Your Complete Moving Checklist: From a Veteran-Owned Moving Company

We've helped thousands of families move, and here's what we know: preparation prevents problems. That's the foundation of how we approach every move at Happy Helpers Moving Co. We're a veteran-owned company that's completed thousands of moves. We know what works because we've seen it all. You need the right plan and the right team. This moving checklist gives you both.

This guide breaks down everything week by week, from two months before your move to your first week in the new home. Follow this and you'll be way ahead of most people. Let's get you ready.

Six Weeks Before Moving: Handle Paperwork

Nobody likes paperwork, but it's got to get done. These moving preparation tips focus on coordinating the administrative side so nothing falls through the cracks. 

Get All Your Packing Stuff

You need way more supplies than you think.

Don't cheap out on packing tape. Good supplies protect your belongings. One roll of tape won't cut it for an entire house.

Buy or source these packing materials:

• Small boxes for books and heavy items
• Medium boxes for kitchen items and most things
• Large boxes for blankets, pillows, and light stuff
• Wardrobe boxes to keep clothes on hangers
• Heavy-duty packing tape (buy at least 6 rolls)
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Permanent markers in different colors
• Mattress bags for all beds
• Furniture pads for protection

Happy Helpers offers complete packing supply packages with our moves—saves you the shopping trip.

Tell Everyone You're Moving

Start your change of address process early. Some organizations take weeks to process address changes.

It's tedious but crucial. Missing even one can cause problems for months.

Update your address with all of these:

• USPS.com for official mail forwarding (do this first)
• All banks and credit unions
• Every credit card company
• All insurance providers (home, auto, life, health)
• Your employer's HR department
• IRS and state tax authorities
• Voter registration office
• Subscription services (Amazon, Netflix, meal kits, magazines)
• Your doctors, dentists, and medical providers
• Professional licenses and memberships

Set Up Utilities at New Place

Call utility companies now for both locations. Some require weeks of lead time. You don't want to move into a home with no electricity or water.

For your old home, schedule disconnection 1-2 days after you leave:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water and sewer
• Internet and cable
• Trash and recycling pickup
• Security system if applicable

For your new home, schedule connection 1-2 days before you arrive:

• All the same services
• Ask about transfer credits if using the same providers
• Inquire about new customer promotions

Pro tip: photograph all meter readings at your old place. That's proof if billing disputes come up later.

Use Up What's in Your House

Stop accumulating and start depleting.

Start this strategy now:

• Stop buying groceries beyond weekly needs
• Eat what's in your freezer and pantry
• Use up cleaning supplies and toiletries
• Finish what you have instead of moving it
• Properly dispose of paint, chemicals, and batteries
• Donate unopened non-perishable foods to food banks

The less you pack, the less you move, the easier your life becomes.

Four Weeks Before Moving: Start Packing

Planning phase is done. Time to start packing.

Double-Check Everything With Your Movers

Communication prevents moving day disasters. Confirm all details now.

Verify these with your moving company:

• Exact date and arrival time window
• Both addresses are 100% correct
• Complete list of everything being moved
• Parking situation and building access at both locations
• Special handling for fragile or valuable items
• Payment method, amount, and timing
• What happens if the weather or an emergency delays the move

We call every customer this week anyway, but double-checking never hurts.

Pack What You Don't Need Right Now

The best packing tips for moving emphasize starting with non-essentials and working methodically through your home, room by room. Start with items you definitely won't touch for a month. One room at a time works best. You'll pack most of your house in the next two weeks, not right now.

This is strategic packing, not panic packing.

Pack these areas first:

• Out-of-season clothes and shoes
• Books, picture frames, and decorative items
• Guest bedroom furniture and linens
• Fine china and special occasion dishes
• Garage items, tools, and sporting equipment
• Holiday decorations and keepsakes
• Extra linens and towels you don't use daily

Write the destination room AND detailed contents on every box. Put labels on at least two sides. "Kitchen - Everyday Dishes & Glassware" is infinitely better than just "Kitchen."

Get Your Old Place Ready

Different situations require different approaches.

If you're renting, check your lease for specific move-out requirements. If you're selling, keep everything clean for final walkthroughs. Either way, you're leaving soon.

Prepare your current home:

• Schedule professional cleaners for the day after move-out
• Complete any minor repairs that could cost you
• Review your lease or sale agreement for what must stay
• Take photos of every room's condition
• Document all meter readings with timestamps

Those photos protect you from unfair damage claims or disputes.

