The Ultimate Moving Checklist

A move feels overwhelming because everything seems to happen at once. It doesn't have to. Spread the work across the eight weeks before move day and each step stays small. Here's the exact timeline our crews recommend to DFW families.

8 weeks before

• Declutter room by room — donate, sell, or toss what you won't move.
• Research and shortlist licensed, insured movers (check USDOT numbers and reviews).
• Start a moving folder/binder for quotes, receipts, and checklists.
• Measure large furniture and tricky doorways at the new place.

6 weeks before

• Get written quotes and book your mover — earlier for month-end/weekends.
• Gather supplies: boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, markers.
• Begin packing rarely-used items (off-season clothes, décor, books).
• If renting, give notice to your landlord.

4 weeks before

• Notify utilities (electric, water, gas, internet) of your move date.
• File a change of address with USPS and update key accounts.
• Pack non-essential rooms; label every box by room and contents.
• Arrange time off work for move day.

2 weeks before

• Confirm the move details and address with your mover.
• Pack most of the house, leaving out only daily essentials.
• Service or prep appliances (defrost the fridge, drain hoses).
• Use up perishable food and cleaning supplies you can't move.

1 week before

• Confirm the crew, arrival window, and payment details.
• Reserve the elevator and a parking/loading spot if needed.
• Pack your essentials bag (documents, meds, chargers, clothes).
• Disassemble what you can, or add it to the crew's list.

Moving day

• Do a walkthrough and point out fragile or special items.
• Keep the essentials bag and valuables with you, not on the truck.
• Direct the crew on where boxes go at the new place.
• Do a final empty-home walkthrough and check every room and closet.

After the move

• Unpack essentials first — bed, bathroom, kitchen.
• Check furniture and boxes against your inventory.
• Set up utilities and update your address everywhere.
• Leave your movers an honest review — it helps everyone.