Moving Checklist: Your Complete 8-Week Guide

In short, moving can be fairly stressful. There’s a lot to remember, and it’s easy to forget something important. That’s where a good moving checklist comes in. This 8-week moving checklist breaks the whole process into simple steps. You’ll always know what to do next, whether you’re moving across Colorado Springs or across the country. This moving checklist works for any type of move. Planning a residential move across town? Or a long-distance move out of state? Either way, this guide will keep you on track from your first call to a moving company all the way to your last box.

What Moving Really Looks Like, Week By Week

8 Weeks Before Your Move

Start Planning

This is the planning stage. Getting organized now will save you a headache later.

Create a moving folder

Keep your estimates, receipts, and contracts in one place. A folder works, or you can keep everything in a simple digital file. This will double as the home base for the document checklist below, so it's worth setting up properly from day one.

Research moving companies

Look for a company with good reviews, proper licensing, and real experience. Our guide on how to choose a moving company covers what to check before you sign anything; things like verifying a USDOT number for interstate moves and spotting red flags before you hand over a deposit.

Set your budget and get rid of clutter

Moving is a great excuse to donate or toss things you don't need. The less you own, the cheaper and easier your move will be, since most moving quotes are based on weight and volume.

Make arrangements for documents

Track down medical records, school records, and any paperwork you'll need to transfer. If you have kids in school, this is also the moment to flag it with their current school (more on that in the Moving with Kids section).

Research your new home

Learn the layout and figure out how much storage space you'll have. This will help you plan ahead for furniture placement and packing priorities.

Identify any special furniture items

Write down anything that will need extra care, like a piano, gym equipment, or an antique dresser. Our furniture moving services and specialty item moving guide breaks down what extra planning these items typically need.

Speak with your landlord

If you rent, confirm your move-out date and ask what you need to do to get your deposit back. Most leases require 30-60 days' written notice, so don't wait too long to have this conversation.

Choose your moving company

Once you've compared a few, pick the one that fits your needs and your budget: Not sure what movers cost? Check out our breakdown of how much it costs to hire movers in Colorado Springs.

If you're moving long-distance, start planning now. Out-of-state moves have their own timeline for things like vehicle shipping and temporary housing — jump to our Long-Distance Move Checklist to see what to add to this week.

6 Weeks Before Your Move

Gather Supplies and Start Packing

Now the real work begins. It’s time to start packing, and to lock in a few logistics that are easy to forget until it’s too late.

Ask friends and family for help

Whether you need help packing or just some extra hands on moving day, ask early. People get busy, and calendars fill up fast in peak moving season.

Gather your packing supplies

Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap add up fast. Our guide to where to find free moving boxes can help you save some cash.

Schedule a walkthrough of your current place if you rent

If your lease requires a pre-move-out inspection, get it on the calendar with your landlord now rather than scrambling in the final week. This gives you time to fix anything flagged before it eats into your security deposit.

Schedule installs at your new place

Internet, cable, and security system installations often have multi-week waitlists, especially if you're moving into a new development or during a busy season. Call now to get on the schedule for internet/cable providers, and if you're setting up a home security system, book that installation too so it's ready before or shortly after you move in.

Update your accounts and subscriptions

Make a list of every account tied to your current address. This includes things like streaming services and gym memberships; you'll use this list again in the document checklist below.

Learn a few packing tips

Fragile and oddly shaped items need extra care. If you have larger or delicate pieces, take a look at our furniture moving services and specialty item moving guide.

Make travel plans

If your move involves an overnight trip, book your flight, hotel, or rental car now. Prices tend to go up closer to the date, especially for last-minute one-way rental cars.

Take care of home repairs

Handle anything your lease requires, or any small fixes that will help your old home sell or show better.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

Update Your Address and Arrange Storage

You’re getting close now. This is when things start to feel real.

Keep packing, room by room

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Future you will be thankful.

Arrange for storage if you need it

If there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, look into short-term storage options.

Set your utility transfer date

Pick the exact date you want service to stop at your old place and start at your new one; ideally your utilities stay on at the old address through moving day and are already live at the new one before you arrive. Call your electric, gas, water, and trash/recycling providers now to schedule the switch, since some utilities need a week or more of lead time. It's worth setting a reminder a few days out to confirm everything actually went through.

