--- title: Moving House description: Everything to do before, during, and after a residential move, from eight weeks out to your first night. category: home tags: [home, life-events] version: "1.0" updated: 2026-07-07 sources: - name: USPS — Official change of address url: https://moversguide.usps.com/ - name: FMCSA — Protect your move (interstate moves) url: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move --- For a residential move, local or long-distance. Assumes you have roughly eight weeks; if you have less, do the phases in order and compress. ## Eight weeks before - [ ] Set a moving budget Local moves typically run $1,000–$3,000; interstate moves $4,000–$10,000+. Decide now whether you're hiring movers, renting a truck, or using a hybrid (you pack, they drive). - [ ] Get binding quotes from at least three moving companies `{essential}` Prices vary as much as 3x for identical moves. Insist on a *binding* quote after an in-home or video survey — a non-binding estimate is a suggestion, not a price. - [ ] Verify the mover's license and complaint history `{when: interstate}` `{essential}` Look up their USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Moving scams almost always trace back to unlicensed carriers. - [ ] Give written notice to your landlord `{when: renting}` `{essential}` Check your lease for the required notice period — 30 days is common, 60 is not rare. Missing it can cost you a month's rent. - [ ] Start a single moving folder One place — physical or digital — for quotes, receipts, the lease, school records. Moving expenses may be tax-deductible for military moves. ## Six weeks before - [ ] Declutter room by room Every box you don't move is money saved. Sell, donate, or discard; charities will often schedule a free pickup for furniture. - [ ] Order packing supplies Rule of thumb: 10–15 boxes per room, plus tape, paper, and a marker per packer. Liquor stores and grocery stores give away sturdy boxes. - [ ] Research schools and transfer records `{when: moving-with-kids}` Request transcripts and immunization records now — schools can take weeks to process transfers. - [ ] Book movers for pets or vehicles `{when: long-distance}` Pet air transport and car shipping both book out 4–6 weeks in advance. ## Four weeks before - [ ] File your change of address with the postal service Takes five minutes online and forwards mail for 12 months. Do it now; it can take two weeks to kick in. - [ ] Schedule utility shutoff at the old place and startup at the new Electricity, gas, water, internet, trash. Internet installation appointments are the bottleneck — book that one first. - [ ] Update your address everywhere that matters Bank, employer/payroll, insurance, DMV, voter registration, subscriptions. Work from your last two bank statements — anything that charged you knows your old address. - [ ] Start packing rooms you don't use daily Guest room, garage, storage, off-season clothes. Label every box with its destination room *and* a one-line summary of contents. - [ ] Arrange time off work for moving day And for the day after. You will not want to be in meetings. ## One week before - [ ] Confirm the movers in writing `{essential}` Date, arrival window, both addresses, contact numbers, and the binding quote amount. - [ ] Pack a "first 24 hours" box per person Medications, chargers, toiletries, two changes of clothes, towels, sheets, toilet paper, coffee setup. This box rides with you, not in the truck. - [ ] Use up or give away frozen and perishable food Movers won't take perishables; coolers only buy you a few hours. - [ ] Refill prescriptions `{essential}` You want a full supply crossing the gap, especially if you're changing pharmacies or states. - [ ] Photograph valuables and electronics setups Condition photos for insurance claims; cable photos so you can rewire the TV without swearing. - [ ] Empty, defrost, and dry the refrigerator 24 hours before loading `{when: moving-appliances}` A wet fridge in a sealed truck grows mold impressively fast. ## Moving day - [ ] Walk the movers through the house before loading starts Point out fragile items, what stays, and the "do not load" pile (your first-24-hours boxes, documents, valuables). - [ ] Keep documents, jewelry, and small electronics with you `{essential}` Anything irreplaceable or pocketable travels in your car. - [ ] Do a final sweep of every room, closet, cabinet, and drawer `{essential}` Check the dishwasher, the oven, the attic, behind doors, and the garage rafters. This is when things get left behind. - [ ] Record utility meter readings and photograph the empty rooms `{when: renting}` `{essential}` Your evidence for the deposit dispute you hope never happens. - [ ] Hand over keys, garage remotes, and mailbox keys To the landlord, agent, or buyer — count them out loud. ## First week after - [ ] Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, locate the breaker panel and water shutoff `{essential}` Before you need any of them. - [ ] Change the locks or rekey `{when: buying}` You have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist. - [ ] Unpack the kitchen first A working kitchen makes a house livable; everything else can wait. - [ ] Register your new address with the DMV `{essential}` Most states require a license and registration update within 30 days of moving. - [ ] Register to vote at your new address - [ ] Find a new doctor, dentist, and vet, and transfer records `{when: long-distance}` - [ ] Note the inspection deadline on your mover's paperwork Interstate movers: you typically have nine months to file a written claim for loss or damage — but the sooner, the stronger.