Home · Moving guide
What to do, and when, before a move.
A simple timeline for the eight weeks before a move, whoever you move with.
The eight-week timeline
One list, in the order it matters.
Eight weeks out
- Get moving estimates and reserve your date
- Decide what's not coming: sell, donate, give to family
- Ask your new building or HOA about move rules and elevator times
- Start a folder for estimates, closing papers and receipts
Six weeks out
- Decide which room each piece of furniture goes to in the new home
- Schedule transfers for school and medical records
- Measure large furniture against new doorways and stairs
Four weeks out
- Set up utilities, internet and trash service at the new address
- File a change of address with USPS
- Use up frozen food and pantry items
- Book specialty services: piano tuning, art crating, appliance hookup
Two weeks out
- Confirm your move dates and arrival time with your mover
- Arrange parking for the trucks at both homes
- Return borrowed items and collect anything at the dry cleaner or repair shop
- Plan care for children and pets on move day
Move week
- Pack a first-night box: sheets, towels, medication, chargers, coffee, toilet paper
- Defrost and dry the freezer at least a day before
- Set aside the things that travel with you (see the list below)
- Take photos of electronics wiring before you unplug
Move day
- Walk through the house with your crew lead before loading starts
- Keep your phone charged and your first-night box with you
- Do a last walk-through of every closet, cabinet and the garage
- At the new home, tell the crew where each large piece goes
What we can't take
Some things stay off the truck. Some should never leave your hands.
Not allowed on the truck
- Propane tanks, gasoline and other fuels
- Paint, solvents and household chemicals
- Ammunition and fireworks
- Aerosol cans
- Perishable food
- Plants, on long-distance moves
Keep with you
- Passports, birth certificates and closing documents
- Jewelry and cash
- Medication
- Laptops, phones and hard drives
- Keepsakes that can't be replaced
- Keys to both homes
How far ahead should I book?
Four to eight weeks ahead is ideal, and earlier for summer or the end of a month, when dates fill first. If you're closer than that, ask anyway.
How do you put together an estimate?
From what you tell us about your home and your move: the size of the home, what's going, both addresses, and any specialty items. Larger moves may need us to see the home first.
What does it cost to reserve a date?
A deposit of 20% of your estimate reserves a local move. Long-distance moves take 30%.
What if my closing date changes?
Tell us as soon as you know. Closings move often. Storage between homes is available if the dates don't line up.
How are my belongings protected?
Floors and doorways are covered before anything moves. Interstate moves include the basic coverage required by federal rules. Ask us about your coverage options before your move.
My building needs a certificate of insurance. Can you send one?
Yes. Send us the building's requirements ahead of move day.
Can you pack only part of the house?
Yes. Many clients have us pack the kitchen and fragile pieces and do the rest themselves.
What happens if something is damaged?
Tell us right away, with photos if you can, and we'll explain how to file a claim.
Moving across state lines
Your rights on an interstate move.
Interstate moves are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Before an interstate move, you should receive and read these two booklets.
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (FMCSA)
- Ready to Move? (FMCSA)
- ProtectYourMove.gov, where you can look up any mover's registration
Movemint Relocation, LLC · USDOT 4344308 · MC-1697763