The Ultimate Long Distance Moving Checklist (8 Weeks Before to Moving Day)

A long distance move involves dozens of moving parts — pun intended. Without a solid plan, things slip through the cracks. Use this week-by-week checklist to stay organized from start to finish.

8 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ Research and compare long distance moving companies
• ☐ Get at least 3-5 free quotes (use MyMovingQuotes for up to 5 at once)
• ☐ Set your moving budget
• ☐ Begin decluttering — sell, donate, or discard items you don't want to move
• ☐ Research your new city (neighborhoods, schools, utilities)
• ☐ Start collecting boxes and packing materials

6 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ Book your moving company — confirm your move date
• ☐ Get a written, binding estimate from your mover
• ☐ Start packing items you rarely use (off-season clothes, books, décor)
• ☐ Notify your employer of your new address
• ☐ Begin researching schools if you have children
• ☐ Start transferring medical, dental, and other records

4 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ File a change of address with USPS at usps.com
• ☐ Notify banks, credit cards, and financial institutions
• ☐ Update subscriptions (magazines, streaming, deliveries)
• ☐ Contact utilities at your current home to schedule shutoff
• ☐ Set up utilities at your new home
• ☐ Continue packing non-essential items
• ☐ Take photos or video of your valuables for insurance purposes

2 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ Confirm details with your moving company
• ☐ Pack most rooms except kitchen and daily essentials
• ☐ Arrange pet care or boarding for moving day
• ☐ Arrange childcare for moving day
• ☐ Return library books, rented items, borrowed items
• ☐ Collect items from storage
• ☐ Pick up dry cleaning

1 Week Before Your Move

• ☐ Confirm pickup time and details with your mover
• ☐ Pack an "essentials box" — things you'll need first night in new home
• ☐ Pack a personal bag (medications, documents, valuables to carry yourself)
• ☐ Defrost refrigerator and freezer
• ☐ Disassemble furniture that requires it
• ☐ Confirm your payment method for the mover

Moving Day

• ☐ Be present when movers arrive
• ☐ Review the inventory list with your moving crew
• ☐ Photograph existing damage on furniture before loading
• ☐ Sign the Bill of Lading only after reviewing it carefully
• ☐ Do a final walkthrough of your home — check closets, cabinets, attic
• ☐ Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows
• ☐ Hand over keys to landlord or new owner

Delivery Day

• ☐ Be present when the moving truck arrives
• ☐ Check items against the inventory list as they're unloaded
• ☐ Inspect furniture and boxes for damage before signing
• ☐ Note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing
• ☐ Keep your copy of the Bill of Lading and inventory

After Your Move

• ☐ File damage claims within 9 months if needed
• ☐ Update driver's license and vehicle registration
• ☐ Register to vote in your new state
• ☐ Find new doctors, dentists, and other providers
• ☐ Leave a review for your mover to help other customers