6-Week Moving Checklist to Keep You Sane

Key takeaways

• Start 6 weeks out if you can. Spreading tasks over 6 weeks keeps you from cramming everything into the last 48 hours and forgetting important details.
• Expect to spend on supplies and help. Many local moves run $500–$2,500+ once you add boxes, truck, and/or movers; long-distance moves can easily reach $3,000–$10,000+ depending on distance and size.
• Decluttering early saves real money. The less you move, the smaller truck or crew you need—and the fewer hours you pay for. Donating or selling items can offset moving costs.
• Decide early: DIY vs. full-service. Booking movers, trucks, and storage 4–6 weeks out usually gets better availability and pricing than last-minute scrambling.
• Labeling and inventory protect your stuff. Clear labels, photos, and a simple inventory list reduce lost items, damage disputes, and stress at unpacking.
• Utilities, address changes, and records take time. Handling these in advance avoids surprise shutoffs, missed mail, and last-minute phone marathons.
• Moving is tiring—build in buffer. Planning rest, childcare, pet care, and a “first-night box” helps you land in your new place without feeling overwhelmed.

Typical price range

All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges. Actual costs vary by region, time of year, distance, home size, and how much you DIY.

Common moving cost scenarios

• Basic DIY local move (small apartment): $200–$600
  • Truck rental for a day, gas, basic insurance, boxes, tape, and maybe pizza for friends.
• DIY local move (2–3 bedroom home): $400–$1,000
  • Larger truck, more packing materials, maybe a second rental day or a couple of hired helpers.
• Local move with professional movers (2–3 bedroom home): $1,000–$3,000+
  • Includes crew, truck, basic equipment, and a few hours of loading/unloading. Packing services cost extra.
• Full-service local move (packing + moving): $2,000–$5,000+
  • Movers pack, load, transport, and unload; you handle organizing and directing.
• Long-distance move (1–2 bedroom, several states away): $2,000–$6,000+
  • Cost depends heavily on distance, weight, and timing.
• Long-distance move (3–4 bedroom home): $4,000–$10,000+
  • More furniture, heavier load, and possibly multiple days of work.
• Portable storage container move (POD-style): $1,000–$5,000+
  • Container drop-off, transport, and storage; you or hired labor load/unload.
• Packing supplies only (typical 3-bedroom home): $200–$600
  • Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, mattress covers, and labels.

What pushes costs lower

• Smaller load: Fewer and lighter items, no large specialty pieces (pianos, safes, pool tables).
• Short distance: Moving within the same area vs. cross-country.
• Weekday / off-peak moves: Avoiding weekends, end-of-month, and peak summer dates.
• DIY packing: Doing all your own boxing and disassembly.
• Easy access: Ground-floor homes, wide driveways, and no long walks or elevators.

What pushes costs higher

• Heavy or specialty items: Pianos, safes, gym equipment, large artwork, or fragile antiques.
• Stairs and tricky access: Third-floor walk-ups, narrow staircases, or long carries from truck to door.
• Last-minute booking: Limited availability can mean higher rates or less flexibility.
• Extra services: Full packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, debris removal, or storage.
• Insurance and valuation coverage: Higher coverage limits increase cost but reduce risk.

Repair vs. replacement: DIY vs. hiring movers

For moving, the “repair vs. replace” decision is really DIY vs. hiring help and partial vs. full-service.

When a mostly DIY move makes sense

• Smaller households: Studio or 1–2 bedroom with minimal heavy furniture.
• Short distance: Moving across town or a nearby area.
• Healthy, available helpers: Friends or family who can safely lift and carry.
• Tight budget: You’d rather trade time and effort for lower costs.

Example:
You’re moving a 2-bedroom apartment across town. A truck rental, gas, and supplies might total $350–$700, plus maybe $100–$300 for a couple of hired helpers for a few hours. A full-service local mover could run $1,500–$2,500+ for the same job.

When hiring professional movers is smarter

• Larger homes: 3+ bedrooms, garage, basement, or storage unit.
• Long-distance moves: Several hours or states away, where logistics and timing are more complex.
• Heavy or fragile items: Pianos, large glass pieces, antiques, or high-value electronics.
• Limited time or physical constraints: Tight timelines, health issues, or no reliable helpers.
• Work schedule conflicts: You can’t easily take days off to pack, load, and unload.

