Moving Checklist
Relocating can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
This Checklist breaks down every step of your move into clear, manageable tasks so nothing falls through the cracks. Whether you’re moving across the country or across town, use this as your personalized roadmap from decision to move-in day and beyond.
The Hestiabode Moving Checklist
8+ Weeks Before Move
¨ Define your reason & timeline: Is this a job, lifestyle upgrade, retirement, or cost-of-living pivot?
¨ Decide: Rent vs Buy (and confirm short-term housing if needed) Need a Realtor?
¨ Get quotes from moving companies Need a Mover?
¨ Request time off work for move days
¨ Create a moving binder or digital folder (Google Drive or Secure Folder) to keep all docs
¨ Create a relocation budget: Include mover fees, deposits, gas/hotel if driving, and unexpected expenses
¨ Sort and purge: Start donating, selling, recycling what you don’t want to move
¨ Research schools, DMV, utilities, healthcare, gyms, etc. in your new area
¨ Gather important records:
¨ Birth certificates
¨ Medical/dental/immunization records
¨ School transcripts
¨ Vet records
¨ Insurance policies
¨ Legal docs
¨ Check relocation incentives See our list here
¨ Update insurance coverage: Home, renter’s, auto
6 Weeks Before Move
¨ Book your moving company (lock in dates, confirm insurance)
¨ Schedule car transport or long drive plan See our Specialty Services.
¨ Book flights, hotels, or rental car if needed
¨ Order packing materials: boxes, bubble wrap, tape, labels
¨ Take photos of valuable items and current home condition (for rental move-outs)
¨ Begin packing non-essentials (seasonal decor, off-season clothes, books)
¨ Label boxes by room + contents (use color-coded labels or QR apps)
¨ List and schedule furniture/appliance donations or junk haul
4 Weeks Before Move
¨ Change your address with:
¨ USPS (temporary or permanent)
¨ Banks + credit cards
¨ Employer/payroll/HR
¨ DMV (vehicle registration update in new state)
¨ IRS (form 8822)
¨ Subscriptions (Amazon, magazines, meal kits)
¨ Friends/family
¨ Notify utilities of move:
¨ Water
¨ Power
¨ Gas
¨ Internet/cable
¨ Trash/recycling
¨ Transfer or cancel memberships (gym, clubs, CSA boxes)
¨ Refill prescriptions and transfer them to a new pharmacy
¨ Deep clean areas as you pack
2 Weeks Before Move
¨ Confirm move details with movers (arrival time, contact person, payment method)
¨ Create an essentials box:
¨ Paper towels, cleaning supplies
¨ Chargers
¨ Toiletries
¨ First aid
¨ Medications
¨ Change of clothes
¨ Tools/scissors
¨ Snacks + pet supplies
¨ Backup files from desktop computers/hard drives
¨ Return borrowed items (library books, rentals, neighbor tools)
¨ Pack fragile items carefully + label with “Handle With Care”
¨ Book Hotels or make housing arrangements
1 Week Before Move
¨ Pack a “first 72 hours” suitcase for each person (like a travel bag)
¨ Empty fridge + defrost freezer
¨ Prep food for move week: snacks, frozen meals, paper plates
¨ Pay any outstanding bills for utilities or rent
¨ Disassemble furniture (beds, tables)
¨ Secure valuables: passports, jewelry, title docs should travel with you
¨ Confirm arrival details with landlord or realtor
¨ Schedule cleaning crew or DIY final clean
¨ Map out move day logistics (parking, elevators, weather, neighbor notice)
Moving Day
¨ Take inventory as boxes are loaded
¨ Walk through with movers before they leave
¨ Do a final sweep of the old place
¨ Lock windows, turn off lights/gas, and leave keys per instructions
¨ Tip movers (recommended: $20–$50 per person or more for long-distance)
¨ Track moving truck if possible (some offer GPS updates)
Arrival Day
¨ Unpack essentials box and “first 72 hours” suitcase
¨ Check for damage or missing items
¨ Take photos of new home condition (especially if renting)
¨ Set up beds + basic kitchen + bathroom
¨ Start utility setup if not already active
First Week in New Home
¨ Greet your new neighbors (bonus points for a bottle of wine or cookies!)
¨ Update driver’s license + vehicle registration
¨ Register to vote
¨ Find a new doctor, dentist, vet
¨ Check out local grocery store, Target, pharmacy
¨ Explore your new neighborhood
¨ Begin unpacking room by room
Final Touches (Weeks 2–4)
¨ Hang art & decor
¨ Install safety items: smoke detectors, smart locks, cameras
¨ Set up a new local routine (gym, work commute, dog park)
¨ Celebrate your move with takeout or a dinner party
¨ Leave reviews for movers, realtors, service providers
¨ Get a deep-clean service post-move-in
¨ Use the Hestiabode Network for: painters, landscapers, pet sitters, designers
¨ Begin journaling your “next chapter” in this new space
Bonus Add-Ons
(Optional, but Awesome!)
¨ Hire a local organizer to unpack
¨ Schedule a handyman or tasker