Moving Checklists

Your Complete Moving Checklist

Moving involves a lot of moving parts. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown to ensure nothing gets left behind:

8 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Declutter your home: Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
  • Research moving companies: Compare rates and services. Make sure to book with Pivotal Movers for a stress-free experience.
  • Create a moving binder: Keep all important documents related to the move in one place (contracts, checklists, receipts, etc.).

6 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Order packing supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and labels.
  • Notify schools and employers: Let them know of your move and gather any necessary documents.
  • Start packing non-essentials: Begin with items you won’t need until after the move (seasonal clothes, decorations, etc.).
  • Schedule time off work: If your moving day is during the workweek, request time off in advance.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Notify utility companies: Arrange to have utilities like electricity, water, and gas shut off at your current home and turned on at your new home.
  • Change your address: Update your address with the post office, banks, and other important contacts.
  • Start packing more frequently used items: Keep essentials (clothing, toiletries, and kitchen items) for the last week.
  • Make travel arrangements: If you’re moving long-distance, book accommodations and travel arrangements.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Confirm moving details: Double-check the moving date, time, and any specific instructions with your movers.
  • Pack a “first-night” box: Include essentials you’ll need right away (clothes, toiletries, medications, and basic tools).
  • Clean and prep your home: Start cleaning areas that you won’t use before moving day.

1 Week Before Your Move

  • Defrost the fridge: Empty, clean, and unplug your refrigerator and freezer at least 24-48 hours before moving day.
  • Pack valuables separately: Keep important documents and small valuable items with you during the move.
  • Label all boxes: Ensure every box is labeled with the room it belongs to and whether it contains fragile items.
  • Confirm childcare/pet care: If needed, arrange for someone to watch your kids or pets on moving day.

Moving Day Checklist

  • Do a final walk-through: Check every room, closet, and cabinet to ensure nothing is left behind.
  • Supervise the movers: Be available to answer any questions and provide direction as necessary.
  • Pack snacks and water: Keep everyone hydrated and energized throughout the day.
  • Review the bill of lading: Before the movers depart, make sure to review and sign the bill of lading.

Specialty Moving Checklists

We also offer more detailed checklists for specific types of moves:

Need Help with Your Move?

At Pivotal Movers, we’re more than just a moving company—we’re your moving partners. Our goal is to take the stress out of your move, and these checklists are just one of the many ways we do that.