The Ultimate Moving Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After Moving Day

The truth is that moving can be stressful no matter how patient, composed, and organized you are. Boxes everywhere, losing your favorite things, forgetting who you told your new address to… It can all feel like one big mess.

But it doesn’t have to be.

All you need is a solid plan and one quality checklist. Today, we’ll help you figure out how to make it. We’ll also go over things you should do before, during, and after your move to make sure you take care of everything. Let’s get to it.

What to Do BEFORE Your Moving Day?

This is where most of your work happens. The earlier you start, the better. Here are our tips:

Start Early (4 to 8 Weeks Before)

So, what should you do first? Well, ideally, you should start preparing for your move two months before the big day. But no matter how much time you have, start as early as you can.

●      Declutter: First things first. You don’t want to go through the trouble of moving things you won’t even use. So, just go through each room and get rid of what you don’t need. If you haven’t worn it, used it, or touched it in a year, it can go. You can donate, sell, or just throw it in the trash.

●      Research moving options: Do you want to hire movers? You can compare costs and book early, especially if you’re moving during a busy season. Also, make sure you find professionals who work in your area.

If you’re in New York City, there are tons of moving companies NYC offers, but the best ones get booked quickly.

●      Create a moving binder: We know it sounds fancy, but it’s just a place where you can store all of the receipts, lists, and contacts you’ll need. It just helps you keep things organized and it’s a nice hack to keep in mind.

●      Notify your landlord (if you’re renting): Don’t forget to give notice according to your lease.

Start Organizing and Prepping (3–4 Weeks Before)

Once you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to get things going. Here’s what you should do:

●      Gather supplies: You’ll need boxes (lots of them), tape, markers, bubble wrap, labels, scissors, and old newspapers. Try not to buy more than you’ll need and you can ask the stores in your neighborhood for free boxes.

●      Change of address: Go to your post office or USPS.com and fill out a change-of-address form. Also update banks, work, schools, any important subscriptions, and so on.

●      Transfer utilities: Don’t forget to stop or move services like the internet and cable.

Start Packing (2–3 Weeks Before)

Now, the fun part. It’s time to pack.

●      Pack room by room: Start with stuff you don’t need daily (seasonal clothes, decorations, books). Label boxes clearly with what’s inside and which room it goes in.

●      Create an essentials box: Pack a small box or bag with things you’ll need right away (like toiletries, chargers, meds, your documents, and a change of clothes).

What to Do DURING Your Moving Day?

And now, the list of what you should do when the day finally comes.

Dress Comfortably

You’ll be bending, lifting, and possibly sweating, so dress like it. Go for comfy clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Go for closed-toe shoes with a good grip to protect your feet (trust us, stubbed toes on furniture hurt a lot).

You can also keep an extra shirt or change of clothes handy in case you get too sweaty or dirty and want to freshen up a bit.

Protect the Floors and Walls

This step might not seem so important, but it’s a game-changer (especially if you’re renting and hoping to get your deposit back). Lay down old blankets or cardboard boxes in high-traffic areas.

You can also use corner guards or painter’s tape and padding on sharp furniture edges to avoid nicking walls or door frames. Remember, preventing problems is always easier than fixing them.

Do a Final Check

Once everything’s packed and (mostly) in the moving truck, do one last check of your home. Open all of the drawers, cabinets, and closets.

Also, check behind doors, above the kitchen cabinets, under the sink, and in the washer. Make sure nothing important gets left behind.

Keep Your Essentials With You

There are certain things you don’t want to be buried under a mountain of boxes or trapped in a moving truck when you arrive at your new place. Keep your bag with essentials always near. You can travel with it next to you.

What to Do AFTER Your Moving Day?

Now it’s time to finally settle in and start making this new place your new home. Here’s what you should do:

Inspect the Place

Take a little walk around your new home, ideally before you’ve unpacked. Look out for:

●      Scratches, holes, or stains

●      Leaky faucets or dripping pipes

●      Loose fixtures or electrical outlets that don’t work

If you’re renting, snap a few photos of anything that looks off and keep them for your records. You can even send them to your landlord to make sure you’re not held responsible for pre-existing issues. If you’re a homeowner, make a list of what needs fixing.

Unpack the Essentials First

It’s tempting to try to get everything done in one day, but trust us, it’s okay to take it one step at a time. First, focus on unpacking your essentials.

Change the Locks

This might seem paranoid, but it’s an easy step that helps your peace of mind. If the place was previously owned or rented, there’s no way to know how many keys are out there.

Just making a quick lock change gives you full control over who has access to your space. If you’re renting, check with your landlord first.

Wrapping It Up

We know how difficult moving is, but it can feel like a fresh start. Just take your time, organize everything, and do your best to follow through. You’ve got this.