Complete Moving Tips & Checklist for a Stress-Free Move
Expert checklist and timeline for a smooth move.
✓ 8-12 Weeks to Plan · ✓ 100+ Tips & Tasks · Free Expert Guidance
Moving Timeline: When to Do What
Follow this proven timeline to stay organized and reduce stress throughout your moving process.
📅 8-12 Weeks Before
Planning & Preparation
-
Create moving budget
-
Research moving companies
-
Start decluttering
-
Check internet at new address
📦 4-6 Weeks Before
Organization & Booking
-
Book moving company
-
Order packing supplies
-
Schedule internet installation
-
Start packing non-essentials
🔧 2-3 Weeks Before
Utilities & Services
-
Arrange utility transfers
-
Forward mail with USPS
-
Confirm moving details
-
Pack most rooms
✅ 1 Week Before
Final Preparations
-
Finish packing
-
Confirm all appointments
-
Pack essentials box
-
Clean old home
🚚 Moving Day
Execution & Transition
-
Supervise movers
-
Final walkthrough
-
Keys and documents
-
First night essentials
🏠 After Moving
Settling In
-
Unpack systematically
-
Test utilities & internet
-
Update remaining addresses
-
Explore neighborhood
Exclusive Deals and Promotions on Internet
Compare Internet Providers in One Place
Check internet availability by zip to compare your options.
Complete Moving Checklist - Step by Step
Use this comprehensive, interactive checklist to stay organized throughout your entire moving process. Check off tasks as you complete them!
8-12 Weeks Before Moving
Planning and preparation phase - lay the foundation for a successful move
Planning & Budget
Home & Neighborhood Research
Decluttering & Organizing
6-8 Weeks Before Moving
Booking and initial organization phase
Booking & Scheduling
Schools & Medical
Initial Packing
4-6 Weeks Before Moving
Utilities, services, and continued packing
Utilities & Services
Financial & Legal
Continued Packing
2-3 Weeks Before Moving
Final arrangements and heavy packing phase
Confirmations & Arrangements
Address Updates
Heavy Packing Phase
1 Week Before Moving
Final preparations and last-minute tasks
Final Confirmations
Final Packing
Cleaning & Prep
Moving Day
Execution day - stay organized and supervise the move
Final Confirmations
Supervising Movers
Final Walkthrough
At New Home
After Moving (First Week)
Settling in and completing final tasks
Immediate Priorities
Unpacking & Organizing
Final Address Updates
Not sure which internet provider is available in your area?
Our home internet specialists help you find the best internet provider in your area.
Speak with a home internet specialist 📞 888-330-3368
Moving Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning my move?
Start planning your move 8-12 weeks in advance for the smoothest experience. This gives you time to research moving companies, declutter, arrange utilities, schedule internet installation, and pack systematically without stress. Last-minute moves (less than 2 weeks) are possible but significantly more stressful and expensive, often costing 30-50% more due to limited availability.
What should I do first when planning a move?
First steps when planning a move: 1) Create a comprehensive moving budget, 2) Decide whether to hire professional movers or DIY, 3) Set your official moving date, 4) Create a moving binder or digital folder for documents, 5) Start decluttering and donating items you don't need, 6) Research your new neighborhood and available services like internet providers.
What are the most common moving mistakes to avoid?
Common moving mistakes include: waiting until the last minute to plan, not decluttering before packing, forgetting to arrange utilities and internet in advance (4-6 weeks needed), not labeling boxes properly, packing heavy items in large boxes, not taking photos of electronics setup, forgetting to update your address with important contacts, not keeping essentials box accessible, and skipping the final walkthrough.
How much does it cost to move?
Moving costs vary widely based on distance and method. Local moves (under 100 miles) average $800-2,500 for professional movers. Long-distance moves average $2,500-7,500 depending on distance and volume. DIY moves cost $200-1,000 for truck rental and supplies. Additional costs include: packing materials ($100-300), storage ($50-300/month), utility deposits ($100-500), cleaning services ($100-400), and internet installation ($0-100).
When is the best time to move?
Best times to move: Off-peak season (October-April) offers 30-50% lower rates and better availability. Mid-month and mid-week moves are cheaper than month-end and weekends. Avoid peak moving season (May-September) when rates are highest. If possible, avoid moving on the 1st or last day of the month when movers are busiest. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are typically the cheapest days to move.
Should I hire professional movers or move myself?
Hire professional movers if: you have a large home (3+ bedrooms), heavy furniture, long-distance move, limited time, or physical limitations. DIY move if: you have a small apartment, tight budget, flexible schedule, and able-bodied friends to help. Professional movers cost more ($800-7,500) but save time and reduce injury risk. DIY moves cost less ($200-1,000) but require significant time and physical effort.
How do I change my address when moving?