Take Care of Medical Stuff

Medical continuity is easy to forget until you need a doctor and don't have one. Handle this now while you have time.

Your medical transition checklist:

• Research and select new doctors in your area
• Call current doctors to request records transfer
• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near new home
• Refill all medications so you have extra during the transition
• Schedule any urgent appointments before you leave
• Get copies of eyeglasses and contact prescriptions
• Update health insurance with new address
• Research the nearest hospital and urgent care

Money Prep

Your bank needs to know you're moving to avoid fraud alerts on your cards.

Financial preparation tasks:

• Notify all banks and credit unions of your move
• Update billing addresses on every credit card
• Withdraw $200-300 cash for moving day
• Take photos of expensive items for insurance
• Keep important financial documents with you (never on the truck)
• Consider a fireproof document bag for the transition

Two Weeks Before Moving: Heavy Packing Time

This is when most of your packing happens. You're in the home stretch.

Pack Almost Everything

By the end of this week, 80% of your home should be in boxes.

Pack one complete room per day rather than bouncing around. It's more efficient and less overwhelming. Keep out only what you absolutely need for the next two weeks.

Pack all of these areas now:

• Kitchen (keep only paper plates, one pan, and a coffee maker)
• Living room and entertainment areas
• Bedrooms, except for one week of clothes per person
• Bathrooms, except daily-use toiletries
• Home office (back up all computer files first!)
• Closets, linen cabinets, and storage spaces
• Wall decorations, artwork, and mirrors

Packing rule: heavy items go in small boxes, light items go in large boxes. A small box of books is manageable. A large box of books requires a forklift.

Take Days Off Work

You need more time off than you think. People who try to move in one day while working always regret it. Everyone's exhausted, corners get cut, and belongings get damaged.

Request time off for:

• Moving day itself (non-negotiable)
• Day before for final preparations
• Day after for basic unpacking and recovery
• Coordinate schedules if moving with a partner

Prep Your Appliances

Appliances need advance preparation. Some take longer than you'd expect.

Prepare each appliance properly:

• Defrost freezer 24-48 hours before moving day (critical!)
• Clean the washer and dryer completely, and leave the doors open to dry
• Disconnect water lines and drain all hoses
• Clean the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly
• Remove and pack loose shelves and drawers separately
• Secure glass shelves with tape or remove them entirely

Tech tip: Before unplugging your TV and entertainment system, take photos of how everything connects. You'll thank yourself when setting up at the new place.

Make Sure Everything's Confirmed

This is your final confirmation checkpoint.

Verify all arrangements:

• Moving company knows the exact plan
• Parking permits secured at both locations
• Elevator reservations made if needed
• Service elevator required? (many high-rises mandate this)
• You have keys to your new property
• Building access is arranged at both places

Pack Your "First Night" Boxes

These boxes save you on moving night and the next morning.

Pack everything you'll need for the first 24 hours in clearly marked boxes. We mean CLEARLY marked—write "OPEN FIRST" in huge letters on all sides.

Your essential first-night boxes contain:

• Bedding, sheets, and pillows for every bed
• Toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and towels
• Phone chargers for every device you own
• All medications and first aid supplies
• Change of clothes and pajamas for everyone
• Basic tool kit (screwdriver, hammer, scissors, box cutter)
• Paper plates, plastic utensils, cups, and napkins
• Snacks, drinks, and easy breakfast items
• Coffee maker and coffee (life-saving)
• Important documents folder
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Trash bags and basic cleaning wipes
• Pet food and supplies, if you have animals

Label these on every single side. You don't want to dig through 100 boxes at 10 PM looking for sheets.

One Week Before Moving: Final Week

You're in the home stretch. One week until moving day.

Pack Suitcases for Everyone

Here's a smart strategy: pack like you're going on a week-long trip.

This keeps you out of boxes while still living in your home. You're basically treating the move like a vacation on both ends.

Pack regular luggage with:

• 5-7 days of clothing for each person
• All toiletries you're currently using
• Kids' favorite comfort items and toys
• Pet essentials if you have furry family members
• Anything you'd pack for a vacation

This way you're living normally while your house gets packed up around you.

Handle Final Cleaning

Whether you're selling or renting, leaving the place clean is the right move.

Schedule professional cleaners for the day after you move out. Or buy cleaning supplies now if you're doing it yourself. Check what your lease or sale agreement specifically requires—some landlords require professional carpet cleaning receipts.

Return Everything You Borrowed

We see this all the time: people move with borrowed items and realize it weeks later.

