## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](/) 2. [](/markdownify/node) 3. Moving Checklist ## A step-by-step plan for moving to another state Use this checklist to organize your long-distance move week by week so you know what to handle, when to handle it and what to prioritize before moving day. ## 8+ weeks before your move At this stage, the [big decisions about your move](https://www.upack.com/articles/considering-a-move) (where you’re going, how much you can spend, when you want to move) are typically already in motion. Now it’s time to turn those plans into action. ### Things to do - Start [requesting quotes](https://www.upack.com/moving-quote) from long-distance movers - Create a folder (physical or digital) to store estimates, receipts and paperwork - Begin using up pantry items, frozen food and household supplies ### Start thinking about - Whether you’ll drive or fly to your new home - [Vehicle transportation](https://www.upack.com/articles/how-to-transport-vehicles) needs - How much packing material you’ll need - [Parking](https://www.upack.com/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-parking-moving-equipment) or HOA restrictions at either location - If you’ll need to [add storage to your move](https://www.upack.com/how-upack-works/delivery-options/storage) ## 6 weeks before The fewer items you take to another state, the easier and more affordable the move becomes. Now is the time to sort through everything before packing begins. - Go room by room and [decide what to keep, donate or sell](https://www.upack.com/articles/throw-it-out-before-moving-out) - Schedule donation pickups or [plan a garage sale](https://www.upack.com/articles/how-to-have-a-moving-sale) - Figure out a plan for moving specialty items like antiques or pianos **Pro Tip:** Long-distance movers may have restrictions on hazardous materials, perishables and certain household items, so review those guidelines early. [View U-Pack’s do not ship list for details](https://www.upack.com/moving-resources/documents-and-tools/do-not-ship-list). ## 4 weeks before This stage is about solidifying plans and starting to pack. - [Reserve your moving service](https://www.upack.com/articles/how-far-in-advance-should-i-book-a-moving-company) to secure your dates and equipment - Schedule elevator or loading dock reservations if [moving from an apartment](https://www.upack.com/articles/ultimate-guide-to-apartment-moving) - [Arrange utility shutoff and setup dates](https://www.upack.com/articles/transferring-utilities-when-you-move) - Book travel accommodations if driving cross country ([get tips for planning your drive](https://www.upack.com/articles/how-to-turn-your-move-into-a-fun-family-road-trip)) - Start packing less-used items like décor and seasonal clothing [Check out these packing tips for a complete how-to guide](https://www.upack.com/moving-resources/packing-tips). ## 2 weeks before Your move should start feeling more structured this week. Focus on tying up loose ends and preparing for moving week. ### Tasks to complete - Update your address with banks, insurance providers and subscriptions - Transfer prescriptions and [medical records](https://www.upack.com/articles/how-to-transfer-medical-records-when-you-move) (refill any prescriptions you’ll need during the move!) - Request school and veterinarian records - [Service your vehicle](https://www.upack.com/articles/car-maintenance-checklist) before a long drive - Continue packing non-essential items - Pack an essentials bag with things you’ll need during the move\* \*For long-distance moves, it may take several days for belongings to arrive, so plan as though you’ll be living out of a suitcase temporarily. Don’t forget things like phone chargers, medication and pet supplies. ## 1 week before the move The final week should focus on preparation, confirmations and making moving day easier. - Get these [moving day supplies](https://www.upack.com/articles/essential-tools-and-gear-moving-day) - Finish packing remaining rooms - [Prepare the house for moving crews](https://www.upack.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-movers) - Clean out freezers - Make arrangements for [kids](https://www.upack.com/articles/moving-with-kids-how-to-help-children-transition) and [pets](https://www.upack.com/articles/a-practical-guide-for-moving-with-pets) - Reserve parking spaces if necessary - Know what to do if [rain](https://www.upack.com/articles/moving-on-a-rainy-day) is in the forecast ## Moving day Moving day can feel hectic, but staying focused on a few key tasks can help everything run more smoothly. - Direct moving labor to which items you want loaded - Follow these [loading tips](https://www.upack.com/moving-resources/loading-tips) to keep things safe - Take breaks and drink water! - [Secure the equipment](https://www.upack.com/articles/securing-upack-moving-equipment) if you’ll be away ### Before leaving - Walk through every room one last time - Check closets, cabinets and storage spaces - Lock windows and doors - Leave behind any required keys or paperwork ## After the move Once you reach your new home, prioritize these tasks: - Assemble beds and unpack essentials - Test utilities and internet service - Locate nearby grocery stores, pharmacies and emergency services You don’t have to [unpack](https://www.upack.com/articles/the-unpacking-order-where-to-start-first) everything immediately. Focus on creating a comfortable, livable space first, then work through the rest over time. Want to know everything you should do after moving to a new state? [Check out this post-move guide](https://www.upack.com/articles/things-do-after-moving-new-state). *Still looking for a moving service? We’ve moved more than 1 million families since 1997 (and we’d love to add yours to the list).* [*Get a quote*](https://www.upack.com/moving-quote) *or call* [*844-362-5303*](tel:844-362-5303)[*844-594-3077*](tel:844-594-3077) *to speak with a helpful moving consultant.*