Six to eight weeks before moving
Build your inventory and collect estimates early so you have time to compare them properly.
| Timeframe | Focus |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks before | Inventory, estimates, authority checks, cancellation terms |
| 4-2 weeks before | Supplies, packing low-use rooms, address changes, utilities |
| Final week | Finish packing, appliance prep, payment confirmation |
| Moving day | Walkthrough, inventory review, final checks |
| What to check after delivery | Inventory check, damage notes, claims, address updates |
- Create a room-by-room inventory and decide what to sell, donate, recycle, or discard.
- Request written estimates from multiple licensed movers using the same inventory.
- Verify federal registration for interstate moves, or check your state regulator for in-state moves.
More detail
Measure large furniture and doorways at both homes. Ask each building about elevator reservations, loading areas, and move-hour restrictions, and gather school, medical, and veterinary records.
Ready to compare movers?
Four to two weeks before moving
Order supplies and start packing rooms you use least, labeling everything by destination.
Packing checklist
- Order sturdy cartons, tape, packing paper, labels, and mattress protection.
- Pack low-use rooms first and label each box with its destination room.
- Number boxes so missing items are easier to identify.
- Photograph electronics before disconnecting cables.
- Confirm dates, addresses, phone numbers, inventory, and access details.
- Reserve parking or loading space where local rules require it.
- Prepare an essentials bag for at least the first night.
- Back up computers and keep passwords with you.
More detail
Submit address changes, arrange utilities, and confirm access with the mover. Plan safe transportation for children, pets, plants, valuables, documents, and medication.
Ready to compare movers?
The final week and moving day
Finish packing except for essentials, then confirm every detail against your paperwork on moving day.
- Drain and prepare appliances according to manufacturer and mover instructions.
- Confirm how payment will be accepted and avoid carrying a large amount of cash.
- Compare the truck and company name with your paperwork before loading begins.
Moving day
- Walk through the home with the crew lead and point out fragile or high-value items.
- Review the inventory before signing.
- Keep the bill of lading, estimate, and contact details with you, not in the truck.
- Complete a final room, closet, garage, and cabinet check.
We may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners.
What movers generally will not transport
Most movers prohibit hazardous materials and some perishables; confirm doubtful items directly before moving day.
- Gasoline, propane cylinders, fireworks, and ammunition.
- Paint thinner, some paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, aerosols, and corrosive cleaners.
- Perishable food, plants on some interstate routes, and opened liquids or pressurized containers.
- Items with sentimental or irreplaceable value.
Policies differ and local disposal rules apply, so ask the mover for its prohibited-items list early. Carry identification, cash, jewelry, legal papers, medication, keys, and small electronics yourself.
Ready to compare movers?
What to check after delivery
Check your inventory as goods arrive and note any damage before signing the delivery receipt.
At delivery
- Check box numbers and furniture against the inventory as goods arrive.
- Note missing or visibly damaged items on the delivery receipt before signing.
- Photograph damage and preserve packing material.
- File claims within the contract's deadline.
Concealed damage may appear during unpacking, so unpack priority rooms first and keep all documents, photographs, and correspondence. Update your driver's license, vehicle registration, and voter record as required.
Ready to compare movers?
A final quote-comparison checklist
Compare estimates on identical terms and never choose solely from the headline total.
Before you book
- Verify identity and authority independently.
- Refuse blank or incomplete paperwork.
- Keep contracts and essentials outside the shipment.
- Make sure every estimate covers the same inventory, addresses, access conditions, and valuation level.
- Check minimum hours, travel, fuel, materials, stairs, elevators, shuttles, and storage before comparing totals.
- Once booked, communicate inventory or access changes promptly so the mover can update paperwork.
We may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners.