Long-Distance Moving Checklist: 8 Weeks to Moving Day

February 23, 2026 · LifeStarter Team

Long-distance moves are a different beast than moving across town. There’s more logistics, more lead time, and more ways for things to go sideways. This week-by-week checklist keeps you on track from 8 weeks out through move-in day.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Get at least 3 moving quotes — In-home or virtual estimates are more accurate than online-only quotes
  • Research your new area — Schools, commute routes, grocery stores, healthcare providers
  • Start decluttering — Every pound you don’t move saves money. Be ruthless.
  • Create a moving binder — One place for quotes, contracts, receipts, and checklists

6 Weeks Before

  • Book your movers — Peak season (May–September) books up fast. Confirm dates in writing.
  • Start packing non-essentials — Off-season clothes, books, decorations, guest room items
  • Notify your employer — HR may have relocation benefits or tax implications to discuss
  • Forward your mail — USPS mail forwarding takes a few days to kick in

4 Weeks Before

  • Transfer or close local accounts — Bank, gym, library, doctor
  • Research new utilities — Electric, gas, water, internet, trash. Set up service start dates.
  • Update your address — DMV, insurance, subscriptions, voter registration, IRS (Form 8822)
  • Sell or donate large items — Furniture that won’t fit or isn’t worth moving

2 Weeks Before

  • Confirm with movers — Reconfirm dates, times, and addresses
  • Pack an essentials box — Toiletries, medications, phone chargers, important documents, a change of clothes, basic tools. This goes with you, not on the truck.
  • Arrange pet and child care for moving day
  • Clean out refrigerator and freezer — Plan meals to use up perishables

1 Week Before

  • Finish packing — Label every box with contents and destination room
  • Take photos of electronics — Snap pictures of how everything is connected before unplugging
  • Prepare valuables — Jewelry, important documents, and irreplaceables go in your car, not the truck
  • Defrost the freezer if leaving appliances behind

Moving Day

  • Do a final walkthrough — Check every closet, cabinet, drawer, and the garage
  • Get a copy of the Bill of Lading from your moving company
  • Read the inventory sheet before signing — note any pre-existing damage to your items
  • Tip the movers — $20–$50 per mover for a long-distance move is customary
  • Turn off utilities and lock up at your old home

First Week in Your New Home

  • Check all boxes and furniture for damage — file claims within 9 months per federal law
  • Change the locks — You don’t know who has copies of the old keys
  • Test all systems — HVAC, water heater, smoke detectors, CO detectors, appliances
  • Unpack essentials first — Kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms before anything else
  • Introduce yourself to neighbors — It’s worth the effort

Money-Saving Tips

  • Move mid-month and mid-week — Demand (and prices) are lowest Tuesday through Thursday
  • Get a tax deduction for donated items — Keep receipts
  • Use towels and linens as packing material — They’re free and you’re moving them anyway
  • Keep all receipts — Job-related moves may have tax implications

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