Middle-ground options

• Hybrid move:
  • You pack everything; pros handle loading, driving, and unloading.
• Labor-only help:
  • You rent the truck or container; hire movers just to load/unload.
• Packing-only help:
  • Movers pack fragile or complex areas (kitchen, artwork); you handle the rest.

This guide assumes you’re using at least some professional help (even if just for loading/unloading) and walks you through what to do each week.

Efficiency and long-term costs

Moving is a short-term project, but how you move affects your budget, time, and stress.

• Time vs. money trade-off:
  • More DIY = lower cash cost, higher time and energy cost.
  • More pro help = higher cash cost, lower physical strain and lost work time.
• Packing efficiently saves money:
  • Well-packed, labeled boxes mean faster loading/unloading, which matters if you’re paying hourly.
  • Fewer last-minute supply runs and less damage to belongings.
• Avoiding damage is “hidden savings”:
  • A broken TV, scratched table, or damaged mattress can quickly erase what you saved by cutting corners.
  • Professional packing and handling may be worth it for high-value or irreplaceable items.
• Storage choices matter:
  • Short-term storage adds $100–$400+/month depending on size and type (unit vs. container).
  • Planning your timing to skip a month of storage can save hundreds.
• Planning utilities and address changes prevents costly headaches:
  • Overlapping utilities by a few days avoids rush fees, reconnection charges, and spoiled food.
  • Updating addresses early reduces missed bills and service disruptions.

6-week moving checklist

Use this as a week-by-week guide so you’re not up at 2 a.m. still packing on moving day.

6 weeks before moving day: Big-picture planning

• Decide your move type:
  • DIY, full-service movers, or a hybrid (truck + hired help, or container + labor).
• Roughly inventory your home:
  • List major furniture, appliances, and any special items (piano, safe, large TV, artwork).
• Set a realistic budget:
  • Factor in movers or truck, supplies, storage (if needed), and travel costs.
• Get quotes from movers or container companies:
  • Aim for 2–3 written estimates with clear scope (packing, loading, driving, unloading).
• Check building or HOA rules:
  • Elevator reservations, move-in/move-out times, parking restrictions, and required certificates of insurance.
• Start decluttering (first pass):
  • Begin with low-emotion areas: garage, basement, closets.
  • Sort into keep / donate / sell / recycle / trash.
• Create a moving folder (physical or digital):
  • Keep estimates, contracts, receipts, and checklists in one place.

5 weeks before: Declutter and book your help

• Lock in movers, truck, or container:
  • Confirm date, arrival window, rates, and cancellation policy in writing.
• Continue decluttering room by room:
  • Focus on storage spaces and rarely used rooms.
  • Schedule donation pickups or drop-offs.
• Sell higher-value items early:
  • List furniture or electronics you don’t want to move on resale apps or local marketplaces.
• Gather important documents:
  • Birth certificates, passports, financial records, medical records, school records.
  • Plan to transport these yourself, not in the moving truck.
• Measure large furniture and doorways:
  • Confirm that big pieces will fit out of your current home and into the new one.
• If renting, give notice:
  • Follow your lease terms for notice period and move-out requirements.

4 weeks before: Supplies and non-essential packing

• Buy or collect packing supplies:
  • Boxes (various sizes), tape, markers, packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, mattress covers.
  • Ask local stores or neighbors for free boxes if you’re on a budget.
• Labeling system:
  • Decide on a simple system: Room + brief contents + “1 of X” (e.g., “Kitchen – pots/pans – 1 of 4”).
  • Consider color-coding by room with colored tape or stickers.
• Start packing non-essentials:
  • Off-season clothing, decor, books, rarely used kitchen gadgets, spare linens.
• Photograph electronics and setups:
  • Take photos of cable connections behind TVs, computers, and entertainment centers for easier reassembly.
• Plan for pets and kids:
  • Decide where they’ll be on moving day (with family, sitter, daycare, or a quiet room).
• Confirm time off work if needed:
  • Request vacation days or flexible hours around your move date.

3 weeks before: Logistics and deeper packing

• Change of address prep:
  • Make a list of who needs your new address: employer, banks, credit cards, subscriptions, insurance, schools.
• Utilities planning:
  • Schedule shutoff/transfer dates for electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and cable.
  • Aim for 1–2 days overlap if possible, so you’re not moving in the dark.
• Continue packing less-used items:
  • Guest rooms, formal dining, hobby supplies, bulk pantry items.
• Use up what you have:
  • Start working through frozen foods, pantry stock, and cleaning products.
• Plan your furniture layout in the new place:
  • Sketch simple room plans so movers know where big pieces go.
• Confirm building requirements at your new place:
  • Elevator reservations, parking for the truck, move-in fees or deposits.

