packing materials, travel expenses, and any additional services.
Inventory Your Belongings:
- Make a detailed list of all items you plan to move.
- Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
Gather Important Documents:
- Collect medical records, school records, financial documents, and other important papers.
- Keep these documents in a secure, easily accessible place.
Notify Key Parties:
- Inform your landlord or real estate agent of your move.
- Notify your employer, schools, and any relevant organizations.
Six Weeks Before the Move
Order Packing Supplies:
- Purchase boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, and other packing materials.
Start Packing Non-Essential Items:
- Pack items you use infrequently, such as seasonal decorations and specialty kitchenware.
Label Boxes:
- Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home.
Arrange for Utility Services:
- Schedule disconnection of utilities at your current home and setup at your new home.
- This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services.
Plan Travel Arrangements:
- If driving, plan your route and book any necessary accommodations.
- If flying, book your flights and arrange for transportation at your destination.
One Month Before the Move
Confirm Moving Details:
- Confirm dates, times, and costs with your moving company.
- Review any special instructions or requirements.
Notify Change of Address:
- Submit a change of address form with the post office.
- Notify banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and subscription services.
Transfer Medical Prescriptions:
- Arrange to transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home.
Sort and Pack Important Items:
- Pack important and valuable items separately to keep with you during the move.
Prepare for Moving Day:
- Make a list of tasks for moving day, such as last-minute packing and cleaning.
Two Weeks Before the Move
Complete Packing:
- Finish packing all remaining items, leaving only essential items for the last few days.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials:
- Properly dispose of items that movers won’t transport, such as paint, propane, and chemicals.
Confirm Details with Movers:
- Reconfirm the moving date, time, and any special instructions with the moving company.
Clean Your Current Home:
- Clean each room as you finish packing it.
- Schedule a final cleaning or hire a cleaning service if needed.
Arrange for Child and Pet Care:
- Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day to keep them safe and out of the way.
One Week Before the Move
Pack a Moving Essentials Box:
- Include items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, clothes, snacks, and important documents.
Defrost and Clean Appliances:
- Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer.
- Clean and prepare other large appliances for the move.
Confirm Travel Arrangements:
- Double-check your travel plans and accommodations.
Check in with Movers:
- Reconfirm moving day details one last time with your moving company.
Final Preparations:
- Ensure all boxes are labeled and ready for transport.
- Make a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind.
Moving Day
Meet the Movers:
- Be present when the movers arrive to supervise loading and address any last-minute questions.
Do a Final Walkthrough:
- Check each room, closet, and cabinet to ensure nothing is left behind.
Secure Your Old Home:
- Turn off all lights, lock doors and windows, and hand over keys if necessary.
Keep Important Items with You:
- Carry your moving essentials box, important documents, and valuable items with you.
Arrive at Your New Home:
- Supervise the unloading and placement of boxes and furniture.
- Check for any damages and report them to the moving company immediately.
After the Move
Unpack Essentials First:
- Start with the essentials box and set up basic living areas like the kitchen and bedrooms.
Inspect Your Belongings:
- Check all items for damage and ensure nothing is missing.
Set Up Utilities and Services:
- Ensure all utilities are functioning and set up services like internet and cable.
Update Your Address:
- Confirm your address change with any remaining services or subscriptions.
Explore Your New Area:
- Familiarize yourself with local amenities, such as grocery stores, schools, and medical facilities.
By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure a smooth and organized long-distance move within the US.
