The Ultimate Moving-Out Checklist
Everything to do before, during, and after your move — in the order a professional crew would tackle it.
Moving is really a hundred small tasks stacked on top of each other — and the ones people forget (transferring utilities, updating your address, that one “open first” box) are what turn moving day into a scramble. This checklist lays them all out on a simple timeline so nothing slips. Work it top to bottom and moving day takes care of itself.
The short version
Start about 8 weeks out. Declutter first, then book your mover, then pack room by room from least-used to most-used. Handle utilities and your change of address two to four weeks ahead, keep a “first night” box with you, and inspect everything before you sign on delivery.
The countdown
8 weeks before the move
This is your planning window. The work here is light but it sets up everything else — and it’s when the best movers and dates are still open.
8 weeks out Plan & declutter
- Set a moving budget and target date
- Get quotes from licensed, insured movers
- Start decluttering — donate or sell what you won’t unpack
- Create a moving folder (quotes, receipts, inventory)
- If renting, give notice per your lease
- Research schools, utilities & providers at the new address
6 weeks before
6 weeks out Book & gather supplies
- Book your mover and lock in the date
- Gather boxes, tape, paper, and markers (see our packing guide)
- Start packing rarely-used rooms — storage, garage, off-season items
- Use up freezer food, pantry items & cleaning supplies
- Measure large furniture and doorways at the new place
4 weeks before
4 weeks out Address & admin
- File a change of address with USPS
- Transfer or set up utilities at both homes (electric, water, gas, internet)
- Update your address: bank, insurance, employer, subscriptions
- Transfer or request records: medical, dental, veterinary, school
- Arrange time off work for moving day
- Book child or pet care for moving day
Add extra lead time for utility scheduling and mover routing, arrange auto transport if you’re not driving your car, and keep records, medications, and valuables with you. See our long-distance moving guide for the full playbook.
2 weeks before
2 weeks out Pack in earnest
- Pack most of the house except daily essentials
- Confirm the date, time & details with your mover
- Reserve the elevator or loading zone if you’re in a building
- Return borrowed items; collect anything loaned out
- Service or prep vehicles for a long-distance drive
- Label boxes by room and contents (on the side, not the top)
Moving week
Final days Finish & prepare
- Pack a “first night” box (sheets, toiletries, chargers, meds, tools)
- Finish the kitchen and daily-use items
- Confirm payment method and the arrival window
- Empty, defrost & dry the refrigerator and freezer
- Set aside valuables, documents & medications to carry yourself
- Charge your phone; keep water and snacks handy
Moving day
The big day Hand off & walk through
- Strip the beds and finish any last-minute boxes
- Walk the crew through the home and flag fragile or priority items
- Keep your essentials box and valuables with you, not on the truck
- Do a final walkthrough — closets, cabinets, attic, garage
- Check the inventory and note any issues before signing
- Lock up, leave keys as arranged, and take final meter readings
Packing
Room-by-room packing checklist
Pack one room at a time, from least-used to most-used, so nothing gets misplaced. A quick pass by room:
Every room
- Kitchen — dishes on edge in dish-pack boxes, glasses wrapped, liquids sealed
- Bedrooms — clothes in wardrobe boxes or wrapped drawers; bedding in large boxes
- Living room — photograph cable setups; blanket-wrap TVs, art & mirrors
- Bathrooms — toss expired items; bag toiletries upright; keep a first-day kit
- Office — back up files; books in small boxes; label a bag of chargers
- Garage — drain fuel from equipment; box tools by type; coil cords
Movers can’t take hazardous materials (propane, gasoline, paint, aerosols, chemicals) or perishables. Keep cash, jewelry, documents, and medications with you.
The new place
Your first week in the new home
Move-in Settle in fast
- Open the essentials box and make the beds first
- Set up the kitchen and one bathroom before anything else
- Check that all utilities are on and working
- Inspect for any damage and photograph high-value items
- Test smoke & carbon-monoxide detectors; locate the breaker & water shutoff
- Update your driver’s license and voter registration
- Meet the neighbors and learn trash/recycling days
- Break down and recycle boxes as you unpack
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I start a moving checklist?
Is there a printable version of this checklist?
What should go in a “first night” box?
When should I transfer utilities?
What’s different for an out-of-state move?
Moving in the Fort Worth area?
Let a veteran-owned crew handle the heavy part. Clear hourly pricing, no hidden fees — and usually a quote in one quick call.
Call 817-600-3757More guides: How to pack for a move · How much do movers cost · Long-distance moving. Or request a free quote.