Don’t miss a single step! This updated 2025 moving checklist walks you through everything you need—from 8 weeks before moving day to the moment you unload the last box. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this guide ensures a smooth, organized, stress-free transition.
Why You Need a Moving Checklist in 2025
Moving in 2025 is more complex than ever. Between managing digital paperwork, canceling subscription services, setting up smart home systems, and navigating rising moving costs, there’s a lot to juggle. A structured moving checklist helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, track important paperwork, budget more accurately, and ensure nothing gets forgotten.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned mover, having a step-by-step plan makes all the difference. This guide breaks down every task you need to complete from two months out to moving day—and beyond.
Pro tip: Consider using a dedicated home moving planner to keep all your moving documents, receipts, and checklists in one organized place.
8 Weeks Before Moving
Starting early is the key to a stress-free move. Eight weeks out, focus on big-picture planning and decluttering.
✔ Create a Moving Folder
Keep all receipts, contracts, addresses, inventory lists, and moving-related documents in one central location—whether that’s a physical binder or a digital folder. This will save you hours of searching later.
✔ Research Moving Companies
Don’t wait until the last minute to book movers. Compare multiple companies based on pricing, insurance options, customer reviews, and availability. Get at least three quotes and read the fine print carefully.
Looking for more help? Check out The First-Time Homeowner Planner on Amazon, which includes moving checklists, budget templates, and organizational tools.
✔ Create a Moving Budget
Your budget should include costs for professional movers, packing materials, transportation, cleaning services, and storage units. Planning ahead helps you avoid financial surprises. If you’re also tackling home projects, our guide on budget-friendly renovations can help you prioritize expenses.
✔ Declutter Your Home
Go room by room and sort items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and recycle. The less you move, the less you pay. Consider hosting a garage sale or listing items on local marketplaces.
✔ Plan Time Off Work
Request vacation days around your moving date if needed. Having a day or two off before and after the move will reduce stress significantly.
6 Weeks Before Moving
With six weeks to go, it’s time to start the physical preparation.
✔ Order Packing Supplies
Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels, protective covers, and markers. Buy more than you think you’ll need—you can always return unused supplies.
✔ Measure Your New Home
Before moving day, measure doorways, hallways, staircases, and rooms in your new home. This prevents the nightmare scenario of furniture that won’t fit through the door.
✔ Start Packing Non-Essentials
Begin with items you won’t need for the next several weeks: seasonal clothes, books, décor, rarely used kitchen tools, and holiday decorations. Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room.
✔ Arrange Storage (If Needed)
If you need temporary storage, reserve a unit early. Demand for storage facilities has increased in 2025, especially during peak moving season (May through September).
4 Weeks Before Moving
One month out, confirm arrangements and start notifying important parties about your move.
✔ Confirm Moving Company
Double-check your moving agreement: date, time, insurance coverage, pricing, and payment terms. Confirm that the company has your correct contact information and addresses for both locations.
✔ Notify Utility Companies
Schedule shut-off and connection dates for electricity, water, gas, internet, garbage pickup, and any other services. Aim to have utilities active at your new home a day before you arrive.
✔ Change Your Address
Update your address with banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, medical offices, your employer, delivery services, and online subscriptions. Don’t forget to submit a change of address form with USPS.
Resource: The New Homeowners Organizer includes address change checklists and utility setup trackers.
✔ Prepare Kids and Pets for the Move
If you have children, talk to them about the move and involve them in packing their rooms. For pets, make arrangements for safe transport and consider how they’ll adjust to the new environment.
2 Weeks Before Moving
With two weeks to go, you should be in full packing mode.
✔ Finish Packing Most Rooms
Pack everything except daily essentials. Label each box with the room name and a brief description of contents. Use a color-coding system or numbering system to make unpacking easier.
✔ Back Up Digital Files
Transfer important data from computers, tablets, and other devices before packing electronics. Store backups in the cloud or on external hard drives.
✔ Service Your Car
If you’re driving to your new home, especially for a long-distance move, get your car serviced. Check oil, tires, brakes, and fluid levels.
✔ Plan Meals
Start using up food in your refrigerator and freezer to minimize waste. Avoid grocery shopping for anything but essentials during these final weeks.
