Getting ready to move into a new home? You should start preparing at least two months before the departure date. To make the process easier and less stressful, we’ve prepared a moving checklist with tips from professional movers. Use this guide to stay organized to ensure you don’t overlook an important step.

1-2 Months to Move Date

Moving Checklist for 8 Weeks Out

Make an inventory of possessions and get rid of clutter. Start with the basement, attic, garage or other storage areas.

If you already found your new home, create a floor plan for furniture and appliance placement.

Get your new place move-in ready. Contact painters, handymen, plumbers or other home services pros. It’s much easier to paint walls or install flooring before you settle in.

Now is also the best time to contact moving companies to compare quotes for their services.

Moving Checklist for 6 Weeks Out

Fill out post office change-of-address cards. Or submit changes online here.

Make arrangements for storage of your stuff, if necessary. If you book with full-service movers, they may be able to arrange storage for you.

Transfer club memberships (gyms, AAA, fraternal or business organizations etc), if possible, or request a refund of fees.

Ask doctors or health plan providers for referrals. Obtain all medical records.

Plan how you will pack valuable or sentimental possessions.

Start using food and cleaning supplies (bleach, aerosol containers etc) that cannot be shipped.

Moving Checklist for 4 Weeks Out

Request disconnection of utility services at your old home and connection at your new one. Schedule disconnection the day after you leave and connection the day before you arrive.

Order packing materials and start packing items you won’t need until you arrive at your new place.

Clearly label each box with your name and the room where it belongs.

Book travel plans necessary for your move, like airfare or hotels.

Arrange special transportation for your pets or plants, if necessary.

Moving self-service? Arrange for parking of the freight trailer.

Hiring full-service movers? Make sure a semi-trailer can park within 75 feet of your home. If not, ask your relocation consultant about a shuttle service (if not already arranged).

Check to see if you need any permits.

Less Than One Month to Move Date

Moving Checklist for 2 Weeks Out

Hold a garage sale. Now is the perfect time to sell anything you don’t need or won’t fit on the moving truck. For larger items, like a couch or an old mattress, use apps like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp or Letgo to find buyers.

Arrange disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale. Many charities will pick up unwanted stuff. Or have a junk removal company haul it away.

Find homes for plants that cannot be relocated.

Moving into or out of an apartment with an elevator? You may need to reserve it for the time necessary to load the truck.

Movers will not transport hazardous materials like flammable liquids. Properly dispose of them before your move.

Return any borrowed items, like library books. Retrieve any loaned items.

Send change-of-address cards to everyone who needs your updated contact info.

Moving Checklist for 1 Week Out

Contact your relocation consultant with any last minute updates to your estimate, like inventory or packing changes.

Set aside things you’ll need while traveling. These essentials might include:

• Checkbook
• Credit cards
• Personal address book
• ID
• Flashlight
• Keys
• Toiletries
• Tools
• Disposable plates, cups and utensils
• Towels
• Flashlight
• Keys
• Toiletries
• Tools
• Disposable plates, cups and utensils
• Towels
• Travel alarm clock
• Medication, first aid and bandages
• Clothes
• Electronics and chargers
• Games and toys for kids
• Pet food and accessories

Pack an “open first” box of other essentials that may be necessary upon arriving at the new house (extension cords, light bulbs, linens etc). Clearly mark this box “Load Last.”

Prepare for payment. Notify your bank or credit card company if you plan to pay by credit/debit card so you won’t receive any fraud alerts. You may also want to let them know that you’re traveling so your card isn’t declined along the way.

Obtain cash, money orders or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.

Many movers will not transport perishable food or frozen items. Use as much as possible in the upcoming week and clean out your refrigerator.

Moving Checklist for the Day Before

Remove all fuel and oil from equipment like lawn mowers, gas grills and motorcycles.

Defrost refrigerator and freezer by unplugging and propping the doors open.

Disconnect and prepare major appliances for the move.

Set aside anything that will travel in your car, like luggage and valuables, so it’s not accidentally loaded on the truck.

Movers will not transport hazardous materials like flammable liquids. Properly dispose of them before your move.

Confirm arrival time of your van/trailer.

Dismantle beds, large furniture and dismount television or artwork from the wall.

Moving Checklist for the Departure Day

Be sure an authorized person remains at the old house to answer any questions the movers may have and sign paperwork.

If using full-service movers, review the “Bill of Lading” and mover’s inventory for completeness before signing. Confirm directions, name of driver and destination address.

Double check your entire home before leaving to make sure you have not left anything personal behind.

Moving Checklist for Arrival Day

Clean the surfaces of your new pad and ensure all of the appliances are working before your personal items arrive. Call handyman services, if needed.

Be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded with cash or a money order, unless you made other arrangements in advance.

Supervise as they unload your belongings. In the unlikely event of any damages, take note for insurance purposes.

Get settled in and enjoy your new home!