Long-Distance Moving Checklist for 2021

Settling down across the country in a new town is an exciting transition in life. The process of getting there, however, can feel a bit daunting when you first jump into the process.

Whether you’re moving to a new house with three kids and a dog or to a new apartment with your favorite roomie, a long-distance moving checklist can keep you on track even in the final hectic days.

We’ve built the ultimate three-month interstate moving checklist so you can stay organized and focus on what truly matters—this exciting new chapter ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll include:

Month 3: Research Your Move
Month 2: Organize the Details
Month 1: Pack and Get Moving
Finances Moving Checklist
Home Services Moving Checklist
Moving Preparation Checklist
On-the-Road Checklist
Family and Social Life Checklist

3 Months Until Move: Research Your Move

At the three-month mark, it’s time to kick off your moving preparations. By this point, you have a sense of where you want to move and when the move has to happen. Now’s the time to get down to the nitty-gritty details and research your best options.

In month three, we’ll cover weeks nine through 12, highlighting:

Gathering your basic details
Exploring your new town
Inventorying your move
Researching moving companies

Week 12: Organize the Basics

Always start your moving process by getting all your ducks in a row. Create a central file area in your home or on your computer to gather important documents. This will act as your central moving station when you start to pack and need to stay nice and organized.

Next, gather important data about both your current home sale or rental as well as dates for arriving in your new town. You’ll need to supply this information to prospective movers when you contact them in a few weeks.

This is also a prime time to work through your overall moving budget. Long-distance moving companies cost an average of $2,500 and $7,000 depending on the services you choose, the distance of your move, and the weight of your household items.

Moving Task	Description
Choose a moving date	Mark important dates on your calendar including when your current lease ends or your home sale is set to close.
Check your lease	If you’re a renter, take a look at when you’re required to tell the landlord that you plan to not renew your lease.
Organize paperwork	Gather financial and logistical paperwork you may need to present to a bank or new landlord before starting your new home search.
Build a Budget	Create a budget sheet with major moving expenses including the down payments or security deposits, moving company costs, and room for auxiliary amounts like moving supplies and travel.

Week 11: Check Out Your New Town

Use this week to dive into research about your thrilling new destination. Take a look at helpful local websites like Niche that offer personalized reviews of neighborhoods, schools, and the local work scene.

Schedule to view several houses or apartments with a local real estate agent and get your first scouting trip on the calendar.

Remember that renting and buying will have different timeframes in this respect. Leave at least six to eight weeks after making an offer on a house when you’re purchasing. Rental time frames depend on where you’re headed. Some places, like NYC, only list apartments for the next month while others list available spaces several months ahead.

Moving Task	Description
Pick your dream neighborhood	Make notes about schools, your commute, and access to great amenities in the area.
Reach out to real estate agents	Contact real estate agents, brokers, or landlords about viewing the home during your upcoming visit.
Book travel	Book flight and housing to visit your new town to view apartments. If possible, stay in your ideal neighborhood such as an Airbnb.
Contact schools	If you have children, reach out to see if you can visit the local daycares and schools during your trip.

Week 10: Inventory Your Move

Take this week to imagine what your move will look like. Once you find some great moving company options—a task we’ll tackle next week—you’ll likely need the following items to get a free quote:

Number of bedrooms in your current and new home
Inventory of furniture and potential number of boxes
Note stairs, narrow doorways, or other potential logistical issues for the movers

Long-distance moving companies typically charge by mileage and the weight of your items. Use this opportunity to organize a “bring, sell, or donate” pile. Are you planning to schlep your appliances or that large couch? This is a great chance to decide where you can downsize.

Moving Task	Description
Inventory your home	Make a list of your furniture, appliances, and approximate number of boxes going on your move.
Note fragile or specialty items	If you have high-value, fragile, or hard-to-move items like a piano, make a note on your moving list.
Create a moving week schedule	Once you have your moving date, calculate the best moving pick-up date and drop-off window.
Consider storage	Is there an odd overlap between your home sale and move date? Save some hassle by budgeting for storage options in between dates.

