Moving Checklist — Free Printable 8-Week Timeline

📑 Table of Contents

1. What You'll Get
2. Quick Printable
3. Full 8-Week Checklist
4. Pro Tips
5. Common Mistakes
6. Variations
7. How to Print or Save as PDF
8. Related Resources
9. FAQ

📦 What You'll Get

A week-by-week moving countdown that covers everything from first plans to unpacking. Includes:

• Quick copy-paste version for your Notes app
• 70+ item interactive checklist organized by timeline week
• 6 variations: cross-country, apartment, with kids, with pets, military, and last-minute
• 10 pro tips and 10 common mistakes
• Printable PDF and Google Sheets
• 10 FAQ answers

⚡ Quick Printable (Copy/Paste)

📅 8–7 Weeks Before Moving (10 tasks)

📅 6–5 Weeks Before Moving (10 tasks)

📅 4–3 Weeks Before Moving (12 tasks)

📅 2 Weeks Before Moving (10 tasks)

📅 1 Week Before Moving (10 tasks)

📅 Moving Day (12 tasks)

📅 First Week After Moving (8 tasks)

💡 Pro Tips

• Color-code your boxes by room. Use colored tape or markers. Movers can place boxes in the right rooms without asking.
• Pack an "open first" survival box. TP, paper towels, trash bags, charger, snacks, basic tools, sheets, towels. Unpack this before anything else.
• Take photos of electronics wiring. Before unplugging TVs, routers, and stereos, snap a photo. Saves 30 minutes of guessing later.
• Use clothes as packing material. Wrap fragile items in t-shirts, towels, and socks. Saves money on bubble wrap and packs two things at once.
• Get boxes from liquor stores. They have sturdy boxes with dividers — perfect for glassware and bottles. Free.
• Label box contents AND room destination. "Kitchen — plates and bowls" is 10x more useful than "fragile."
• Bag and tape hardware to furniture. Put screws, bolts, and Allen keys in a zip-lock bag and tape it to the furniture piece. You will lose them otherwise.
• Move on a weekday if possible. Movers are 20–30% cheaper Monday–Thursday. Plus, utility companies and banks are open for any last-minute changes.
• Keep valuables and documents with you. Never put jewelry, passports, birth certificates, or cash on the moving truck.
• Tip movers $20–50 per person. They're carrying your entire life up and down stairs. Tip generously for great service.

🚫 Common Mistakes

• Not decluttering before packing. Moving stuff you don't want costs money and time. Declutter first, move second.
• Getting only one moving quote. Always get 3 quotes minimum. Prices can vary 30–50% between companies.
• Starting packing too late. If you wait until the last week, you'll throw everything in garbage bags. Start 4+ weeks out.
• Forgetting to change your address. File with USPS first, then update all accounts. Missing mail causes real problems.
• Not labeling boxes. Unlabeled boxes turn unpacking into a treasure hunt. Label every single box.
• Packing heavy books in large boxes. Use small boxes for books. A large box of books weighs 80+ lbs and will break or injure someone.
• Not having an open-first box. Your first night will involve toilet paper, a phone charger, and sheets. Have them ready.
• Forgetting to take move-out photos. Document the condition of your old home to protect your security deposit.
• Not checking for mover red flags. No license number, no physical address, demands cash upfront, or no written estimate = avoid.
• Scheduling utilities too late. No electricity or internet on move-in day is miserable. Schedule transfers 2–3 weeks ahead.

🔀 Variations

🌎 Cross-Country Move

• Research long-distance moving companies (not all offer this)
• Ship car separately if driving isn't feasible
• Plan overnight hotel stops for the drive
• Get written binding estimates (not non-binding)
• Consider a moving container (PODS, U-Pack) for flexibility
• Research new state requirements: driver's license, registration, taxes

🏢 Apartment Move

• Reserve the elevator for your move time
• Check move-in/move-out rules and fees
• Measure hallways, doorways, and elevator for large furniture
• Protect hallway floors per building requirements
• Schedule loading zone or parking for the truck
• Document existing damage at new apartment before moving in

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Moving with Kids

• Let each kid pack a "special box" of their favorite things
• Set up their rooms first — familiar space in unfamiliar home
• Arrange childcare for moving day
• Transfer school records 2+ weeks before
• Research new pediatrician and dentist at destination
• Tour new school before the first day if possible

🐾 Moving with Pets

• Keep pets in a quiet room on moving day with familiar items
• Update microchip address and ID tags
• Carry vet records and vaccination proof
• Ask vet about anxiety medication for long moves
• Find a new vet near your new home before arriving
• Pet-proof the new home before letting them roam

🎖️ Military / PCS Move

• Submit DD Form 1299 for reimbursement
• Schedule TMO (Transportation Management Office) appointment
• Get weight tickets for DITY/PPM moves
• File DLA (Dislocation Allowance) claim
• Research temporary lodging allowance at destination
• Keep all receipts for reimbursement

⏰ Last-Minute Move (less than 2 weeks)

• Hire movers ASAP — same-week moves cost 20–50% more
• Skip decluttering — move everything, sort later
• Use garbage bags for soft items (clothes, linens, pillows)
• Get boxes from grocery/liquor stores (free)
• Change address on the most critical accounts only, update the rest later
• Ask friends for emergency help — pizza and beer are cheaper than movers

🖨️ How to Print or Save as PDF

1. Click "Print This Page" or press Ctrl+P / Cmd+P.
2. Select "Save as PDF" for a digital copy.
3. Use Letter size, Portrait, narrow margins.
4. Nav and non-essential items hide automatically in print view.