Complete Moving Checklists

There's more that goes into a successful move than meets the eye, from decluttering your space to transferring school and medical records. If you don’t plan accordingly, you could skip an important step in the process, leading to unwanted delays and increased stress.

A moving checklist helps you prioritize, focus and stay on track for the big day. The steps below will help you create a comprehensive schedule of essential and nonessential tasks that will help streamline and simplify your relocation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using a Moving Checklist Effectively

Start Two Months Ahead

We recommend finding a printable moving checklist you can use at least two months in advance. This list will provide the timeline for your upcoming move, allowing you to prioritize big-picture tasks without losing track of the small stuff.

Click here for a moving timeline.

Plan Accordingly

The purpose of a moving checklist is to help you stay organized throughout a chaotic process. Your checklist might remind you to take pets to the vet, cancel your local gym membership or enroll your children in their new school. While planning your move, consider your unique circumstances and give yourself enough time to accomplish everything.

Click here for moving resources and planning tips.

Print the PDF Moving Checklist

Online checklists can be easy to neglect. However, a printed moving checklist, placed prominently in your kitchen or office, provides a visual reminder of your timeline that can help keep the whole family on task and on schedule.

Check It Off as You Go

Every time you check something off the checklist for moving, make sure you literally check it off. Keep a pen or a marker nearby and cross items off as you go. This provides a tactile reminder of what you’ve accomplished and what remains to be done before moving day.

TIP: Don’t be afraid to delegate! Get the whole family involved in the process by assigning age-appropriate tasks. Make crossing off list items a collective effort!

DIY Approach or Hire Professional Movers?

Your checklist for moving day may look more complex if you choose to tackle the move yourself. If you’re not working with professional movers, make sure your list includes essentials like renting a moving truck, making travel arrangements, procuring boxes and other moving supplies and scheduling help for the physical demands of the big day.

Professional moving services are more affordable than you think! Click here for a free moving quote.

Printable Moving Checklists: Moving Checklist PDFs

At North American Van Lines, we know that organization is the key to a stress-free move. To help you get started, we’ve compiled several printable moving checklists that will help you streamline every aspect of your upcoming relocation.

Mover Checklist

This checklist includes questions that will help you find the right local or cross-country mover for your needs.

Moving with Children

Kids add another layer of complexity to any move. Stay organized with pre- and post-move essentials, from school and medical information to packing needs.

Utility Checklist

Don’t leave the lights on! Our checklist helps you notify your current and future utility providers of your move.

Moving with Pets

Make sure your fur family’s needs are met throughout the moving process with this handy checklist.

Tips on Maximizing the Utility of Your Moving Checklist

Start Early

Starting early will help you catch any issues before they become bigger problems. For example, what if you can't get an appointment with your current vet for another 2 or 3 months? When you plan ahead, you can ensure a seamless transition from start to finish.

Check Your Progress Regularly

Review your list often (at least weekly)to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Weekly check-ins also provide opportunities to add tasks you may have overlooked initially.

Make the List Your Own

When you complete a task, cross it off with pride and move on to the next. You can also use the checklist to leave notes, write down phone numbers and offer encouragement for yourself or your family. It’s your list—don’t be afraid to write all over it!

Keep Your Checklist in a Central Area

Make your moving checklist visible to ensure everyone stays on task. Don’t let the list become just another piece of clutter on the fridge.

Moving Checklist Timelines: When to Do What

2–3 Months Before Moving Day

Start gathering quotes from moving companies and conducting research. Consider which steps of the process you’ll need professional help with. As you shop for quotes, remember to include large or specialty items like pool tables, appliances and pianos for the most accurate estimate.

Click here for a list of moving services.

6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day

Order moving supplies and get ready to organize your items. This is a great time to start downsizing by selling, throwing away or donating items you no longer use. Locate all important documents and records and keep them together.

4–3 Weeks Before Moving Day

It's time to start packing! If you plan to take the self-packing approach, start packing your items and separating your valuables. During this time, you'll also want to change your address with USPS and get your medical records forwarded.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Take your car for a tune-up before the road trip ahead. This is when you’ll finalize and confirm details with your moving company.

1 Week Before Moving Day

In the week leading up to your move, focus on making sure everything is ready to go. Tackle any remaining projects or small tasks on your checklist.

Customizing Your Moving Checklist for Different Relocation Needs

Every move is different. Whether moving from a downtown apartment to a house in the suburbs or starting a new chapter in another state, you know your needs best.

North American Van Lines’ moving checklist PDFs can all be customized to align with your relocation. Our team can also help you navigate the complexities of relocating, including the challenges of long-distance and international moves.