Change your address

File your official change of address with USPS, the official (and only free-if-in-person) way to forward your mail. Then update your bank, your employer, the IRS, and any subscriptions. Our guide on reporting a change of address walks through the full list, or below for a category-by-category breakdown.

Set aside your essential items

Pack a bag with things you'll need right away, like toiletries, a phone charger, and a change of clothes.

Get a floor plan of your new home

This makes it much easier to tell your moving crew where furniture should go.

Find new doctors

If you're moving to a new city, start looking for a physician, dentist, and any specialists your family needs.

Learn about your new neighborhood

Look into nearby schools, grocery stores, and other local spots. It helps you feel settled faster.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

Get Your Home Ready

Most of your things should be packed by now. It’s time to handle the last few details.

Pack almost everything

Aside from what you need day to day, your home should be mostly boxed up.

Take time off work

Confirm your time off with your employer so moving day isn't rushed.

Get rid of hazardous items

Movers can't transport things like propane tanks, paint, or cleaning chemicals. Plan ahead for how to dispose of them safely; many cities have a household hazardous waste drop-off event or facility.

Make plans for your pets

A pet sitter or boarding facility can keep your pets calm and out of the way on moving day. See our full Moving with Pets section below for more.

Eat up your perishables

Plan your meals around what's already in the fridge and pantry so less food goes to waste.

Clean your home

If you're renting, this is a good time to deep clean. Our apartment move-out cleaning checklist makes sure you don't miss a spot.

Plan a small moving party

Invite friends over before you leave. It makes the last few boxes a little more fun to pack.

Confirm final details with your movers

Call to reconfirm your date, arrival window, and any special items (like that piano or antique dresser) you flagged during your original walkthrough.

Moving Day Checklist

What to Do When the Movers Arrive

The big day is finally here! Keep this list close by so nothing slips through the cracks.

Keep your moving folder handy

Your contract, inventory list, and mover's contact info should stay within reach.

Turn off lights and appliances

Walk through your old home one more time to make sure everything is off and unplugged.

Stay available for your movers

Be on-site in case the crew has questions.

Sign the required paperwork

Review and sign your bill of lading, the legally binding contract between you and the mover that outlines the terms of your move, along with anything else your movers need. If your move crosses state lines, you should also receive a copy of your inventory list noting the condition of each item; review it before signing.

Direct your movers at the new place

Give clear directions and be there to guide the team once you arrive.

Take out some cash

It's good to have cash on hand if you want to tip your crew for a job well done.

Do a final walkthrough

Before you lock up, check every closet, cabinet, and drawer, plus the washer, dryer, and any appliances staying behind, for anything left over.

Enjoy your new home

Congratulations, you made it! Order some takeout and start settling in.

Delivery Day

When Your Belongings Arrive

If you’re moving locally, delivery day and moving day are usually the same day. But on a long-distance move, your things may travel separately and arrive on a different day, sometimes by a different crew. Here’s what to expect and do:

Be available to accept delivery

If you can't be there personally, authorize someone you trust to accept delivery and handle payment on your behalf.

Check your belongings as they're unloaded

Compare items against your inventory list. If anything is missing or damaged, note it on the crew's copy of the inventory before you sign, and take photos for your records.

Review and sign the final paperwork

This typically includes the bill of lading as a receipt and your final inventory list. Don't sign off until you've confirmed everything is accounted for.

Tip the crew if it's a different one from moving day

If the same crew both loaded and delivered your belongings and you already tipped them, there's no need to tip twice.

Direct furniture placement

Use the floor plan you prepared earlier to tell the crew where each piece should go; it saves you from rearranging heavy furniture later.

Keep your paperwork somewhere safe

You may need it to verify moving expenses at tax time or to file a claim if anything was lost or damaged.

Hire Your Local Experienced Colorado Springs Moving Company

A move goes a lot smoother with the right team behind you. Little Red Wagon Moving has helped families and businesses move for years, and our Happy Movers treat every item, big or small, with care.

Ready to cross “hire movers” off your list? Contact Little Red Wagon Moving today for a free estimate. And don’t forget to grab our printable moving checklist PDF to keep with you through the whole process.