Return these items now:

• Library books and materials
• Neighbor's tools or equipment
• Friend's containers and dishes
• Anything that doesn't belong to you
• Keys to community spaces, gym, or neighbors' homes

Gather Important Documents

These documents must stay with you, never on the moving truck.

Create one folder or fireproof bag that stays in your personal vehicle throughout the move. This is non-negotiable. If something happens to the moving truck, you don't want to lose these.

Your essential documents folder includes:

• IDs, passports, and birth certificates for everyone
• Social security cards
• All insurance policies
• Moving contract and payment receipts
• New home paperwork (lease, deed, inspection reports, keys)
• Bank statements and financial documents
• Recent medical records
• Kids' school transcripts and records
• Pet vaccination and medical records
• Vehicle titles and registration
• Any legal documents (wills, power of attorney)

Critical rule: this folder never goes on the truck. Ever.

Say Goodbye

Moving is emotional, and that's completely okay.

Take time this week to say proper goodbyes. This home held memories, and it's natural to feel bittersweet about leaving. Kids especially need closure and time to process.

Consider these farewell activities:

• Host or attend goodbye gatherings
• Exchange contact information with neighbors you want to keep in touch with
• Take photos throughout your home and favorite neighborhood spots
• Let kids make a memory book of their old home
• Thank people who helped you during your time there

Two Days Before Moving: Final Push

You're ready. Almost there.

Finish Defrosting Freezer

If you haven't defrosted your freezer yet, today is the day.

Complete defrosting process:

• Empty the freezer completely
• Unplug the unit
• Prop doors open
• Place towels underneath to catch water
• Clean and dry thoroughly once defrosted
• Secure shelves and parts for transport

This takes longer than you think, which is why we're telling you two days out.

Check Everywhere One More Time

Do a final walkthrough looking for items you might have missed.

It's shocking how many things hide in plain sight. We've found wedding rings, important documents, and family heirlooms in the strangest places.

Check these commonly missed spots:

• Every closet, cabinet, and drawer (yes, even junk drawers)
• Under all beds and behind furniture
• Attic, basement, and crawl spaces
• Garage, shed, and all outdoor storage
• Medicine cabinets and linen closets
• Top shelves in every room
• Behind doors and in corners
• Inside appliances (check oven and microwave)

Document everything with photos or video. This proves the condition you left the home in.

Pack Your Car Bag

This bag stays in your personal vehicle throughout the entire move.

Your car bag contains:

• Documents folder (discussed earlier—super important)
• All medications and prescriptions
• Jewelry, collectibles, and valuables
• Laptop, tablets, and electronics
• All phone chargers and power banks
• Keys to your new home
• Checkbook or payment for movers
• Snacks, water bottles, and road trip food
• Printed list of phone numbers (backup if phone dies)
• Basic entertainment for the car ride

Get Cash Ready

Tips for moving crews are customary but not required.

Here's the industry standard: $20-30 per person for moves under 4 hours, $40-50 per person for full-day moves. Have cash in small bills ($20s) ready to go. Some people tip at the beginning, others at the end—both approaches work fine.

Also, keep cash for emergencies, drive-thru food, or last-minute purchases. Our crews appreciate tips but never expect them. Good movers work hard regardless, but a tip is a nice way to say thanks.

Moving Day: Let's Do This

Today's the day. Deep breath—you followed the moving checklist and you're prepared.

Before the Team Shows Up

Get ready before the moving truck arrives. Complete your morning moving day checklist before the moving truck arrives to set yourself up for success.

Your moving day morning checklist:

• Walk through every room one final time
• Take photos of all meter readings
• Brew coffee for yourself and the crew
• Charge your phone to 100%
• Have the moving company contact number ready
• Keep the floor plan of the new home accessible
• Dress in comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes
• Layer clothing—you'll get warm during the move

When They Arrive

First impressions matter on both sides.

Verify details immediately:

• The company name on the truck matches your contract
• Truck identification number matches paperwork
• Movers have a proper company ID

Walk through your home together before they start loading. Point out fragile items and antiques that need special care. Show them what's NOT going (furniture you're leaving, items in your car). Clarify the parking and access situation at your new home.

Our team does a complete inventory with you before loading a single box. You sign off on everything, so there are no surprises.

While They're Loading

Your job is to be available without being in the way. Stay in a central location where the crew can find you for questions.

Keep your phone charged and accessible. Offer water to the crew, especially on hot days.