Week 09: Research Moving Companies

What kind of moving company fits your dream moving day and your ideal budget? Overall, you can choose from:

A full-service mover
Storage container company
Truck rental

Each option provides a range of price options and assistance. If you’re comfortable driving a moving truck for smaller moves, renting is a great budget-friendly option. Looking to load the truck yourself but skip the driving? Consider a storage container company. Full-service movers are the most popular option, taking the majority of the heavy lifting off your hands.

Moving Task	Description
Narrow down your moving company list	Choose between three and four certified and licensed moving companies. You can double-check their federal qualifications here.
Gather free estimates	Request binding estimates—estimates that are less likely to change on moving day—from your three to four companies.
Schedule in-person walkthroughs	Mid to large-scale moves typically require in-home walkthroughs so the moving company can write up a detailed quote.
Check Reviews	Take a look at past customer reviews, watchdog sites like Better Business Bureau, and provide testimonials.

2 Months Until Move: Organize the Details

With just eight weeks to go, your move will start to kick into high gear. In weeks five through eight, your lease, home sale, and contract should fall into place.

This is also the best time to decide on a moving company and sign a contract. If you need any extra services like packing, storage, or special-items moving, this is a great time to nail down these details.

We’ll also explain how to plan another exploratory trip to your new town as well as how to set up important utilities at your future home.

With just eight weeks to go, your move will start to kick into high gear. In weeks five through eight, your lease, home sale, and contract should fall into place. moving checklist

We’ll also explain how to plan another exploratory trip to your new town as well as how to set up important utilities at your future home.

Week 8: Finalize Your Rental and Sale

US News says to expect the mortgage process to take between six and ten weeks in the final two stages of closing on a home. At this point in your move, you should have a mortgage lender picked out, an offer down on the house, and the home inspection process in the works.

Once these are all settled, you should receive a closing date on your new home. Make travel plans for the closing date if necessary and complete any final financial paperwork by this week.

If you’re renting, you’ll likely be able to sign a lease between the four and eight-week mark. Gather your necessary application information such as credit history, proof of employment, and your deposit payment.

Moving Task	Description
Finalize home sale and purchase	Ensure that your home sale and closing on your new home line up with your moving schedule.
Speak with your job	While you’re only likely required to give two week’s notice at work, pick a time to tell your job that you’re planning to relocate. This will make the process a lot easier as you announce the move to your community.
Give notice at school	Speak with your children’s school to let them know you’ll be un-enrolling. Teachers may structure lessons for an easier transition.
Check-in with new school	Did you find a favorite school at your new location? Confirm your arrival date and any enrollment info to start the orientation process.

Week 7: Book Your Movers

With a few weeks to think it over and solidify details, now’s the time to book your favorite movers. Your long-distance movers should offer the following info in the contract or official bill of lading:

Cost for basic moving services
Cost of add-on services
Extra fees or gratuity to expect on moving day
Moving insurance upgrade options
Moving-week schedule
Payment schedule and accepted methods
Instructions to prep for moving day

Moving Task	Description
Read and sign moving contract	Be sure to ask any questions you have before signing the contract. Never sign without understanding the amount you will owe on moving day.
Note important payment dates	Make final calendar notes about what to expect leading up and on moving day including payments, packing, and the transition between your old and new homes.
Book storage	Did you decide whether storage was right for you? Book this service by week seven for the best prices.
Order packing supplies	Work with your moving company or an outside company to order all boxes, paper, bubble wrap, and specialty packaging.

Week 6: Prep for Departure

The earlier you plan for your shift cross country, the less hectic these final weeks will be. Make a list of all the companies that should be alerted of your move.

