Key takeaways
- Start eight weeks out; the last two weeks are always more compressed than expected.
- Book movers and confirm dates before you begin packing.
- Transfer utilities to overlap by one day at both addresses.
- Keep an essentials box and all critical documents with you, not on the truck.
Eight to four weeks out
Eight weeks: research and book movers, begin decluttering room by room, and start a document folder for the move. Six weeks: order supplies, begin packing rarely used items, and inventory valuables with photographs.
Four weeks: submit a USPS change of address, notify banks, insurers, employers, schools, and subscription services, arrange for school records transfer, and schedule utility disconnection at the old address and connection at the new one with a one-day overlap.
Three weeks to moving day
Three weeks: confirm the mover in writing, arrange time off, plan pet and child care for moving day, and begin using up food. Two weeks: service vehicles if driving a long distance, refill prescriptions, and confirm building elevator or loading dock reservations at both ends.
One week: pack an essentials box with medications, chargers, tools, toiletries, a change of clothes, and cleaning supplies. Keep passports, birth certificates, financial records, and closing documents with you. Defrost and clean the refrigerator 24 hours before.
Moving day and the first week
Walk through the empty home taking photographs, verify the inventory sheet before signing, note any pre-existing damage on the bill of lading, and confirm delivery address and contact details with the driver.
First week in the new home: change locks, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, locate the water shutoff and electrical panel, verify utility accounts are active in your name, register the vehicle and update your license if you crossed state lines, and file any damage claim promptly — interstate claims have deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I change my address?
File with USPS about two weeks before the move. Forwarding is temporary — update the address directly with banks, insurers, and government agencies.
What should I not pack on the truck?
Cash, jewelry, critical documents, medications, electronics you need immediately, and anything irreplaceable. Movers also prohibit hazardous materials including propane, paint, and flammables.
How much should I tip movers?
Common practice is roughly $5 to $10 per hour per mover for local moves, or 5% to 10% of the total for long-distance, adjusted for difficulty and care.
Sources & further reading
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration moving guidance
- USPS change of address procedures
- Consumer moving-industry complaint data
Figures and rules change. Verify current requirements with the issuing agency or a licensed professional before acting.