1 Week Before Moving
The final countdown begins. Focus on last-minute details and preparing for moving day.
✔ Pack a “First-Night Box”
Assemble a box (or suitcase) with everything you’ll need immediately at your new home: toiletries, bedding, towels, phone chargers, change of clothes, medications, snacks, and important documents like IDs and moving contracts.
✔ Defrost the Freezer
If you’re moving your refrigerator, defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before the move. Wipe it clean and leave the door open to dry completely.
✔ Prepare Payments and Tips
Set aside cash or cards for tipping movers (typically $20-30 per mover for a full day’s work). Have payment ready for any final moving company charges.
✔ Double-Check All Arrangements
Confirm the moving time, addresses, parking rules, building access codes, and elevator reservations (if applicable). Touch base with your moving company one final time.
Moving Day Checklist
The big day is here! Stay organized and keep these tasks in mind.
✔ Meet the Movers
Greet your moving team when they arrive. Give clear instructions about fragile items, special handling requirements, and which boxes go where.
✔ Do a Final Home Walkthrough
Before leaving, check every room, closet, drawer, garage, attic, basement, and storage area. Make sure nothing is left behind. Check that all lights are off and windows are closed.
✔ Protect Floors and Walls
Use coverings, cardboard, or furniture sliders in high-traffic areas to prevent damage during the move-out.
✔ Load Essentials Last
Your first-night box and other essentials should be the last things loaded onto the truck so they’re the first things you can access at your new home.
After Moving: Settling Into Your New Home
Congratulations on your move! Now comes the fun part: making your new house feel like home.
✔ Unpack Essentials First
Prioritize unpacking in this order: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, then living room. Focus on getting functional spaces set up before tackling storage areas.
✔ Reconnect Utilities
Test your WiFi connection, water pressure, electrical outlets, heating and cooling systems, and appliances. Report any issues to your landlord or service providers immediately.
✔ Update Your Home Security
Change the locks on all exterior doors as soon as possible. Update smart home settings, connect security cameras, and test alarm systems. For comprehensive home maintenance guidance, explore our homeownership resources.
✔ Walk Through the Neighborhood
Take time to explore your new area. Locate grocery stores, pharmacies, bus stops, gyms, schools, parks, and restaurants. Introduce yourself to neighbors when appropriate.
Next steps: Once you’re settled, consider using a comprehensive home organizer to track maintenance schedules, warranties, and future home improvement projects.
Printable Moving Checklist
Want a physical checklist you can reference throughout your move? Download our printable moving checklist that includes all tasks organized by timeline. Visit The Ultimate Home Moving Planner for a complete moving organization system.
You can also find moving checklists in the Home Moving Planner on Amazon, which features large-format pages, packing lists, and room-by-room inventory sheets.
FAQs About Moving in 2025
1. What is the first thing I should do when planning a move?
Start by creating a moving folder to centralize all documents and setting a realistic budget. Research moving companies early, especially if you’re moving during peak season.
2. How far in advance should I book a moving company?
Ideally, book your moving company 6 to 8 weeks before your moving date. For summer moves or cross-country relocations, consider booking even earlier.
3. How do I save money when moving?
Declutter before you pack, compare multiple moving company quotes, pack your own items instead of paying for full-service packing, and move during off-peak times (mid-month, mid-week, or winter months).
4. What should be in a first-night box?
Include toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, bedding, towels, snacks, medications, pet supplies, and essential documents like IDs and moving contracts.
5. Should I hire professional movers or rent a truck?
This depends on your budget, the size of your move, and your physical ability. Professional movers cost more but save time and effort. DIY moves are cheaper but require more planning and labor.
6. How do I pack fragile items safely?
Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, fill empty spaces in boxes with crumpled paper, clearly label boxes as “FRAGILE,” and load them last so they don’t get crushed.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this comprehensive 2025 moving checklist, you have a clear roadmap from start to finish. Remember to start early, stay organized, and give yourself grace during the process.
For more home organization resources, planning tools, and expert tips, visit our About Us page or explore our featured planners reviewed by Gear for DIYers.
Ready to get organized? Your stress-free move starts with the right planning tools. Happy moving!
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