The Ultimate Moving Checklist and Guide
Moving can be a stressful process that can take its toll on even the best of planners. Fortunately, while moving isn’t necessarily easy on anyone, there are some ways to pack and unpack faster, reduce the amount of work, and ultimately make the process go just a bit smoother than it might otherwise.

Plan Ahead
The best tip for a simple, stress-free move is to plan ahead and be prepared for moving day.
- If using a mover, be sure to schedule well in advance - up to 6 to 8 weeks - to ensure they have availability on your move date.
- If you are moving on your own, rent a truck or portable storage unit well in advance.
- Call the utility companies as soon as you know you’re moving. You’ll not only get it out of the way early on, but you’ll also ensure you don’t forget to do it later.
- Set a moving budget to avoid sticker shock after you are settled in your new home. Consider whether you need any specialty movers for large pieces, such as a piano or pool table.
- Stock up
on packing supplies.

Out With the Old
What better time to take inventory, and get rid of what you no longer need or want. Keep in mind that the less you have, the fewer boxes you need to move.
- Now is the time to sell, donate, or just get rid of anything you don't need. From cleaning out your closet to get rid of old styles you no longer wear to purging old furniture that doesn’t fit in your new home.
- Consider short-term storage if there are items that you can’t commit to getting rid of yet, but you’re not sure you need.
- Make donation pick-up arrangements
for large items like furniture and rugs. Schedule a pick-up ahead of time so you can be sure you have an organization pick them up and you aren’t stuck with them on moving day.

Pack Up
Once you have decluttered, be sure to pack early and pack smart. Last-minute packing on moving day is only going to make the day more stressful for everyone.
- Be aware that not all household items will fare well in a hot moving truck and should be transported with you in your car or packed very carefully. Candles, plants and flowers, musical instruments, and electronics may not hold up well in the heat, so pack items together and unpack them first when you get to your new place.
- Plan ahead and label or color code your boxes so that there is no doubt where they go when unpacked in your new home.
- Don’t empty your dresser drawers, rather take the drawers out of the dresser with the items in there, and secure them by wrapping up the drawer in plastic wrap.
- Leave your clothes on the hanger and either group them up and wrap them in large garbage bags or hang them in a wardrobe box.
- Take a picture of the back of your TV and other electronics to remember where all those wires go. While your TV is still plugged in, take a picture of the back of it so you’ll remember how to set it back up later.

Welcome Home
As you prepare for moving day by packing up your existing place, don’t forget about your new home.
- Be sure to have utilities turned on, and crank up that air conditioning or the heat, depending on what time of year you are moving.
- Pack a moving essentials bag with the items you’ll need access to during your move and right after you’ve arrived at your new place, such as important documents, medications, chargers, basic toiletries, a couple of changes of clothes, etc.
- Stock a cooler with easy-to-grab items that can keep your strength up throughout the day, like water bottles and quick snacks. Move it with you in the car instead of the moving truck, so you can access it whenever you need to.
- If your kids are too young to help on moving day, your best bet is to have them hang out with friends or family. The same goes for pets. If you can, arrange alternate plans for your little ones and your furry ones—you’ll all be happier.






