The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Hiring Movers

Research and compare at least 3 moving companies Get in-home or virtual estimates from each Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB Book your moving company and confirm the date in writing Understand the payment terms and cancellation policy

Decluttering

Walk through every room and decide what to keep, donate, or toss List large items for sale (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist) Schedule a donation pickup or drop-off (Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity) Dispose of hazardous materials (paint, propane tanks, chemicals) properly — these cannot be moved Use up pantry food to minimize what you're moving

Supplies

Order or collect moving boxes in various sizes Stock up on packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers Get wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes Obtain specialty boxes for mirrors, artwork, and TVs

Paperwork & Records

Gather important documents (birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, deeds, leases) Request school records for children transferring districts Request medical records and prescription transfers from doctors, dentists, and specialists Locate and photograph serial numbers on electronics and appliances

Change of Address

Submit USPS mail forwarding at usps.com/move or call 1-800-275-8777 Notify employer HR department of address change Update address with all banks and credit card companies Update address with investment and retirement accounts (401k, IRA) Notify health, auto, life, and homeowner's/renter's insurance providers Update address with the IRS at IRS.gov (or submit Form 8822) Update voter registration at vote.gov Notify subscription services (Amazon, magazines, meal kits, etc.) Update loyalty and rewards program addresses Notify friends, family, and colleagues of your new address

Utilities — Schedule Transfers

Schedule your new service to start 1–2 days before your move-in date, and your old service to end 1–2 days after your move-out date.

Electric — contact your provider to transfer or start service Water & Sewer — contact your provider to transfer or start service Internet & Cable — schedule transfer or new installation Natural Gas — transfer or start service if applicable Trash & Recycling — set up service at new address Home security/alarm system — deactivate old, set up new

Government & Legal

Update driver's license address with your state DMV within required timeframe (Florida: 30 days) Update vehicle registration if moving to a new county or state Update Social Security address at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 Update Medicare or Medicaid information if applicable Notify your attorney or estate planner if you have a will or trust Notify your accountant or tax preparer

Packing

Begin packing non-essentials: seasonal items, books, décor, guest room Label every box with contents AND destination room Create a color-coded system (one color per room) Number boxes and keep a master inventory list Take photos/video of how electronics are connected before unplugging Pack a "do not move" box for items going in your personal vehicle

Confirm Everything

Reconfirm date, time, and address with your moving company Confirm all utility start/stop dates Confirm internet installation appointment at new home Reserve elevator access if moving in/out of a building Arrange parking permits or reserved space for the moving truck if needed Arrange for a friend, family member, or pet sitter to watch children and pets on moving day

Continue Packing

Pack all rooms except your daily essentials (kitchen basics, one set of bedding, toiletries) Disassemble furniture that can be broken down Put small screws, bolts, and hardware in labeled zip-lock bags taped to the furniture piece Wrap fragile items individually with packing paper or bubble wrap — never newspaper (ink transfers) Fill empty spaces in boxes with paper or padding to prevent shifting Keep boxes under 50 lbs — heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes

New Home Prep

If possible, visit new home and measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells Confirm large furniture will fit through doors and up stairs Arrange for professional cleaning of new home before move-in if needed Schedule any painting or renovations to be done before furniture arrives Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and HVAC controls at new home Change locks or rekey new home — you don't know how many key copies exist

Miscellaneous

Return library books, borrowed tools, and anything that belongs to others Collect any items you've lent to friends or neighbors Pick up dry cleaning and any items at repair shops Drain and clean outdoor furniture, grills, and lawn equipment Transfer or cancel gym memberships, local club memberships Stop or pause any local newspaper deliveries

Pack the Essentials Box

Pack one clearly labeled box or bag that travels in your car — not the moving truck. You'll need these things the first night.

Toiletries and medications Phone chargers and laptop One change of clothes per person Bedding or sleeping bags for the first night Important documents folder (keep this with you always) Snacks, paper plates, cups, and basic utensils Coffee maker and coffee (trust us on this one) Toilet paper, hand soap, and a towel for each person Kids' and pets' comfort items Cash for tips, food, and unexpected expenses

Wrap Up

Finish packing all remaining rooms Confirm moving truck parking logistics with your building or HOA Clean out and defrost the refrigerator (leave door open 24 hrs before move) Drain washing machine hoses Empty, clean, and disconnect any outdoor gas appliances Take final meter readings at current home (electric, gas, water) Photograph the condition of current home for security deposit purposes Confirm tip plan for movers — cash is always appreciated

Evening Checklist

Confirm arrival time with your moving company Get a good night's sleep — moving day is physically demanding Charge all devices and power banks Set out clothes for moving day (something you can get dirty) Set out your essentials box where it won't get loaded onto the truck Make sure pets are secured and cared for Prepare cash for movers' tips Prepare easy snacks and drinks for the moving crew Double-check that all boxes are labeled and closed Clear a path from every room to the front door Protect floors at current and new home with moving blankets or cardboard

Morning

Eat a real breakfast — this is not a day to skip meals Be present and available when movers arrive — give a full walkthrough Point out fragile or specialty items that need extra care Keep children and pets completely out of the movers' path Keep your essentials box, documents, and valuables in your personal vehicle

Before You Leave Your Old Home

Walk through every single room, closet, cabinet, and drawer Check attic, basement, garage, shed, and outdoor areas Check under beds, behind doors, and inside appliances Turn off all lights, fans, and HVAC Turn off all water faucets and check for running toilets Lock all windows and doors Take photos/video of the cleaned, empty home Hand off keys, garage openers, mailbox keys, and access cards

At Your New Home

Photograph new home before movers bring anything in — document any pre-existing damage Direct movers on where each box and piece of furniture goes Inspect items as they come off the truck — note any damage immediately Confirm utilities are live (lights on, water running, HVAC working) Set up beds first so you have somewhere to sleep Tip your movers — standard is $20–$50 per mover for a full-day move

First Week

Unpack room by room — start with kitchen and bathrooms Test all appliances, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical outlets Locate and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Change HVAC air filter Introduce yourself to neighbors Update address on your Florida driver's license (required within 30 days) Register your vehicle if you moved from out of state (required within 10 days in Florida) Confirm mail forwarding is active Send your new address to anyone who regularly mails you (relatives, healthcare providers, etc.)

First Month

Establish relationships with a local doctor, dentist, and pharmacy Find your nearest urgent care, hospital, and emergency vet Register children in their new school district Update insurance policies with new address and vehicle registration Apply for homestead exemption if you own your home (Florida deadline: March 1) Leave a Google review for your moving company if they did a great job Break down and recycle all moving boxes