Do this during loading:

• Stay available for questions
• Keep pets and kids in a safe room or at a friend's house
• Take photos or a video of the loading process
• Do periodic checks that everything's going smoothly
• Stay hydrated and feed yourself

Don't do this:

• Hover over movers or micromanage
• Get in the working area
• Let stress make you short-tempered
• Forget to take care of yourself

Before You Leave Your Old Place

This is it. Last time in this home.

Take a moment if you need to. It's okay to feel emotional. This home held memories, good times, maybe some hard times, too.

Your absolute final checklist:

• Walk through every room one last time
• Check all closets and cabinets again
• Look in the attic, basement, and garage
• Turn off all lights, ceiling fans, and electronics
• Adjust the thermostat to the appropriate setting
• Close and lock all windows
• Lock every door
• Take final photos or video of empty rooms
• Leave keys, garage openers, and remotes as arranged

Take one last look before you walk away. Then close that door and look forward to what's next.

At Your New Home

You've arrived at your fresh start.

Arrival preparation before movers get there:

• Verify all utilities are on (lights, water, heat or AC)
• Unlock every door movers will use
• Post the floor plan where movers can see it
• Protect floors with cardboard or mats if needed
• Label doorways with room names on paper signs

When movers arrive, walk through the new place together. Show them which room is which. Direct furniture placement as items come in—it's much harder to rearrange a sofa after everyone's gone.

As They Unload

Quality control time. Check everything as it comes off the truck.

Your job during unloading:

• Check off each item on the inventory list as it arrives
• Inspect furniture and boxes for visible damage
• Note any damage immediately with photos
• Direct boxes to correct rooms
• Make sure fragile items are placed safely
• Test furniture assembly (wobbly? they can fix it now)

Finishing Up

You're at the finish line.

Final moving day tasks:

• Review the complete inventory sheet thoroughly
• Note any damage or missing items on the paperwork
• Sign off on all documents
• Hand tips to movers individually if you're doing so
• Ask about the damage claim process if needed
• Keep copies of all paperwork
• Thank the crew for their work

We follow up within 48 hours to make sure everything went smoothly and address any concerns.

First Hour at New Place

Congratulations—you officially moved.

Now take care of immediate needs so you can rest tonight. Make beds first—you'll be exhausted later and will appreciate having somewhere to collapse.

First hour priorities:

• Make all beds with clean sheets
• Set up bathrooms with towels and toiletries
• Unpack your "open first" boxes
• Find kitchen supplies for easy dinner
• Order takeout (you've earned it)
• Put phone chargers in every room you'll use tonight
• Test major appliances and water pressure
• Take a deep breath
• Celebrate—you did it!

For detailed guidance on organizing your move, check out our comprehensive step-by-step moving resource.

First Week After Moving: Settling In

Mission accomplished. But there's still work to do.

Day One: Safety First

Safety and functionality come before unpacking decorations.

Check these today:

• Test every light switch and outlet
• Run all faucets to check the water
• Locate main shutoff valves (water, gas)
• Find the circuit breaker and label it
• Change or rekey all locks
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
• Make sure the heat or AC works
• Program the garage door opener
• Set up the internet

Days 2-3: Basic Setup

Focus on making core areas livable. Don't try to unpack everything at once.

Make these areas functional:

• Kitchen basics so you can cook real meals
• Bathrooms fully operational
• Bedrooms so everyone has personal space
• One common area, so you're not living in total chaos

Don't rush the unpacking process. Going too fast leads to poor organization and having to redo everything later.

Week One Admin Stuff

These tasks are time-sensitive. Some have legal deadlines depending on your state.

Update these immediately:

• Driver's license (30 days in most states)
• Vehicle registration and auto insurance
• Voter registration in the new district
• Kids' school enrollment (finalize everything)
• Pet licenses, if your city requires them
• Amazon and all delivery service addresses

Find What You Need Nearby

Get oriented in your new neighborhood.

Locate these places ASAP:

• Nearest grocery store
• 24-hour pharmacy
• Closest hospital and urgent care
• Gas stations
• Coffee shop (priorities!)
• Post office
• Bank branch
• Good restaurants for takeout nights
• Parks or outdoor spaces
• Pet services if you have animals

Meet Your Neighbors

Don't feel pressured to be social immediately, but friendly introductions help. We've seen how helpful neighbors can be—lending tools, recommending services, and watching out for your home.

Say hello when you see people. Learn the names of immediate neighbors. Ask for local recommendations. Join neighborhood social media groups to stay informed.

