Comprehensive State-to-State Moving Checklist

Approx. 8-10 minutes Last updated: May 3, 2025

Moving across state lines involves numerous tasks. Staying organized is key to reducing stress and ensuring nothing critical falls through the cracks. Use this detailed checklist, broken down by timeline, to manage your domestic relocation effectively. Adapt it to your specific needs.

8+ Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Define moving reasons, goals, and destination state/city.
  • Research potential neighborhoods, cost of living, job market, schools (Know Before You Move).
  • Set a realistic moving budget.
  • Create a moving binder/digital folder for documents & receipts.
  • Decide on moving method (Movers vs. DIY) and get preliminary quotes.
  • Start decluttering and downsizing (Downsizing Tips). Sort items into Keep, Sell, Donate, Discard piles.
  • Inventory valuable belongings (consider photos/videos for insurance).
  • If renting, review lease for notice requirements.
  • Research temporary housing options if needed between homes.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Book your chosen moving company, container service, or rental truck. Get written confirmation.
  • Finalize housing arrangements (sign lease, close on home purchase). Confirm move-in date.
  • Give official notice to your landlord (if renting).
  • Notify current schools, doctors, dentists. Request transfer procedures for records (School Records, Finding Doctor).
  • Plan travel logistics: book flights or map driving route & book hotels.
  • Arrange vehicle shipping if needed.
  • Start gathering packing supplies (boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap).
  • Begin packing non-essential items (off-season clothes, books, decor). Label boxes clearly.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • File official Change of Address with USPS (Address Change Guide).
  • Notify banks, credit cards, loan providers, insurance companies, subscriptions, employer, etc., of your new address.
  • Schedule disconnection of utilities/services at old home (day after move-out) and connection at new home (day before or day of move-in) (Utilities Guide).
    • Electricity
    • Gas
    • Water/Sewer
    • Trash/Recycling
    • Internet/Cable/Phone
    • Home Security
  • Schedule installation appointments for internet/cable if required.
  • Continue packing systematically.
  • Arrange for childcare and/or pet care for moving day (Moving with Kids, Moving with Pets).
  • Service your vehicle if driving long distance.
  • Sell or donate unwanted items from decluttering efforts.
  • Plan meals to use up pantry items.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Confirm all details with moving company/truck rental (arrival time, addresses, contact info).
  • Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home. Ensure you have enough medication for the transition.
  • Properly dispose of hazardous materials movers won't take (paint, chemicals, propane).
  • Return borrowed items (library books, etc.); retrieve items you loaned out.
  • Back up computer files and important digital data.
  • Focus packing efforts on less-used rooms. Keep track of packed boxes (inventory list).

1 Week Before Moving Day

  • Pack an "Essentials Box/Bag" for each family member (toiletries, medication, chargers, important docs, snacks, change of clothes). Keep separate and transport personally.
  • Finish most packing. Clearly label boxes needing special handling ("Fragile", "Open First").
  • Confirm childcare/pet care arrangements.
  • Prepare appliances for moving (defrost fridge/freezer, clean, disconnect washer/dryer safely).
  • Withdraw cash for moving day tips or immediate expenses.
  • Notify credit card companies of travel dates to avoid fraud alerts.
  • Plan simple meals for the last few days.

Moving Day

  • Protect floors/carpets if needed.
  • Be present to supervise movers. Review Bill of Lading/inventory before signing. Get driver's contact info.
  • If DIY, pick up rental truck, ensure you have necessary equipment (dolly, pads). Load carefully.
  • Do a final walk-through of the empty old home (check all rooms, closets, cabinets, garage, outdoor areas).
  • Leave keys/openers as arranged with landlord/new owner.
  • Secure old home (lock windows/doors, turn off lights unless agreed otherwise).
  • Travel safely to your new home. Keep essentials box accessible.

Arrival & First Few Days in New Home

  • Supervise unloading. Check items against inventory list (if applicable). Note any damage immediately.
  • Verify utilities are working (electricity, water, gas, internet).
  • Assemble beds first. Unpack essentials box.
  • Begin unpacking priority rooms (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms).
  • Locate local grocery store, pharmacy. Stock essential food items.
  • Inspect new home thoroughly, document any pre-existing issues (if renting).
  • Secure your new home (change locks if desired/allowed).

Post-Move Tasks (First Few Weeks)

  • Obtain new state driver's license/ID card within state deadline (License Guide).
  • Register your vehicle(s) and get new license plates (Vehicle Registration).
  • Update voter registration with new address (Voter Registration).
  • Explore your new neighborhood and city. Locate essential services.
  • Register children in new school (School Records).
  • Find new healthcare providers (Finding Doctor) and transfer records.
  • Update address on any remaining accounts or services.
  • Set up banking if needed.
  • Continue unpacking and organizing.
  • Dispose of moving boxes (recycle/offer online).
  • Connect with neighbors, community groups.
Person checking off items on a detailed moving checklist