2 weeks before: Address changes and “almost packed”

• Submit official change of address with USPS:
  • Do this online or at the post office to start mail forwarding.
• Update key accounts with your new address:
  • Banks, credit cards, insurance, employer, subscription boxes, streaming services.
• Confirm all bookings:
  • Reconfirm movers, truck, or container delivery, plus any storage unit reservations.
• Pack most of the house:
  • Leave out only what you truly need for the next 10–14 days.
• Separate “do not pack” items:
  • Medications, daily toiletries, a few outfits, basic tools, important documents, small valuables.
• Plan your first-night box(es):
  • Think of what you’ll want easy access to: sheets, towels, basic cookware, snacks, toilet paper, cleaning wipes.

1 week before: Final prep and cleaning plan

• Finish most packing:
  • Aim to have 80–90% of your home boxed up by now.
• Disassemble what you can early:
  • Guest beds, shelves, and furniture you don’t need this week. Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to pieces.
• Confirm move-day details with movers or helpers:
  • Arrival time, directions, parking instructions, and your cell number.
• Plan cleaning:
  • Decide whether you’ll clean yourself or hire cleaners after move-out.
• Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day:
  • Confirm times and logistics so you’re not juggling kids, pets, and heavy lifting.
• Set aside cash or digital tip budget for movers (if applicable):
  • Tipping is customary for good service, often $20–$50 per mover for local moves, more for long, complex days.

2–3 days before: Last essentials and staging

• Pack suitcases for each family member:
  • Clothes, pajamas, toiletries, medications, chargers, and any must-have comfort items.
• Pack your first-night box(es):
  • Include:
  • Bedding & towels
  • Basic kitchen gear (pan, pot, spatula, plates, cups, utensils)
  • Snacks & coffee/tea
  • Toilet paper, soap, paper towels, trash bags
  • Basic tools (screwdriver, utility knife, tape, flashlight)
• Defrost and clean the fridge/freezer (if moving it):
  • Unplug 24 hours before moving; towel up any water.
• Confirm payment method with movers or rental company:
  • Know when and how you’ll pay (deposit, final payment, card vs. cash).
• Stage boxes by room and weight:
  • Heavier boxes on the bottom, fragile items clearly marked.

Moving day: Execution

• Before movers or helpers arrive:
  • Protect floors if needed (runners, cardboard).
  • Do a quick walk-through to confirm what stays vs. goes.
  • Keep pets and kids safely out of the way.
• During loading:
  • Be available to answer questions and direct traffic.
  • Do a final sweep of each room as it empties—check closets, cabinets, and behind doors.
• Before leaving your old place:
  • Take photos or video of empty rooms (helpful for rental deposits or documentation).
  • Confirm all windows are closed, lights off, and utilities set per your plan.
• At the new place:
  • Walk movers through where major furniture goes.
  • Check that boxes are going into the correct rooms.
  • Note any visible damage on paperwork before signing.

First 1–3 days after: Settling in

• Prioritize unpacking key areas:
  • Bedrooms, one bathroom, and a simple kitchen setup first.
• Check utilities and internet:
  • Confirm everything is working; call providers quickly if not.
• Inspect for damage or missing items:
  • Compare against your inventory; report issues to the mover promptly.
• Update any remaining addresses:
  • Local services, doctors, vets, and schools.
• Walk your new home:
  • Note any safety issues (loose railings, missing smoke detectors) and address them early.

What to expect from a move with pros

Before the pro arrives

• 1–7 days before:
  • Confirmation call or email: Time window, crew size, and any last questions.
  • Paperwork: You may receive a bill of lading or contract to review.
  • Packing check: If you’re self-packing, they may remind you that boxes should be sealed and labeled.

Typical moving day with a crew

• Arrival and walkthrough (15–30 minutes):

  • The crew lead introduces the team, reviews the scope, and walks through your home.
  • You point out fragile items, special instructions, and what is not going on the truck.

• Protective setup (15–45 minutes):

  • Floor runners, door jamb protectors, and padding for bannisters or tight corners.

