📦moving checklist, eight weeks out to the first night

moved nine times. this is what I actually do, not the pinterest version.

Get three moving quotes in writing

the cheapest one over the phone is never the cheapest one on move day. get it in writing

Sort through closets, one per week

Start a first-night box list

toilet paper, phone chargers, one pan, coffee. write it now, you won't remember at midnight

Submit USPS change of address online

can do it up to 90 days ahead but 2 weeks before still works. costs $1.10 to verify online, free at the counter

Transfer or cancel utilities at the old place

Set up utilities at the new place

(learned this one late) some take a week to activate, don't wait until move-in morning

Update your address with your bank and employer

Take photos of electronics before unplugging

cable chaos is 100% avoidable and I still do it every time

Label boxes by room, not by category

Pack a bag like you're going on a trip

clothes, meds, chargers, for the first 2-3 days. this is not optional

Confirm elevator reservation at both buildings

Defrost the freezer 24 hours before the move

do this first if you're moving the fridge yourself, nobody tells you this

Refill prescriptions before the move

Set aside cash for movers and pizza

movers remember tips. so does whoever fed everyone at hour 6

Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet

garage always has one more thing you forgot

Locate the breaker box and water shutoff at the new place

photograph the empty old place before handing keys back

deposit disputes are a photo contest, bring photos

suggested by @owenless

Or start a list of your own. Free, it takes a minute.

Related lists