What to Do Before, During, and After Your Move

Moving is like breaking up with your home without telling it—there’s heartbreak, chaos, and a million ‘where did I put that?’ moments.

If you’re about to make a big move and you’re standing there scratching your head wondering what you’re supposed to do before, during, and after your move, you’re definitely not the only one.

In fact, 70% of Americans admit that the whole moving process stresses them out like crazy. It’s no surprise; the idea of packing up your entire life, finding the right movers, making sure utilities are switched on in your new place, and unpacking without losing your mind can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle.

But having a solid moving checklist is like having a secret weapon against the chaos. It keeps you from forgetting the important stuff.

In this guide, we'll cover every step you need to take—from the moment you decide to move to the hectic moving day and all the way to settling into your new home.

Before the Move

Step 1: Start Early (Like, Seriously Early)

The first rule of moving is not to wait until the last minute. The average American spends 7 hours packing for a move, but starting late means those 7 hours turn into 14.

So get your moving preparation guide going at least 6 weeks before you move.

Start writing down what you need to do, book your movers or rental truck, and start thinking about how to handle your stuff.

Step 2: Make a Solid Before Moving Checklist

Write down everything so nothing sneaks up on you. Here’s a quick brain dump to get your wheels turning:

• Sort and purge stuff (you don’t want to pay to move your ex’s hoodie, right?)
• Gather packing materials (boxes, tape, markers)
• Notify utilities and change your address
• Plan your packing schedule
• Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day (seriously, moving with a toddler or dog is a circus)
• Schedule time off work if needed

Step 3: Declutter

Most of us have way too much crap. Moving is your chance to Marie Kondo your life.

Sell, donate, or toss what you haven't used in a year.

Step 4: Grab Packing Supplies

Don't skimp here. You need sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers for labeling, and maybe some mattress bags. You can usually find cheap or free boxes at grocery stores or Craigslist.

Step 5: Start Packing (But Pack Smart)

Begin with stuff you don't use daily—holiday decorations, books, out-of-season clothes. Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong to.

Pro tip: Use color-coded labels to speed up unpacking.

Step 6: Notify Important People

Notify these entities: USPS for mail forwarding, banks, credit cards, subscription services, your employer, friends and fam. Forgetting this is the quickest way to miss your important bills or cards.

Step 7: Prepare for the Big Day

Arrange for movers or rent your truck. Confirm your moving date and gather moving day essentials like snacks, water, comfy shoes, and maybe some tunes for the ride.

During the Move

The big day is here. You might already be buzzing with excitement, nerves, or exhaustion.

Here’s how to keep it together and nail this.

Step 1: Pack Your Moving Day Essentials Bag

Imagine this: you’re knee-deep in boxes, movers are hauling furniture, and you realize you don’t have your phone charger, your favorite snacks, or that one important document you’ll need. Don’t be that person.

Fill a backpack or a small suitcase with:

• Phone charger and portable battery
• Important documents (lease, ID, contracts)
• Snacks and water (hydration is key)
• Change of clothes (because, duh)
• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant)
• Meds, if you take any regularly
• Anything you absolutely can’t live without for the next 24 hours

Step 2: Be the Boss of Your Move

Show up early, greet the movers, and make sure they know what goes where. If you have kids or pets, keep them occupied away from the chaos. Seriously, there are a lot of moving parts, and you need to stay on top.

Step 3: Double-Check Your Old Place

Before the movers shut the door for the last time, do a sweep. Check closets, cabinets, and under beds. You don't want to be that person who has to drive back to find the missing blender.

Step 4: Protect Your Valuables

Keep jewelry, cash, passports, and anything super valuable with you. Movers are pros, but better safe than sorry.

Step 5: Keep Your Cool

Moving day is a rollercoaster. There will be hiccups—maybe a box breaks or traffic slows your truck—but keep your sense of humor. You’re making memories, even if some of them involve bubble wrap disasters.

Step 6: Unpack Smart

Once you get to your new place, don’t go wild unpacking everything at once. Unpack the essentials box first (remember that one?). Then, tackle rooms one by one so it’s manageable.

After the Move

You survived the madness and are officially in your new home. But don’t pop the champagne just yet—you’ve got some after moving tasks to check off.

Step 1: Get the Utilities Up and Running

If you haven't already, call your gas, electric, water, and internet providers ASAP. No one wants to move into a dark, internet-less cave.

Step 2: Change Your Locks

For peace of mind, changing the locks or rekeying is a smart move. You never know who might still have a key to your new place.

Step 3: Register Your Address

Remember to update your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration. It's the boring stuff, but it's important.

Step 4: Introduce Yourself to the Neighborhood

Go say hi to your neighbors, find the nearest grocery store, and scope out local hangouts. Feeling at home is about more than just unpacking boxes.

Step 5: Organize and Clean as You Go

Unpack, yes, but also clean. It's easier to clean before everything is in place, and you'll feel less overwhelmed if your new place isn't a mess.

Step 6: Take Care of Your Pets and Plants

If you have furry friends or green babies, help them adjust by keeping their routines and ensuring their needs are met.

Step 7: Relax and Celebrate

You did it! Moving is hard, and you deserve a break. Order takeout, binge that show, or invite friends over to show off your new digs.

Moving Timeline Recap

When	What to Do	Why It Matters
6+ weeks before	Start moving, preparation guide, book movers, declutter	Gives you a calm head start
4 weeks before	Get packing supplies, notify utilities and change address	Avoids last-minute scrambling
2 weeks before	Begin packing non-essentials	Less stress as moving day nears
Moving day	Use moving day essentials, supervise the move	Keeps chaos manageable
After move	Complete post-move checklist, change locks, set up utilities

Moving House Tips

Moving is one of those things everyone dreads but rarely knows all the hacks to make it easier.

Here are some golden nuggets that’ll have you moving like a seasoned pro, even if it’s your first rodeo.

Color-Code Your Boxes

This might sound over-the-top, but slap colored stickers or tape on boxes and label them by room (blue for kitchen, red for bedroom, etc.). When the movers arrive at your new place, they’ll know exactly where to put stuff.

Pack a “First Night” Box

This is your survival kit for the first night in the new place:

• Bedding and pillows
• Pajamas and toiletries
• Phone chargers
• A couple of plates and utensils
• A few snacks and a bottle of water

Take Photos of Your Electronics Setup

Before unplugging anything, snap pictures of the back of your TV, computer, or sound system. This little hack will save you from the "which cable goes where" nightmare later.

Use Towels, Socks, and T-Shirts as Packing Materials

Running low on bubble wrap? Use soft items like towels or clothing to wrap fragile stuff. Double win: packing and decluttering at the same time.

Don’t Overpack Boxes

Heavy boxes are a pain to move and are dangerous. Keep books and heavy items in smaller boxes. Lighter stuff can go in bigger ones.

Get Help if You Need It

Don't be a hero. If you can afford it, hire movers. If not, recruit friends and family, but be sure to feed and hydrate them well.