• Loading (2–6+ hours depending on home size):

  • Furniture is wrapped and padded.
  • Boxes are loaded, heavier items first, then lighter and fragile items.
  • Large items may be disassembled if agreed (beds, tables).

• Transport (varies by distance):

  • For local moves, they drive directly to your new home.
  • For long-distance, your items may share a truck with other loads and arrive on a delivery window.

• Unloading and basic setup (2–5+ hours):

  • Items are placed in the correct rooms based on your labels and directions.
  • Basic reassembly of furniture if included in the contract.
  • You’ll be asked where you want large pieces before they’re set down.

• Final walkthrough and payment (15–30 minutes):

  • You check for obvious damage and confirm all items are off the truck.
  • You sign paperwork and make final payment; tips are given at this point if you choose.

DIY vs. hire a pro

Reasonable DIY tasks for many homeowners

• Decluttering and organizing:
  • Sorting what to keep, donate, sell, or trash.
• Packing most items:
  • Clothing, books, linens, pantry items, non-fragile decor.
• Basic disassembly:
  • Removing table legs, taking apart simple bed frames, taking TVs off mounts (if you’re comfortable).
• Driving a small to mid-size rental truck (local):
  • If you’re confident with larger vehicles and comfortable with city or highway driving.
• Labeling and inventory:
  • Creating a simple list of boxes and contents for your own reference.

Tasks best left to pros

• Heavy, awkward, or specialty items:
  • Pianos, large safes, pool tables, hot tubs, large glass or stone pieces.
  • These often require special equipment and training to avoid injury and damage.
• Very large or long-distance moves:
  • Coordinating multi-day drives, fuel stops, and overnight parking with a large truck is complex and tiring.
• Packing high-value or fragile items:
  • Fine art, antiques, heirloom china, and expensive electronics benefit from professional packing.
• Situations with limited access or safety concerns:
  • Tight staircases, high balconies, or hoisting items through windows.
• Moves with strict building rules or liability requirements:
  • Some buildings require proof of insurance and professional crews for any move.

When in doubt, your safety and health come first. Back injuries and accidents can be costly; hiring pros for the heaviest or trickiest parts is often money well spent.

Questions to ask potential pros

• Are you licensed and insured for this type of move?
• Is your quote binding, non-binding, or “not-to-exceed”? What could change the final price?
• What exactly is included in this estimate? (packing, materials, stairs, long carries, fuel, tolls, disassembly/reassembly)
• Do you charge extra for stairs, elevators, or long walks from truck to door?
• How do you handle fragile or high-value items? Are there items you won’t move?
• What level of valuation or insurance coverage is included, and what are my options to increase it?
• Will my belongings share a truck with other customers? If so, how do you track and separate loads?
• What is the delivery window for my move, and how will you communicate updates or delays?
• Who will be on the crew the day of the move? Are they employees or subcontractors?
• What is your policy for damage or missing items? How do I file a claim, and what’s the typical timeline?
• Do you offer packing services, and can I choose partial packing (e.g., just the kitchen or fragile items)?
• What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy and any associated fees?

Quick FAQ

How far in advance should I book movers?

For most moves, 4–6 weeks in advance is a good target. During busy seasons (summer, end of month), earlier is better to get your preferred date and time.

Do movers expect tips?

Tipping is not mandatory but is common for good service. Many people tip $20–$50 per mover for a local move, more for long or especially difficult jobs, or simply tip a percentage of the total bill.

Is moving insurance worth it?

Basic coverage is often limited and based on weight, not item value. If you have high-value items, upgrading your valuation coverage or checking whether your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers moves can be a smart safeguard.

How long should I keep boxes after the move?

It’s wise to keep boxes for 2–4 weeks until you’re sure you won’t need to return anything or file damage claims. After that, you can break them down for recycling or pass them on to someone else who’s moving.

Wrap-up and next steps

A smooth move comes down to starting early, breaking tasks into weekly chunks, and choosing the right level of help for your budget, time, and energy. If you begin 6 weeks out, declutter steadily, and follow a simple checklist, you’re far less likely to find yourself packing at 2 a.m. on moving day.

Before you commit, get 2–3 quotes from movers or container companies so you can compare pricing, services, and availability. A neutral directory like Home Services Scout can help you quickly see local options and read reviews without pressure.

With a clear plan, realistic expectations, and the right mix of DIY and professional help, your move can feel organized and manageable—and you’ll be unpacking that first-night box in your new place instead of hunting for tape in the middle of the night.