Avoid last-minute packing with this chronological to-do list
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Your one month moving checklist should start with notifying your landlord and creating a budget, then progress through booking movers and sorting belongings early.
Expect to pay $880 to $2,565 for local moves within 100 miles, with average costs around $1,710, or $2,700 to $10,000 for long-distance moves.
You should complete major tasks like scheduling utilities shutoffs, filing address changes, and arranging child or pet care at least 30 days before moving day.
Hiring a local moving company protects your belongings during the move and saves you time, energy, and the risk of injury from heavy lifting.
Moving to a new place can be simultaneously exciting and overwhelming, especially as your moving day draws closer. While you can always plan ahead, a significant amount of work is packed into that last month, so we’ve organized the major tasks into the four weeks leading up to your moving day. This 30-day moving checklist will help you determine which tasks to prioritize, which can be put on hold, and how much time is required to prepare.
It might feel like moving day is rapidly approaching with just a month to go, but there’s still plenty of time to get everything in order. The first week of moving prep primarily involves planning and logistics.
Day 1: Notify your landlord of the move (most leases stipulate at least 30 days’ notice)
Day 2: Create a moving budget
Day 3: Acquire moving supplies: boxes, packaging tape, bubble wrap, labels, and markers
Day 4: Notify utilities companies about the change of residence and schedule shutoffs to power, water, and internet on your moving day
Day 5: Compare quotes from multiple moving companies or vehicle rental companies if you’re moving by yourself
Day 7: Gather unneeded items and sort them into piles based on what you’re throwing away, donating, and selling
This is a great time to start decluttering. Seeing your house gradually empty out can be emotional, but it will also eliminate the stress of living with haphazard piles and unmarked boxes.
Day 8: Take a trip to the dump and donation center and get rid of unwanted items
Day 9: List any items you plan to sell online
Day 10: Organize a travel plan to your new residence, including the route, timeline, and lodging
Day 11: Gather important documents and keep them in a safe or filing cabinet that you’re taking with you
Day 12: Arrange child and/or pet care on moving day, if needed
Day 13: File a change of address with the necessary parties: USPS, bank, credit card, health insurance, car insurance, and subscription services
Day 14: Schedule time off work for moving day
Day 15: Pack books, decor, rarely used kitchenware, and seasonal items
With moving day just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start packing non-essential items and cleaning up around the house.
Day 16: Perform minor repairs around the house, if needed
Day 17: Create a mock layout of your new house, including furniture and decor
Day 18: Refill prescriptions
Day 19: Wipe down countertops and appliances
Day 20: Dust, vacuum, and mop
Day 21: Do yard work, if needed
Day 22: Call movers and double-check that they’re coming on the correct moving day
By this point, you’ve completed the major moving tasks. Most of what’s left is just packing before the big day.
Day 23: Pack the bedrooms and bathrooms
Day 24: Pack the kitchen and living room
Day 25: Withdraw cash to tip the movers
Day 26: Pack electronics and fragile items separately
Day 27: Pack a bag of clothes and toiletries you’ll need on moving day or while moving to your new house
Day 28: Empty and defrost refrigerator/freezer, if bringing it to your new residence
Day 29: Take out trash and recycling, and pick up the moving truck if you’re moving by yourself
Day 30: Moving day!
The cost to hire a moving company depends on the move distance and the items' volume and weight. Other cost factors include the time of year, the type of moving service, and the addition of services like packing, installation, and storage.
For local moves within a 100-mile radius, costs range from $880 to $2,565, with a national average of $1,710. The cost dramatically increases for a long-distance move, and the price range becomes much wider based on the distance. The average cost of a long-distance move ranges from $2,700 to $10,000.
Moving by yourself is much cheaper than hiring a moving company. The average cost of a DIY move ranges from $120 to $2,300, with a national average of $1,200. That said, there are several compelling reasons to hire a moving company. Professional movers will complete the job quickly, protect your belongings, and save you time, energy, and the risk of injury. We recommend most homeowners hire a moving company, unless they have the requisite experience, vehicles, and supplies.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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