Moving is a project, not an event. The families who have the smoothest moves aren’t lucky — they’re organized. This checklist breaks the entire process into manageable weekly steps so nothing gets missed, from the day you book your movers to the night before they arrive.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is when the planning starts. You have time — use it.
Book your movers. The best crews book 3-4 weeks out, especially during peak season (May-September). If you’re moving on a weekend or at the end of the month, book even earlier.
Create a moving binder or folder. Digital or physical — one place for quotes, contracts, receipts, and checklists. You’ll reference it dozens of times.
Start decluttering. Go room by room and sort into keep, donate, sell, and trash. The less you move, the less you pay — and the faster your crew works.
Research your new area. If you’re new to the neighborhood, identify the closest grocery store, pharmacy, urgent care, and vet (if applicable). Know where you’re going before move day.
Check your lease or closing timeline. Confirm exact move-in and move-out dates. If there’s overlap, use it — a buffer day between homes makes everything easier.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Get packing supplies. You’ll need more boxes than you think. A typical 3-bedroom house uses 40-60 medium boxes, 15-20 large boxes, and 10-15 small boxes. Add packing paper, tape, and markers.
Start packing non-essentials. Books, seasonal clothing, decor, guest room items, and anything you won’t need in the next 6 weeks. Label every box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of contents.
Photograph valuables. Take photos of electronics (including serial numbers), furniture condition, and high-value items. This creates a record in case of damage claims.
Notify your landlord. If renting, provide written notice per your lease terms (usually 30-60 days).
Request time off work. Even if your move is on a weekend, give yourself a buffer day after to unpack essentials and handle surprises.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is where the real work begins.
Start the address change process. File a change of address with USPS (usps.com). Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer and payroll, subscriptions, voter registration, and DMV (Texas requires address update within 30 days).
Schedule disconnects at your old home and connections at your new one for move day or the day before: electric, water, gas, internet and cable, trash and recycling.
Transfer or set up utilities.
Notify your kids’ schools. Request records transfers and register at new schools if changing districts.
Update prescriptions. Transfer pharmacy prescriptions to a location near your new address.
Schedule specialty item logistics. If you’re moving a piano, safe, hot tub, or pool table, confirm the details with your moving company. These items may require a pre-move site assessment.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Confirm your moving date and crew. Call your mover to reconfirm the date, arrival window, and any special instructions (gate codes, elevator reservations, parking permits).
Pack room by room. Focus on one room at a time. Finish it, tape it, label it, and move to the next. Don’t half-pack five rooms — it creates chaos on move day.
Separate “do not pack” items. Set aside a box or bag for each family member with essentials: medications, phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and snacks. This goes in your car, not on the truck.
Drain and prep outdoor equipment. Lawnmowers, grills, and power equipment need fuel drained. Garden hoses should be drained and coiled.
Dispose of items movers can’t transport. Professional movers cannot legally transport propane tanks, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, ammunition, paints, solvents, aerosol cans, perishable food, and houseplants (for long-distance moves across state lines).
Clean out your refrigerator. Use up perishable food over the next two weeks. Defrost the freezer 24-48 hours before the move.
1 Week Before Moving Day
You’re in the final stretch.
Finish packing. Everything except daily essentials should be boxed, taped, and labeled. If you’re behind, focus on the rooms your movers will load first (garage, attic, basement).
Disassemble what you can. Remove wall-mounted TVs, curtain rods, and shelving. Bag all hardware and tape it to the item it belongs to.
Prepare large furniture. Empty dresser drawers, remove glass shelves from cabinets, and take legs off tables if they detach easily. Your movers will handle bed frames and standard disassembly — but removing small items speeds things up.
Arrange parking for the truck. If you’re in a downtown Austin condo, an apartment complex, or a community with tight streets, figure out where the truck will park. Reserve a loading zone if needed.
Do a final walkthrough of your new home. Check that utilities are on, the space is clean, and you know where the breaker panel and water shutoff are.
The Night Before Moving Day
Charge all devices. Phone, laptop, tablet, kids’ devices. You’ll need them.
Set out your “day of” bag. Essentials for each person, plus snacks, water, phone chargers, and any paperwork (lease, closing docs, gate codes).
Clear a path. Make sure hallways, doorways, and stairs are clear. Move anything fragile or breakable away from the path the crew will use.
Protect your floors. Your movers should bring floor runners, but clear any rugs or mats that could bunch up and create trip hazards.
Get cash for tips. If you plan to tip your crew, have it ready. $20-$50 per mover is standard for a local move; $50-$100 per mover for a long or difficult one.
Sleep. Move day starts early. The better rested you are, the better decisions you’ll make.
Moving Day
Be home when the crew arrives. Walk the crew lead through the house. Point out fragile items, which boxes are heavy, and any access issues (tight stairways, low clearances, pets to watch for).
Keep kids and pets safe. A moving crew working quickly through a house is not a safe environment for toddlers or dogs. Arrange a sitter, or keep them in one cleared room with the door closed.
Stay available but out of the way. The best thing you can do on move day is answer questions and stay accessible. Let the crew work — they’ve done this thousands of times.
Do a final walkthrough before leaving. Check every closet, cabinet, shelf, and drawer. Look in the attic, the garage rafters, under sinks, and behind doors. The most commonly forgotten items: phone chargers, shower curtains, garage door openers, and items in the back of the top closet shelf.
Check all utilities at the old home. Turn off lights, lock doors, set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature (especially if the home will be vacant), and close the garage.
First Week in Your New Home
Unpack essentials first. Kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Everything else can wait.
Test all systems. Run every faucet, flush every toilet, test every outlet, and make sure the HVAC works. Document any issues before your walkthrough warranty period ends.
Meet your neighbors. It takes 30 seconds and sets the tone for years.
Update your GPS and smart home devices. Change your home address in Google Maps, Apple Maps, and any smart home systems.
File your moving expense records. If your move is job-related, some expenses may be deductible. Keep all receipts.
Moving Checklist FAQ
How far in advance should I start packing?
For a typical 3-bedroom home, start 4-6 weeks before your move. Begin with rooms and items you use least. Leave the kitchen and daily essentials for the final week.
What do movers pack vs. what should I pack myself?
Most movers offer full packing services for an additional fee. If you’re packing yourself, handle clothing, personal items, and documents. Let the pros pack fragile items like dishes, glassware, and mirrors — they have the materials and technique to do it safely.
Should I empty my dresser drawers?
For local moves, most movers can transport dressers with lightweight clothing inside (socks, t-shirts). Remove heavy items, breakables, and anything valuable. For long-distance moves, empty all drawers.
Do I need to be home during the entire move?
Yes — or have a designated adult representative present. Someone needs to answer questions, sign paperwork, and do the final walkthrough at both locations.
Ready to Book Your Move?
Have your checklist ready and want to lock in your date? Get a free quote or call (512) 298-5311. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect on move day, confirm your timeline, and make sure nothing gets missed.
