Your Long-Distance Moving Checklist

Start with the Basics

Start your upcoming move with careful planning and clear decisions. Begin by choosing whether to hire a reputable moving company, or work with professional movers, or if a DIY approach makes more sense for your budget.

As you plan, make time to:

• Build a moving budget that covers packing materials, storage options, transportation, and additional services
• Research your new location and nearby local amenities
• Confirm the best way to travel cross-country or across state lines
• Set your target moving date or move date
• Note deadlines tied to your current home or lease

Two Months Before the Move

Two months out is when you begin preparing your house and organizing important documents. Declutter your home room by room and consider holding a garage sale to reduce what you will carry into your new place or storage unit. Collect items that need extra care and start shaping an inventory list to guide your packing process.

During this stage, focus on:

• Gathering medical records, school records, insurance files, and identification
• Reviewing loading or parking rules at your new destination
• Deciding what fragile items or valuable items need bubble wrap
• Notifying your landlord if you rent
• Planning early for a smooth transition into your new environment

Six Weeks Out

Six weeks before your long distance move, begin packing seasonal clothing and items you rarely use. Sort what you can place into storage solutions and what you’ll need immediately after arrival. Evaluate memberships tied to your old address and cancel anything you won’t use at your new house.

Helpful tasks at this stage include:

• Buying packing materials and bubble wrap
• Starting to label boxes by room
• Setting aside a separate bag for essential items
• Reviewing safer options for transporting pets, plants, and fragile items
• Outlining your travel route if you’re driving a long distance

One Month Out

One month before your move, shift toward logistics and address management. Begin filing your address change with relevant parties such as the post office, utility companies, banks, and insurance companies. Clear out items that are difficult to transport and decide whether you need packing services or full value protection from your moving company.

At this point, make sure to:

• Confirm utility shutoff dates at your current home
• Schedule setup dates at your new space
• Book hotel stays if you're driving cross-country
• Use up cleaning supplies and anything that won’t travel well
• Decide whether value protection or full value protection is necessary for fragile items

Two Weeks Out

Two weeks before leaving your home for the last time, place all important documents in a safe folder you can keep with you throughout the move. Double-check all address change updates and notify the post office to forward mail to your new address.

Prepare for the move by:

• Transferring prescriptions to pharmacies near your new location
• Disposing of items that movers cannot transport
• Reconfirming schedules with your moving company if you hired one
• Reviewing your inventory list to make sure nothing is overlooked
• Organizing essential items you’ll need at your new place

One Week Out

The week leading up to your moving date is your final preparation window. Pack a small separate bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, chargers, and your first night essentials for your new home. Wrap fragile items securely and make sure everything is labeled clearly.

This final week should include:

• Cleaning your refrigerator and defrosting your freezer
• Wiping down appliances and checking everything is in good condition
• Preparing furniture for your moving truck
• Withdrawing cash for tolls or to tip professional movers
• Doing a last-time walkthrough of each room

Moving Day

Moving day is all about staying organized and calm. Eat a proper meal, stay hydrated, and dress comfortably. Keep clear pathways for movers and make sure fragile boxes are placed where they can be handled gently.

Be sure to:

• Carry important documents, medications, electronics, and essential items with you
• Double-check each room before leaving your current home
• Take photos if needed to document the condition of the property
• Confirm your new address with movers
• Keep a list of relevant parties you may need to contact during the move

After You Arrive

Once you arrive at your new house, check that utilities are active and unpack essential items first. This makes settling into your new environment or new space much easier. Start with the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen to get comfortable.

After arriving, take some time to:

• Walk through your new home and note anything that needs attention
• Update local services such as trash pickup or parking permits
• Adjust to the new neighborhood and nearby local amenities
• Review your inventory list to confirm items arrived safely
• Organize your home in a way that supports a smooth transition

Final Thoughts

A long-distance move becomes much easier when you stay organized, follow a clear timeline, and break the work into manageable steps. Each phase of your move builds on the one before it, giving you more control and fewer surprises along the way. Once you're ready to learn more about choosing a mover or comparing different services, you can explore our moving company reviews, check out our educational articles, and use our comparison tool to see what fits your needs. The more informed you are, the smoother your move — and the easier your transition into your new home.

FAQs

What should a long-distance moving checklist include?

Plan your moving date, set a budget, and decide between professional movers or a DIY move. Two months out, gather documents and declutter. Six weeks out, start packing seasonal clothing. One month out, update your address and confirm utilities. Two weeks out, finalize logistics, and during the last week, pack essentials and prepare your home.

How can I compare long-distance moving companies effectively?

Look for licensing, clear pricing, strong reviews, value protection options, and services that match your needs. Checking Better Business Bureau ratings and asking about storage options or help with fragile items makes comparisons easier.

When should I book a long-distance moving company?

Most people secure their movers six to eight weeks before their move date. Busy periods like summer or month-end usually require even more lead time.

What services do long-distance movers usually offer?

Most companies provide packing services, loading and unloading, transportation across state lines, storage unit options, and protection plans for valuable or fragile items.