Moving Checklist: A Simple Timeline From Eight Weeks Out to Moving Day
The short answer
Start about two months out. Get written estimates from at least three movers, and if you’re moving to another state, check that the mover is registered with FMCSA. [2] Change your address with USPS at least a week or two before you move, since requests take 7 to 10 business days to take effect. [4] USPS says you’re responsible for telling agencies yourself [4], and the IRS says to notify it directly even if you’ve told USPS [6].
8 weeks out: plan and choose a mover
- Ask around. Get recommendations from neighbors, friends and relatives. [2]
- Get at least three estimates and compare the cost and services. [2]
- Check registration. Interstate movers and brokers should be registered with FMCSA and have a U.S. DOT number. You can check in FMCSA’s Registered Mover Database. [1][2]
- Ask about damage. Find out what the mover is responsible for if your things are damaged, and whether they have a dispute settlement program. [2]
- Get the booklet. Interstate movers are required to give you Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and FMCSA’s Ready to Move brochure. [1]
Spot moving scams
FMCSA lists these red flags: [3]
- No on-site inspection; the estimate is given over the phone or online, sight unseen
- No written estimate, or the mover says they’ll set the price after loading
- They demand cash or a large deposit before the move
- They ask you to sign blank documents
- They don’t give you the Your Rights and Responsibilities booklet
- The website has no local address or registration and insurance information
- They claim all your goods are covered by their insurance
- The phone is answered “Movers” or “Moving Company” instead of a company name
- A rental truck shows up on moving day instead of a company truck
6 weeks out: sort and pack
- Go room by room. Sell, donate or toss what you won’t move.
- Gather boxes, tape and markers.
- Start packing things you rarely use.
- Keep important papers, medicines and valuables in a bag you’ll carry yourself.
2 to 4 weeks out: change your address
With USPS. You can do it online through the official USPS Change of Address site or at a Post Office. [4] Online, you’ll verify your identity and pay a $1.25 identity verification fee, and the billing address on your card must match your old or new address. [4] At the Post Office, ask for a free Mover’s Guide packet. [4] Allow at least 7 to 10 business days after approval for forwarding to start. [4]
Use only the official USPS site. USAGov warns that you don’t need to pay a separate company to change your address, and scammers may charge $40 or more for it. [5]
What USPS won’t forward. Sensitive items like driver’s licenses, credit cards and bank statements usually aren’t forwarded. Contact those senders directly. [4] Standard forwarding lasts 12 months. [4]
With the IRS. Use Form 8822, put your new address on your tax return, send a signed written statement, or tell the IRS in person or by phone. [6] Not all post offices forward government checks, so tell the IRS directly even if you’ve told USPS. A change can take four to six weeks to process. [6]
Everywhere else. USAGov lists other places to update: Social Security, veterans benefits, immigration, your driver’s license and vehicle registration, and voter registration. [5] Also update your bank, employer, insurance, utilities and subscriptions.
1 week out
- Confirm the date, time and contact numbers with your mover. Ask how to reach them before, during and after the move. [2]
- Set up utilities and internet at the new place.
- Pack a first-night box: sheets, towels, chargers, basic tools, snacks and toilet paper.
Moving day
- Read the estimate, bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign. [2]
- Go with the movers as they inventory your things, and settle any questions about condition. [2]
- Stay until they finish. Do a final walk-through so nothing is left behind. [2]
- Keep the bill of lading until your goods are delivered, charges are paid and any claims are settled. [2]
Delivery day
- Be there to supervise unloading. [2]
- Before you sign anything, note any damaged or missing items on the inventory. [2]
Driving to your new home? Our family road trip checklist covers the car. Moving costs adding up? See how to make a budget and stick to it.
Make it easier
Want it on paper? Use our printables to keep track as you go.
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