Once you have your new address locked down, contact the following groups with the change and moving date:

IRS
Postal service
Bank and credit card companies
Health insurance
Former landlord
Phone carrier

Moving Task	Description
Fill out change-of-address forms	Contact the groups listed above to ensure a smooth financial transition to your new home.
Address your current deposit	Speak with your current landlord about when you can expect your security deposit back in the mail. Offer your new address if it will be mailed.
Research driver’s license renewal	Moving to a new state? Some states and cities require that you get a new license within just a few weeks. Get these dates on your calendar early so you can visit the local DMV once you arrive.
Update insurance	Speak with your home, auto, and health insurance carriers about how to transition your contracts.

Week 5: Pack and Set Up Shop

With the move on the horizon, begin packing the items of your home you won’t need for the next five weeks. These often include things like books, hosting dishware, off-season clothing, and extra linens.

Remember those things you chose to donate or sell? Add to this pile as you start to pack and prep for donations or a garage sale.

This is also a great opportunity to check in with your cable and utility companies about the upcoming change. Many companies require at least a month’s heads up before ending a contract.

Moving Task	Description
Plan your packing process	Separate items into three groups: early, mid-process, and late packing. Pack up the early items that you don’t need in the final month.
Hire cleaners or painters	Are you responsible for cleaning and painting either your new or old apartment? Contact these professionals around week five.
Donate and sell old items	Organize your give-away pile between donate, trash, and sell and get a garage sale on the calendar.
Update utilities	Reach out to your internet, phone, cable, electricity, and water companies to let them know about your move.

1 Month Until Move: Pack and Get Moving

Now it’s time to start thinking about the big moving day itself. A few simple tips can make the day far more comfortable for you and your family, especially if you have kids.

In the final four weeks, you’ll pack up the rest of your home, pack a day-of bag, and find ways to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Week 4: Tackle Your Final Packing List

As the final weeks begin, take a look at your moving company’s do-no-pack list. These lists often include things like flammable and combustible items as well as plants and perishables. Will these items fit in your car when you make the move? Or can you get new items in your new town?

Work with your kids to start packing up their bedrooms and find ways to get excited about living in a new place. Childmind.org recommends several actions to help your kids understand the moving process, such as by staying in touch with friends, building a dependable routine, and getting excited for school.

Moving Task	Description
Check-in with your moving company	If you have a coordinator, ask them to clarify any packing questions you have about the type of packaging or no-go items.
Pack non-essentials	Set aside one set of towels, dishes, and other creature comforts for each person in your house, and begin packing up the rest.
Meet with your doctors	Make appointments with you and your children’s doctors and ask for referrals for your new area. Be sure to refill prescriptions before changing pharmacies.
Announce your move	Tell your community about this exciting change on the horizon. Send address updates to your closest circles.

Week 3: Plan Your Transition

Long-distance moves are a bit trickier than moving around the corner. It could take your moving company up to three weeks to arrive with your household items.

Determine how you’ll stay comfortable in your new home without these items. Be sure that your non-moving-truck boxes fit in your car or can be shipped ahead.

Think a bit more about the day itself as well. Who is taking care of your pets and the kids when the movers arrive? Here are some tasks to make your transition a bit more comfortable for everyone.

Moving Task	Description
Set aside final items	Decide what’s going in your car and set these items aside in a separate box or area of your home.
Order essentials for the transition	Order basic home essentials and groceries to your new home for the days before the moving truck arrives.
Hire a pet sitter	It’s best to provide a place for your pets to stay when the movers arrive. House them in a kennel or with a pet sitter during these hours.
Arrange childcare	Similarly, find a family friend to hang out with your kids as the movers empty out the house. Parent Magazine breaks down how to handle the moving process with each age group.

Week 2: Double-Check Your Details

If you finish packing early on, you can spend the last days saying goodbye to your old town. Spend this penultimate week wrapping up the packing process and confirming all your paperwork is good to go.

As the final days get closer, check these final major items off your list so you can rest easy going into the final days.