Change your address with: 1) USPS (submit change of address online 2 weeks before moving), 2) Employer and HR department, 3) Banks and credit card companies, 4) Insurance providers (home, auto, life, health), 5) DMV for driver's license and vehicle registration, 6) IRS and state tax agencies, 7) Voter registration, 8) Subscription services, 9) Online retailers, 10) Professional organizations and memberships. Start updating addresses 4-6 weeks before moving.
What should I pack in my essentials box?
Pack an essentials box with items you'll need immediately: toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo), medications, phone chargers, change of clothes for each family member, important documents, keys, snacks and water, paper towels and toilet paper, basic tools (screwdriver, hammer), trash bags, and pet supplies. Keep this box with you, not on the moving truck, for easy access on moving day and your first night.
How do I arrange internet service when moving?
Arrange internet 4-6 weeks before moving: 1) Check which providers serve your new address, 2) Compare speeds and pricing, 3) Decide whether to transfer existing service or sign up as new customer (new customer deals often save more), 4) Schedule installation for move-in day, 5) Confirm appointment 1 week before, 6) Be present for 2-4 hour installation window, 7) Test speed before technician leaves. Call 888-330-3368 for free moving internet consultation.
What items should I not pack on the moving truck?
Never pack on the moving truck: important documents (passports, birth certificates, deeds), valuables and jewelry, medications and medical supplies, cash and checkbooks, keys to new home, laptop
Never pack on the moving truck: important documents (passports, birth certificates, deeds), valuables and jewelry, medications and medical supplies, cash and checkbooks, keys to new home, laptops and electronics, sentimental items (photos, heirlooms), hazardous materials (paint, propane, chemicals), perishable food, plants (extreme temperatures can kill them), and your essentials box. Keep these items with you in your personal vehicle.
Expert Moving Tips for a Stress-Free Move
Learn from moving professionals and avoid common mistakes with these expert tips.
Packing Tips
Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Books, tools, and heavy items should go in small boxes to keep weight manageable. Large boxes are for light, bulky items like pillows and linens.
Use Clothing as Padding
Save money on bubble wrap by using towels, t-shirts, and socks to wrap fragile items. This protects breakables and reduces the number of boxes needed.
Label Boxes on Multiple Sides
Label boxes on the top and at least two sides so you can identify contents no matter how they're stacked. Include room destination and "FRAGILE" if needed.
Color Code by Room
Use colored tape or stickers for each room (blue for bedroom, red for kitchen, etc.). This helps movers quickly identify where boxes go.
Pack a "First Night" Box
Include sheets, towels, toilet paper, phone chargers, snacks, and basic toiletries. You'll be exhausted on moving day and won't want to search through boxes.
Money-Saving Tips
Move During Off-Peak Times
Moving mid-week and mid-month can save 30-50% compared to weekends and month-end. Avoid peak season (May-September) if possible.
Get Free Moving Boxes
Check grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, and online marketplaces for free boxes. Many businesses are happy to give away boxes they'd otherwise recycle.
Declutter Before Packing
Moving costs are based on weight and volume. Sell or donate items you don't need to reduce moving costs and make extra money.
Compare Multiple Moving Quotes
Get at least 3 quotes from different moving companies. Prices can vary significantly, and you can often negotiate better rates with multiple quotes.
Ask About New Customer Internet Deals
New customer promotions for internet service often save more than transferring existing service. You can save $20-60/month for the first year.
Organization Tips
Create a Moving Binder
Keep all moving-related documents, receipts, quotes, and checklists in one place. Include important phone numbers and confirmation emails.
Take Photos of Electronics Setup
Before disconnecting TV, computer, or entertainment systems, take photos of cable connections. This makes reassembly at your new home much easier.
Number Your Boxes
Number each box and keep a master list of what's in each numbered box. This helps you track boxes and find specific items quickly.
Pack Room by Room
Complete one room entirely before moving to the next. This keeps you organized and makes unpacking easier at your new home.
Keep Hardware Together
Put screws, bolts, and hardware from furniture in labeled plastic bags. Tape bags to the furniture piece or keep all hardware bags in one box.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
Starting too late is the #1 moving mistake. Begin planning 8-12 weeks before your move date to avoid stress and higher costs.
Don't Forget to Arrange Internet Early
Schedule internet installation 4-6 weeks in advance. Last-minute requests often result in delayed installation and no connectivity on move-in day.
Don't Pack Valuables on the Truck
Keep jewelry, important documents, medications, and sentimental items with you. These should never go on the moving truck.
Don't Forget to Measure Doorways
Measure furniture and doorways at your new home before moving day. You don't want to discover your couch won't fit through the door.
Don't Skip the Walkthrough
Do a thorough final walkthrough of your old home. Check every closet, cabinet, drawer, and storage area to ensure nothing is left behind.
Ready to Set Up Internet & TV at Your New Home?
Don't stress about connectivity during your move. Our moving specialists will handle everything - from checking availability at your new address to coordinating installation on your move-in day.
Check internet availability by zip to compare your options.
Or speak with a internet specialist now 📞 888-330-3368