The Ultimate Moving Checklist of 2021

Get organized with our comprehensive guide to a smooth move. Download and print our ultimate moving checklist below!

As professional junk removal specialists, we tend to spend time in or around people’s homes and are often asked, “When’s the best time to start planning our move?” Our answer is always the same; now!

We’ve created and broken down a complete moving checklist to keep you organized and sane throughout the whole process, going as far back as two months before your move!

8 Weeks Before Moving

Click to download & print our free ultimate moving guide checklist!

• Get Ready to Go!→ Congratulations on your new chapter! It’s time to drum up a plan. An easy way to stay on top of everything is by creating a binder or digital calendar to keep track of your checklist and keep other important documents organized such as:
  • Motor vehicle registration/licensing
  • School records
  • Doctor’s & Dentist’s information/ medical records
  • Lawyers & Accountants records
• Do Your Research → If you’re looking for help with your big move, check your budget and see if you can hire an expert moving company for extra hands! Make sure you do your research to find the best movers for your project and budget.
• Empty Out the Freezer → Time flies by when you’re moving, so don’t forget to start removing items from your freezer or refrigerator!
• Small Spaces First → Help yourself in the long run by clearing out smaller, less commonly used spaces first like a shed or your attic.

6 Weeks Before Moving

• More Research → Did you know that your moving expenses could possibly be covered by your employer or considered a tax-deductible expense? Make sure you get all the facts before flipping the bill by yourself.
• Donate or Recycle → As you’re getting ready to move out, make two separate piles for items you will not be taking with you. One pile for donation items and another for recylable items. Keep the piles in your garage, basement, or another area with easy access.
• Pro Tip: Store it for Later → Save yourself time on moving day by storing big, bulky items in a storage unit.
• Don’t Forget the Mail! → You might receive monthly subscriptions from your favorite magazines or businesses. Update your address for all your mail subscriptions and take them with you wherever you go next!

Getting down to business - One month away!

You still have a lot to accomplish with only one month left until your big move, so let’s get things checked off the list! Our complete moving checklist gets into more specific details to make sure you are ready for moving day.

4 Weeks Before Moving

• Going Postal → Stop by your local post office and submit a “Change of Address” form to have your mail sent to your new home. Some states allow you to do this online.
• Hit the Lights! → Now is a great time to contact your utility providers and schedule a service disconnect for your old home, along with service connect with the local utility companies for your new home too!
• Stay Covered → Contact your insurance company to make sure your new home is covered.
• Special Arrangements → Have a plan in place for your pets, large plants, aquariums, or other fragile and personal items when moving day comes.
• Start Packing! → We recommend starting to collect moving boxes and packing up the items you won’t use over the next month.
• One Man’s Trash… → Host a yard sale one weekend to sell some of your unwanted items, and what doesn’t go then can be donated to local organizations!

3 Weeks Before Moving

• Get Organized Part II → Time to pull out your trusty binder again! Collect important, personal documents such as wills, deeds, stock certificates, etc.
• Cash Out → Arrange to close your bank accounts if your bank is only a local business, and arrange to open accounts in your new city.

2 Weeks Before Moving

• Keep it Up! → Continue packing up and organizing your belongings. Here’s a tip - pack up the rooms you will not be spending a lot of time in over the next two weeks.
• Travel Preparations → If you’re moving far away and driving to your destination, schedule a service appointment for your car. Also, follow the weather forecast for moving day so you can plan accordingly.
• Schedule The Junkluggers → By now you probably have a pile of items to discard or donate, so schedule a pickup with The Junkluggers to take these items off your hands!

Homestretch - One week away!

With only one week until your big move, it’s time to make sure everything is in place and ready to go. Keep up the packing and put the finishing touches on your big move with the comprehensive moving checklist from The Junkluggers.

1 Week Before Moving

• Get Directions → Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company, along with emergency numbers and your itinerary just in case!
• Pet Care → Take your pets to your local veterinarian’s office for any needed immunizations and talk to your vet about options if your pet suffers from travel anxiety. Don’t forget to get a copy of your pet’s records for your moving binder!
• Power Down → Drain the gas and oil from all your power equipment such as lawnmowers, snowblowers, etc.

2 - 3 Days Before Moving

• Defrost Freezer/Fridge → Prevent one less mess from slowing you down on moving day by defrosting your refrigerator and freezer.
• Disconnect the Appliances → Before leaving, disconnect your major appliances that you will not be needing to prepare for the move. (if applicable)
• Bag of Essentials → Pack up a box or bag of personal belongings that you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. Think toiletries, a few towels, kitchen essentials, and shoes you wear daily.

Moving Day - You made it!

The day is finally here - moving day. Here’s the final part of the ultimate moving checklist to make sure you’re prepared to say goodbye to one home and hello to another.

• Final Questions/Concerns → Make sure someone is still at the home to answer any questions for the movers or address any last-minute concerns.
• Get Organized Part III → Record all utility meter readings such as gas, electric, water, etc., and add to your binder for safekeeping.
• The Grand Finale → Take one last walkthrough of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind or damaged from the move, and say your goodbyes!

Moving can be a stressful time, but this week-by-week moving checklist will help keep you focused and not-flustered. For any items you're not taking with you, The Junkluggers can help remove old furniture, appliances, electronics, or just about anything else! Schedule a free estimate for our cleanout services today!