Complete Guide
Moving Day Preparation Checklist
A simple guide to a stress-free move. This checklist walks you through exactly how to prepare for your move, from two months out to moving day itself.
Your Moving Timeline
Follow this step-by-step guide from two months before your move through moving day itself.
Two Months Before Moving
- Create a simple moving folder for estimates, receipts, and notes
- Measure rooms and doorways at your new home
- Sketch a basic floor plan for furniture placement
- Go room by room: keep, donate, sell, or discard
- Start using up pantry items—especially perishables
- Safely dispose of items movers cannot transport
One Month Before Moving
- Request moving day off work if needed
- Notify your landlord and confirm security deposit
- Schedule utility disconnections and connections
- Transfer or cancel delivery services
- Request medical, dental, and school records
- Submit USPS change-of-address form
- Notify banks, credit cards, and subscriptions
Three Weeks Before
- Service major appliances if required
- Plan pet transportation if needed
- Schedule professional removal of satellite dishes
- Cancel or transfer cable, internet, and phone
- Review renters or homeowners insurance
Two Weeks Before
- Return library books and borrowed items
- Pick up dry cleaning and storage items
- Dispose of hazardous or flammable materials
- Complete High-Value Inventory Form if applicable
- Reconfirm travel arrangements
- Prepare "Welcome to Your New Home" card
One Week Before
- Pack car essentials bag
- Start packing suitcases
- Set aside immediate-need items
- Drain gas from power equipment
- Defrost, clean, and dry refrigerators
- Dispose of remaining trash
- Final cleaning of kitchen and bathrooms
Day Before & Moving Day
- Be available to answer questions
- Review and sign all paperwork
- Confirm delivery address and timing
- Leave keys and garage openers
- Final walkthrough of entire property
- Check closets, cabinets, and storage areas
- Verify all windows and lights
Important Moving Information
📬 Who to Notify
- Post Office (USPS)
- Insurance providers
- Banks and credit cards
- Employers
- IRS and government agencies
- Magazines and subscriptions
- Clubs and memberships
🔌 Services to Transfer
- Electric company
- Gas or fuel provider
- Water and sewer
- Internet service
- Cable or satellite TV
- Phone services
- Trash and recycling
📦 "Open First" Box
- Toiletries and personal items
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- Trash bags and cleaning supplies
- Basic tools
- Bedding and pajamas
- Change of clothes
- Important documents
💡 Pro Tip
Arriving at your new home a day early helps ensure utilities are active and allows you to guide furniture placement effectively. Professional movers like RELOQ can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling in.
Moving Preparation FAQs
When should I start preparing for my move?
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Ideally, start planning and decluttering at least 6–8 weeks before moving day. This gives you time to organize, sort through belongings, arrange services, and handle all necessary paperwork without rushing.
What items can professional movers not transport?
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Movers cannot transport flammable, hazardous, or explosive items including: propane tanks, gasoline, aerosols, ammunition, paint thinners, cleaning solvents, batteries, and perishable food that isn't properly sealed.
What should I pack separately for moving day?
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Pack an "Open First" box and a personal essentials bag that stays with you. Include documents, medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, basic tools, snacks, and important valuables.
Need Professional Moving Help?
At RELOQ Moving Services, we've helped thousands of customers complete smooth, well-organized moves across Boston and Massachusetts.