Free Moving Checklist: 8-Week Moving Timeline, Mover Quote Comparison and Moving Budget, and a Change of Address Checklist (PDF, Word, Excel)

What is on the moving checklist

Timeline groups

Eight, six, four and two weeks out, the last week, moving day and the first week after. Start the timeline as soon as the date is set.

USDOT number and estimate type

For interstate moves, a USDOT number you can look up on the FMCSA website, and whether the estimate is binding, binding not-to-exceed or non-binding.

Valuation coverage

How much the mover is liable for if things are lost or damaged. Released value pays very little per pound; full value protection costs more but repairs or replaces.

Moving budget

Every cost of the move, not just the movers, with estimates and actual amounts. Excel totals both.

Change of address

Twenty-six places that usually need your new address, with the account reference, the method and the date done.

Planning a move week by week

Start eight weeks out if you can. The first weeks are about decisions: budget, movers, what to keep and what to sell, schools and notice to the landlord. Packing starts four weeks out with the rooms and things you use least (the guest room, books, seasonal clothes) and ends with the kitchen and bathroom the night before. Label every box with the room and a short list of contents, and number them; it makes unloading faster and missing boxes obvious. Pack an "open first" box with bedding, towels, toilet paper, a kettle, chargers, medication, basic tools and snacks, and keep it with you rather than on the truck.

Choosing a moving company

Get at least three quotes, and insist on an in-home or video survey rather than a quote over the phone. For an interstate move in the US, the mover must have a USDOT number; look it up on the FMCSA website to check it is a real carrier (not only a broker), how long it has been operating and its complaint history. Prefer a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate which caps the price. Be wary of a quote far below the others and of a large cash deposit; these are classic signs of a moving scam. Read the valuation options carefully: basic released value coverage pays only 60 cents per pound per item, so a 10 lb laptop would be worth $6. Interstate movers must give you the FMCSA booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move".

What a move really costs

The movers are only part of it. The budget sheet includes the costs that catch people out: packing supplies, cleaning both homes, the security deposit and first month on the new place, utility deposits, travel and hotels, tips for the crew, and the new furniture and basics that always turn out to be needed. In the sample, the professional move cost $3,950, but the whole move came to more than $9,000. Keep every receipt in the moving folder. Most people can no longer deduct moving costs on their federal taxes, though active-duty military moving under orders still can, and some employers reimburse relocation costs.

Changing your address

File a change of address with USPS at usps.com (there is a small identity-verification charge online) or at a post office; mail is forwarded for a year for most mail types. Forwarding is a safety net, not a substitute for updating each account. Tell the IRS with Form 8822 or by using the new address on your next return, and update your state tax account. Most states require a new driver license within a set number of days after becoming a resident, often 30 to 60, and car registration and insurance must move too. Update voter registration. Then work through banks, cards, insurers, doctors and subscriptions; the online shopping accounts are the ones people forget until a package goes to the old address.

Editing the files

The PDFs are fillable. In Word, add or remove items from the timeline and the address list. The Excel budget totals estimates and actual costs. For an inventory of what you're moving, which the movers and your insurer may both ask for, use the home inventory checklist.

Questions

When should I start planning a move?

About eight weeks before moving day: budget, quotes, decluttering and notice to the landlord in the first two weeks, packing from four weeks out.

How do I check a moving company is legitimate?

For interstate moves, look up its USDOT number on the FMCSA website, check whether it's a carrier or a broker, read its complaint history, and get a written binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate after a survey.

Who do I need to tell when I move?

USPS, the IRS and state tax office, your employer, banks and card companies, insurers, the DMV, voter registration, doctors, schools, utilities and subscriptions. The change of address checklist lists 26 of them.

How much does a move cost?

It depends on distance, volume and services. Use the budget sheet to add movers, supplies, cleaning, deposits, travel, tips and new furniture; the total is usually well above the movers' quote.

Can I deduct moving expenses?

For most people, not on their federal return; active-duty military moving under orders are an exception. Check current IRS rules or ask a tax professional.