Ultimate Moving Checklist 2026: 8 Weeks Before to 1 Month After
The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before, During, and After Your Move
Real cost of moving: The average American spends $1,400 for a local move and $2,300-$5,600 for a long-distance move — but hidden costs like utility deposits, repairs, cleaning fees, and forgotten administrative tasks can push the real total 30-40% higher. Good preparation is the best cost-control.
Moving is one of the most complex logistical operations most people will ever manage. There are dozens of simultaneous tasks across weeks, involving money, legality, utilities, relationships, and logistics. This checklist exists so nothing falls through the cracks.
Check off each item above as you complete it. Your progress is saved in your browser.
1. Choosing and Hiring a Moving Company
Getting Accurate Quotes
Always get at least 3 written quotes. For a binding estimate, request an in-home (or video) survey — phone quotes without seeing your belongings are unreliable.
| What to Compare | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Binding vs. non-binding estimate | Non-binding estimates can increase 10-20% on moving day |
| Liability coverage | Basic is pennies per pound; full value protection covers replacement |
| FMCSA registration (interstate) | Required for all interstate movers — verify at protectyourmove.gov |
| Reviews from the past 3 months | Moving company quality fluctuates |
Moving Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimates)
| Move Type | Studio/1BR | 2-3BR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (same city) | \$800-1,500 | \$1,200-2,500 | Hourly rate \$100-200/hr for 2 movers |
| Long-distance (<1,000mi) | \$1,800-3,500 | \$2,500-5,000 | Weight-based pricing |
| Long-distance (1,000mi+) | \$3,000-6,000 | \$5,000-10,000+ | Fuel surcharges apply |
Summer savings: Moving in October-March, mid-month, or mid-week can reduce costs 15-30%.
2. USPS Mail Forwarding — Do This Early
Mail forwarding is one of the most overlooked steps. Unforwarded mail leads to missed bills, late payments, and identity issues.
What Mail Forwarding Covers
- First-class mail and priority mail: Forwarded for 12 months
- USPS Marketing mail: Forwarded for 12 months if specifically requested
- Periodicals/magazines: 60-day forwarding
What It Doesn’t Cover
- Packages from FedEx, UPS, Amazon — change each separately
- USPS Priority Mail Express — forwarding is attempted but not guaranteed
The Full Address-Change List
After submitting USPS forwarding, systematically update your address with:
Financial: Banks, credit cards, investment accounts, PayPal/Venmo, crypto exchanges
Government: IRS (Form 8822), Social Security Administration, voter registration, passport agency
Healthcare: Doctor, dentist, therapist, pharmacy, health insurance, FSA/HSA
Other: Employer (for payroll), subscriptions (streaming, magazines, meal kits), gym, Amazon, loyalty programs
3. Utilities: A Timing Problem
The goal: new home services start on move-in day, old services end on move-out day. Getting this wrong means paying for both or going without.
Utility Transfer Checklist
| Utility | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Transfer or new account | Set start date = move-in date |
| Gas/Heating | Transfer or new account | Schedule tech visit if needed |
| Internet | Transfer or new contract | Schedule 2-4 weeks out — installation appointments fill up |
| Water/Sewer | Transfer automatically in most places, or register with city | Before move-in |
| Trash collection | Verify service at new address | Before move-in |
Internet warning: Internet installation is consistently the most delayed utility. Schedule it the day you sign your lease or purchase agreement, not 2 weeks before moving.
4. The Security Deposit Battle — How to Win It
The average security deposit dispute costs tenants \$500-2,000 in lost deposits. Most of it is preventable.
Document Everything
Before turning in your keys at the old home:
- Take photos and video of every room, walking from corner to corner
- Ensure lighting is good — you want to capture existing scuffs, nail holes, wear
- Note the date and time on the recording
- Email photos to the landlord the same day (“per our move-out, attached are condition photos”)
At the new home upon arrival:
- Do a walk-through with a landlord representative if possible
- Document any damage on a move-in inspection report — landlords are legally required to provide this in many states
- Report any issues in writing within 24-48 hours
5. Voter Registration — Don’t Lose Your Vote
Moving to a new county or state often invalidates your existing voter registration.
- Register or update: (links to each state’s registration system)
- Deadlines: Vary by state — 7 to 30 days before an election
- Registration by mail: Available in most states; look for your state’s deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct moving expenses from my taxes?
Only for qualified active-duty military members who move due to military orders. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017) suspended moving expense deductions for most civilians through 2025.
What’s the difference between binding and non-binding moving estimates?
A binding estimate is a guaranteed price — the mover cannot charge more than quoted, even if your belongings weigh more than estimated. A non-binding estimate is approximate — the final price is based on actual weight, and can legally be 10% above the estimate. For interstate moves, always request a binding estimate.
What if my belongings get damaged during the move?
- Document damage immediately with photos
- File a claim with the mover within the claim window (usually 9 months)
- If the mover disputes, contact the FMCSA (interstate) or your state’s consumer protection agency