Your Free Printable Moving Checklist

Moving is a big job, but with the right organizational tools, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Now that the countdown is on, use a moving checklist to keep you on track and ensure no detail goes overlooked.

Professional Organizer Avery Amante of Simply Organized, says, “”It’s important to have a game plan and to be sure everyone in your family is looped in. Create a timeline, assign tasks, and post your plans in a place where everyone can see it.”” Utilize a digital task manager like Asana or Todoist, and use the printable moving checklist below to help you get started.

8-10 Weeks Before Your Move

Research and hire quality movers if needed.
Conduct walk-throughs of every room for a first pass of sorting items.
Begin decluttering and purging items you no longer want or haven’t used in over a year — donate or give away what you can.
Make a list of valuables that may need extra insurance coverage or special packing consideration.
Begin listing items you want to sell on Craigslist or virtual yard sale sites, or host your own garage sale.

Pro Tip: Virginia Brown, professional organizer and owner of Miami Neat, offers this trick for the sorting and purging phase, “”Ask yourself, ‘Will I use this in my new place?’ If the answer is no, then it has to go.””

6-8 Weeks Before Your Move

Designate a low-traffic area of your home for staging where you’ll keep packed boxes, supplies, and other necessities for your move.
Begin packing non-essential items, such as seasonal belongings or the stuff in your storage closet.
If you’re facing a long-distance move, make any necessary travel arrangements.

4-6 Weeks Before Your Move

Obtain measurements of the rooms, windows, and doors of your new home for planning purposes.
With your initial sorting and purging complete, take a second pass and begin packing items like décor, toys, books, and clothing that don’t see frequent use.
Remember to label every box with the corresponding room in the new house.
Take pictures of valuables that are slated for the moving truck. Irreplaceable keepsakes should travel with you in your own vehicle, if possible.
If desired, make arrangements for someone else to care for your small children and pets on moving day.

3-4 Weeks Before Your Move

Continue packing each room as you’re able.
Call utility companies and set up service stoppage and start dates for both your current home and your new one.
Fill out a change of address form with the post office, and update your mailing address where needed, such as with your bank and employer.
Plan meals that use up items in the freezer, fridge, or pantry that will be difficult or inconvenient to bring with you.

Two Weeks Before Your Move

Confirm your moving date with your movers.
Schedule any services, such as house cleaning or carpet shampooing, for either your current home or your new one.
Begin gathering important documents, and pack these in a VIP box that will travel in your own vehicle on moving day.
Finish packing everything except essential items.

One Week Before Your Move

Pack remaining items in each room.
Pack overnight bags for each member of your family, plus other immediate-need essentials, such as toilet paper and an extra phone charger. These will stay with you in your own vehicle during the move.
Make a final donation drop-off, including any nonperishable food items to a local food bank.

Pro Tip: Amante says, “”Many people experience a very stressful crunch at the end, and the biggest culprit is last-minute items. Don’t underestimate the time needed to sort through a junk drawer or pantry, to unhook electronics, or to corral bathroom essentials.”” Keep your printable moving checklist and planner handy to help you stay organized.

Final Days Before Your Move

Get keys to the new place.
Confirm once again with the movers, including arrival time and any other important information.
Disassemble furniture.
Clean your home.

Woman looking at her phone with plants and books in the background

Don’t let your moving to-do list overwhelm you. As Brown says, “”Keep your sense of humor, think positively, and remember change is good!”” Now that you’re armed with a detailed printable moving checklist, you can tackle each task like a pro.

As you’re juggling moving tips and checklists and schedules, consider lightening your load by renting furniture so that your new home is move-in ready upon arrival. CORT Furniture Rental can handle everything so you can concentrate on your relocation.