Unpack Smart

Marathon, not sprint. You didn't pack everything in one day, so don't try to unpack it all in one day.

Best unpacking strategy:

• Completely unpack one room before starting another
• Break down and remove boxes as you empty them
• Find permanent homes for everything (resist "I'll deal with it later")
• Do a little every day rather than exhausting yourself

Reality check: most people take 2-4 weeks to fully unpack. That's completely normal.

Make It Feel Like Home

The physical act of unpacking is one thing. Making a house feel like YOUR home is another.

This is the emotional part of settling in. Put up familiar photos and artwork. Arrange furniture how YOU want it. Set up your favorite comfort spaces.

Small touches that make a difference:

• Hang family photos and art
• Set up your coffee or tea station
• Arrange your favorite reading spot
• Display kids' artwork
• Put out familiar decorative items
• Play your favorite music while unpacking
• Order from a new local restaurant

Give yourself grace during this transition. Some days you'll feel excited. Some days you'll feel overwhelmed or homesick. All of it is normal and okay.

Leave Us a Review

Your experience helps other families make informed decisions. We truly appreciate honest feedback.

Leave reviews on:

• Google Business Profile
• Yelp
• Facebook
• Better Business Bureau

Honest feedback helps us improve and helps other families choose the right moving company.

What We've Learned From Thousands of Moves

Our team has seen every scenario you can imagine. After completing thousands of moves, we've refined this moving checklist based on what actually works in real-world situations. Here's what actually works.

Packing Tricks That Actually Work

These aren't Pinterest theories. These are battle-tested strategies from real moves.

Try these proven tactics:

• Use rolling suitcases for heavy books (built-in wheels save your back)
• Pack plates standing upright like vinyl records (way less breakage)
• Use towels and linens to wrap fragile items (saves money on bubble wrap)
• Take photos before unplugging any electronics
• Put screws and hardware in labeled sandwich bags, tape to furniture
• Use different colored markers for each room
• Keep boxes under 50 pounds maximum
• Write "FRAGILE" on all sides of delicate boxes, not just the top
• Keep all cords with their devices using rubber bands
• Use smaller boxes for books and heavy items

Best Times to Move

When you move matters almost as much as how you move.

Book movers for mid-month instead of month-end if possible. Weekdays are almost always cheaper and have better availability than weekends. Fall moves are usually the smoothest in terms of weather and crew availability. Start packing earlier than feel necessary. We've never heard someone say, "I started too early."

Save Money on Your Move

Moving is expensive, but you can control costs.

Budget-friendly moving strategies:

• Source free boxes from liquor stores, bookstores, and grocery stores
• Purge ruthlessly before getting estimates (less stuff = lower cost)
• Pack yourself if you're budget-conscious (full-service packing adds cost)
• Move plants and hazardous materials yourself (movers can't transport them)
• Compare weekday versus weekend rates
• Ask about military, senior, or off-season discounts
• Move during September-April if your timeline is flexible

Mistakes We See All the Time

Learn from other people's pain points. We've witnessed these mistakes more times than we can count. Don't repeat them. Most are easily preventable.

Avoid these common errors:

• Waiting too long to book movers
• Not measuring large furniture against doorways
• Forgetting to reserve elevators in high-rise buildings
• Packing cleaning supplies or liquids with regular items
• Not defrosting the freezer early enough
• Throwing away furniture assembly instructions
• Not taking photos of electronics connections
• Labeling boxes poorly or not at all
• Packing items you need immediately
• Not having cash on hand for emergencies
• Leaving utilities in your name at the old address
• Underestimating how long unpacking takes
• Trying to do everything in one day

Night Before Moving Day

Get ready like an athlete before a game. You need energy tomorrow. Don't stay up all night packing. Take care of yourself.

Evening before checklist:

• Charge all devices to 100%
• Set multiple alarms
• Lay out comfortable clothes
• Have an easy breakfast planned
• Put the essentials bag by the door
• Do a final checklist review
• Get good sleep

Ready for a Smooth Move?

You've got a complete moving checklist now. That puts you way ahead of most people who move. 

Moving doesn't have to be chaotic. You need the right plan and the right team. This checklist is your plan. We're Happy Helpers Moving Co, a veteran-owned moving company that's helped thousands of families. Our approach to moving comes from years of training in logistics and preparation. Our crew is trained to handle your belongings like they're our own. We take pride in getting every job done right.

Ready to get started? Get a free estimate from us today. We'll build a custom plan that works for your timeline, budget, and specific situation. Here's to your fresh start.