Moving checklists

• ✺Moving involves many small tasks, and forgetting one (like canceling utilities or forwarding mail) can cost you money or cause headaches.
• ✺A checklist keeps you organized during a stressful, time-sensitive process.
• ✺Planning ahead for movers, notice deadlines, and utility transfers can save money and avoid last-minute scrambling.

1. 1Several weeks before: give written notice to your landlord and book movers or a truck.
2. 22–3 weeks before: schedule utility transfers or shut-offs for your old and new addresses.
3. 31–2 weeks before: file a change of address with USPS and update your address with your bank and key accounts.
4. 4Final week: pack non-essentials, label boxes by room, and confirm moving day logistics.
5. 5Moving day: do a final walkthrough, take photos of the empty unit, and return keys.
6. 6After moving in: check utilities are working and document your new unit's condition with photos.

Change of address

A request filed with USPS to forward mail to your new address.

Move-out walkthrough

A final inspection of a rental before leaving, often used to document its condition.

Utility transfer

Switching an existing utility account to a new address, or starting new service, timed around your move.

• ✗Waiting until the last minute to book movers or a truck.
• ✗Forgetting to file a change of address, causing missed mail and bills.
• ✗Not checking every closet, cabinet, and storage area during the final walkthrough.
• ✗Not confirming utilities are set up and working at the new place before move-in day.

• !Moving companies and trucks can book up quickly during popular moving times, like weekends and the end of the month.
• !USPS change-of-address requests can typically be filed online a short time before your move.
• !Keeping essential documents (lease, ID, moving contracts) in one folder or bag makes moving day easier.
• !Taking photos at both your old and new place protects you in case of deposit or damage disputes.

• Start your checklist weeks in advance, covering notice, movers, utilities, and address changes.
• Break tasks into categories to stay organized and avoid last-minute stress.
• Do thorough walkthroughs and take photos at both your old and new place.
• Confirm utilities and address updates are complete shortly after your move.

Totally optional. Nobody's grading you.

1. 1.Start a moving checklist divided into categories like notice, utilities, and packing.
2. 2.File your change of address with USPS as your move date approaches.

Related lessons:

• Moving out for the first time
• Getting your security deposit back
• Living with roommates

• Change your address
  United States Postal Service (USPS)(opens in a new tab)
• Renting a home
  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)(opens in a new tab)