A successful move is built on a foundation of seamless details. By staying ahead of key milestones like utility transfers and address forwarding, you ensure your transition is as smooth as it is exciting. This guide organizes your journey into a clear, eight-week timeline so you can enjoy the excitement of your new home while we handle the heavy lifting.
Why a moving checklist keeps you organized
A moving checklist breaks down an overwhelming process into smaller, manageable steps. When you organize tasks by timeline—starting 8 weeks out and working toward moving day—you avoid the last-minute scramble that makes moving so stressful.
How to choose between Budget Move, Full Service Move, and Premium Move
Before you start working through the timeline, figure out how much help you actually want on moving day. Your choice here affects your budget, your schedule, and how you approach almost every other task on your list.
- The Premium Move is our highest level of service and includes full home packing, TV boxes, large-item wrapping, mattress covers, and furniture disassembly/reassembly.
- With our most popular option, the Full Service Move, you pack your own belongings and our crew handles trailer transport, professional loading/unloading, large-item wrapping and major furniture disassembly/reassembly.
- For those seeking a no-frills, budget-friendly option, our Budget Move includes the trailer, transport, and professional loading of your items as-is.it does not include extra wrapping or materials so you’re responsible for making sure your large items are protected.
Flex Moving offers all three options with custom trailers delivered to your door. You skip driving a box truck entirely, and you choose the level of support that fits your situation.
Your 8 week pre-move checklist
Create a realistic moving budget
A clear budget prevents surprises later. Account for moving service costs, packing supplies, travel expenses, storage fees, utility deposits, and cleaning costs.
Research and book your moving service
High-quality moving services are in high demand, particularly during the summer months. Secure your move with Flex Moving & Storage by getting ahead of the season. Our online booking flow makes it easy to book your move in minutes so you can check 'hiring movers' off your list..
Start decluttering room by room
Sort through your belongings using a simple system: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Start with low-traffic areas like guest rooms or garages to build momentum. Moving fewer items means lower costs and less packing work. Flex offers portable storage trailers you can keep in your driveway if you want to start packing stuff away as soon as possible.
What to do 6 weeks before moving
Gather packing supplies
Collect boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers for labeling, and furniture blankets. If you choose a full-service package like Flex's Premium Move, packing supplies are included.
Begin packing non-essential items
Pack things you won't miss in the next six weeks: seasonal décor, books you're not currently reading, guest linens, and rarely used kitchen gadgets. Work through one room completely before moving to the next.
Give notice to your landlord or list your home
If you're renting, check your lease for the required notice period and submit your notice in writing. If you're selling, coordinate your listing timeline with your real estate agent.
Things to do 4 weeks before your move
Schedule utility transfers and cancellations
Contact your utility providers to schedule service changes. Schedule disconnection at your old address for the day after you move out, and connection at your new address for the day before you arrive.
Update your address with important accounts
File an official change of address with USPS to forward your mail. Then update your financial accounts, government records, insurance policies, medical providers, and subscriptions.
Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day
Moving day involves open doors, heavy items being carried through hallways, and general chaos. Having kids and pets safely elsewhere allows you to focus on the movers and keeps everyone out of harm's way.
Essential tasks 2 weeks before moving day
Pack room by room with clear labels
On each box, write both the contents and the destination room. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. Keep similar items together so unpacking makes sense later.
Create a moving day essentials box
Your essentials box contains everything you'll want immediately upon arrival. Keep this box with you in your car. Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, bedding, snacks, important documents, and pet supplies if applicable.
Final week moving checklist
Pack a personal suitcase with essentials
Treat this like packing for a short trip. Your suitcase contains everything you'll want for the next 2-3 days: toiletries, clothes, and medications. Keep this bag in your car.
Finish packing all remaining items
By now, only your daily-use items remain unpacked. Pack these last, leaving out only what you'll absolutely use in the final few days before the move.
Deep clean your old home
A thorough cleaning is often required to get your security deposit back if you're renting. Clean all appliances, wipe down cabinets, vacuum and mop all floors, and scrub the bathrooms.
Confirm parking permits and building access
If you're moving to or from an apartment building, confirm you've reserved elevator time and secured any loading zone permits. Alert building management of your moving date and time window.
The day before moving day checklist
Do a final walkthrough of every room
Before you go to bed, do one last sweep of your home. Check all closets, cabinets, drawers, and storage areas. Items tucked in the back of a pantry or garage are easy to forget.
What to do on moving day
Supervise loading and do a final check before leaving
On moving day, be present to answer questions about fragile items or where boxes go in the new home. Before the truck pulls away, walk through the entire empty home one last time. Check that all windows are closed, lights are off, and doors are locked.
Additional moving day tips: protect floors with cardboard or drop cloths, clear pathways for movers, have snacks and water ready, and keep your essentials box accessible.
Our Flex crews arrive on schedule and work efficiently so you can focus on supervising rather than heavy lifting.
FAQs about moving
How far in advance should I start planning a move?
Starting 8 weeks ahead is ideal for most moves, giving you plenty of time to handle everything without feeling rushed. However, last-minute moves are possible with flexible providers like Flex Moving that offer on-demand scheduling any day of the week.
What should I do if I need to move on short notice?
Book movers immediately, then focus on decluttering and packing only essentials. A full-service or hybrid moving option can save valuable time when you're working with a tight timeline.
How do I handle storage if there is a gap between move-out and move-in dates?
Portable storage is a practical solution. You load your belongings into a trailer or container that can be stored on-site at your location or at a secure facility until you're ready for delivery. Flex offers both on-site and facility storage with on-demand delivery to any address.
Same day moves available!
We'll get you moving today.
