The Ultimate 8-Week Moving Checklist

8 Weeks Before Your Move

The journey begins! Starting early gives you time to research, budget, and set the foundation for a stress-free move.

Search for Your New Home

• Use online real estate apps and websites to explore homes and rentals in your new area.
• Research local realtors or request a referral from your current agent.
• Map out your priorities for the new neighborhood: school districts, commute times, nearby amenities, medical facilities, and pet-friendly areas.
• Define what you need in a new home: size, layout, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, storage space, and other must-have features.

Sell or Prepare to Leave Your Current Home

• If selling, work with a realtor to list your home, schedule inspections, and set a closing date that aligns with your move timeline.
• If renting, review your lease terms and provide proper notice to your landlord.
• Request return of your security deposit on a specific date, if applicable.

Get Organized

• Create a move folder (physical and/or digital) for all documentation, estimates, receipts, and notes.
• Set up a dedicated email folder for move-related correspondence.
• Build a detailed moving budget, estimating costs before gathering quotes.
• Create a move calendar with key dates: move-out, move-in, packing schedule, closing dates, and travel.

Gather Quotes & Choose Your Mover

• Research moving companies online. Check reviews, social media, and business directories.
• For interstate moves, verify that each company has a valid DOT number.
• Determine which services you need: full-service packing, storage, auto shipping, specialty item handling, etc.
• Schedule virtual or in-home walkthroughs to get accurate estimates.
• Understand the difference between instant quotes, ballpark estimates, and survey-based estimates.
• Ask about protection options and the claims process.
• Compare estimates, then book with the company that offers the best value for your needs.

6 Weeks Before Your Move

Time to protect your most important documents and start updating your information.

Protect Important Documents

• Scan physical documents (passports, birth certificates, financial statements) to cloud storage.
• Secure login credentials and passwords in a safe place or password manager.
• Keep originals of critical documents with you — never put them on the moving truck.
• Back up computer files to the cloud.
• Collect all product warranty documents and manuals in one place.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

Start decluttering and begin the packing process. Lighter loads mean lower costs and a faster move.

Start Decluttering

• Go room by room. Sort items into keep, sell, donate, and discard piles.
• Organize a garage sale or list items online.
• Donate clothing, furniture, and household goods to local charities. Keep receipts for tax deductions.
• Use up perishable food, cleaning supplies, and other consumables.
• Check the non-allowable items list — hazardous materials cannot go on the truck.

Begin Packing

• Designate at least one full week for packing.
• Gather supplies: boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, packing paper, and baggies for small hardware.
• Start with items you won’t need before moving day: seasonal clothing, decorations, special dishware, and decor.
• Label every box by room on the side. Mark fragile or heavy items clearly.
• Use linens and t-shirts as padding inside boxes.
• Keep furniture hardware in labeled bags for easy reassembly.
• Create an inventory of your belongings. Take photos for reference.
• Pack a “first night” box with essentials: bedding, toiletries, clothes, snacks, chargers, and basic kitchen items.

Check In With Your Move Coordinator

• Notify MG Vanlines if you’ve added or removed items from your planned move.
• Confirm the destination address and your contact numbers.
• Confirm any extra stops for pickup or delivery.
• If shipping a vehicle, confirm pickup and delivery logistics.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

Deep cleaning, travel prep, and final errands. The finish line is in sight.

Prepare Your Home

• Deep clean your home: mop, dust, wipe surfaces, blinds, and baseboards.
• Remove nails and screws from walls. Fill holes with spackling.
• Make any required repairs for return of your security deposit.
• Prepare furniture with padding and floor protection.

Prepare for Your Trip

• Plan your route, hotel stops, restaurants, and gas fill-ups.
• Prepare travel bags with clothes, toiletries, snacks, electronics, and chargers.
• Pack kids’ activities: books, tablets, coloring supplies, and favorite toys.
• Service your vehicle: oil change, tire check, and fill the gas tank.
• If not driving, finalize travel arrangements.

Last-Minute Errands

• Return borrowed items to friends, neighbors, and family.
• Return library books and store returns.
• Pick up dry cleaning.
• Pay any outstanding fees: parking tickets, local taxes, or other penalties.

Final Review

• Go through your entire checklist one more time.
• Confirm all details with your MG Vanlines move coordinator.
• Verify everything is packed or disposed of.

Moving Day

The big day is here. Stay organized, stay available, and let your MG Vanlines crew do the heavy lifting.

Move-Out Checklist

• Confirm arrival time with your movers.
• Prepare a cooler with water and snacks for the crew.
• Be present to supervise loading. Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and storage area.
• Check and sign the inventory list. Keep your copy safe.
• Give the crew the exact destination address and your best contact number.
• Keep personal items, documents, and valuables in your own vehicle — clearly separate from moving items.
• Leave a welcome note for the new occupants.

Important Paperwork

• High-Value Inventory Form: Declare any items of extraordinary value.
• Bill of Lading: Your receipt and contract for the shipment — review terms and conditions carefully.

Your First Week in Your New Home

The move is done. Now it’s time to settle in and make your new house feel like home.

Household Setup

• Pick up groceries and personal items for the first week.
• Deep clean the new home: carpets, floors, windows, baseboards, and ceiling fans.
• Ensure your house address is visible for mail and deliveries.
• Install or check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Research and install a security system.
• If you have any damaged or lost items, file a claim with your moving company promptly.

Unpacking

• Unpack essentials first: dishware, toiletries, clothes, and food.
• Place boxes in their respective rooms before unpacking.
• Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Assemble furniture: dressers, shelving, and cabinets.
• Let kids help set up their rooms to make them feel at home.
• Do a second round of decluttering as you unpack — donate or discard anything you don’t need.
• Set up trash and recycling according to the local pickup schedule.

Final Paperwork

• Confirm all address changes are effective with banks, subscriptions, and government agencies.
• Set up new accounts with local banks, doctors, dentists, and insurance agents as needed.
• Register to vote in your new district.
• Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration at the local DMV.
• Register pets and update tags and microchip information.

Settle In & Enjoy

• Introduce yourself to your new neighbors.
• Set up playdates for your kids.
• Explore your new neighborhood, restaurants, parks, and activities.
• Leave an online review for your moving company.