Moving Task	Description
Confirm moving schedule	Touch base your moving company 7-10 days before your big day if there are any loose ends to tie up beforehand.
Organize last-minute finances	Set aside money for moving-day expenses like food, gas, and extra comforts for travel. Keep cash on hand for tipping your movers.
Send the car to the shop	If you’re heading cross-country, send the car to your shop for a tuneup and oil change before the big day.
Make final repairs	Are there any final items to care for in your new or current home? Get these done before the last week. Fill in nail holes from painting, fix chipping paint, and double-check storage areas for anything you missed.

Week 1: Enjoy Your Move!

You’ve made it to the final days before your big move. While these last moments can be intense, remember that you’ve completed months of planning to get here.

This last week focuses on packing a day-of bag, throwing out or recycling any items not coming with you, and coordinating with your moving team.

Moving Task	Description
Pack day-of bags	These bags or boxes typically include important documents, clothing, snacks, water bottles, and any other important comforts.
Prep the car	Begin packing the car with items that can spend a few days in the trunk or backseat. This helps you ensure that everything will fit long before that last day before moving.
Discard final items	Speak with your town about recycling and discarding bulk items such as furniture or bags of linens or books. Be sure to follow local laws before hitting the road to avoid fines.
Coordinate with your landlord or agent	Alert the owners of your current home about when you plan to be out of the house and where you’ll leave the keys.
Plan your meals	It’s easy to forget to eat and take a moment for yourself when you move. Plan a final night out before moving and pack hearty meals for the big travel day.

2021 Moving Checklist By Category

We’ve covered a lot of ground in our 12-week checklist for moving cross country. If you’re looking to organize tasks by common categories—like finances or kids and family—we’ve broken down common to-do list items below.

Finances Moving Checklist

Week 12: Construct a moving budget including security deposits, down payments, moving company expenses, and extra moving-day costs.
Week 12: Organizing all financial paperwork in one location of your home.
Week 9: Request three to four moving quotes from potential companies.
Week 8: Finalize your home sale or new rental and close on your old home.
Week 7: Book your movers and note your payment schedule.
Week 6: Organize security deposit return.
Week 6: Update insurance.
Week 2: Organize moving-day expenses.

Home Services Moving Checklist

Week 12: Check your rental lease for giving notice.
Week 6: Fill out change-of-address forms.
Week 6: Research driver’s license laws in your new state.
Week 5: Hire cleaners and painters
Week 5: Update utility companies.
Week 2: Make final home repairs.
Week 1: Discard final items properly.

Move Preparation Checklist

Week 12: Choose a moving date.
Week 12: Check your lease if you’re renting.
Week 11: Connect with real estate agents.
Week 10: Inventory your home, noting specialty items, and consider storage.
Week 10: Create a moving week schedule.
Week 7: Book storage.
Week 7: Order packing supplies.
Week 5: Plan stages of packing.
Week 5: Donate or sell old items.
Week 4: Packing final non-essentials.
Week 1: Coordinate with your old homeowner or landlord.

On-the-Road Checklist

Week 3: Set aside final items to pack.
Week 3: Order essentials for the transition.
Week 2: Send the car to the shop.
Week 1: Pack a day-of bag.
Week 1: Prep the car for moving day.
Week 1: Plan moving day meals, snacks, and water.

Family & Social Checklist

Week 11: Pick your dream neighborhood and visit as a family.
Week 11: Contact new schools and daycares.
Week 8: Give notice to your current school.
Week 8: Speak with your job about your upcoming move.
Week 8: Sign up and start the orientation process with the new school.
Week 4: Check-in with your doctors.
Week 4: Announce your move.
Week 3: Hire a pet sitter and childcare.

On moving day itself, the best long-distance movers will make it easy to track their progress as they head toward your new home. Once you start to settle in, all the weeks of hard work will pay off ten-fold. Be sure to keep our long-distance moving checklist on hand for a smooth and streamlined moving day.