Updated moving checklist and packing guide from Wirecutter
Your No-Stress Moving Checklist and Budget Guide
Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a clear plan, the right supplies, and a realistic budget, you can protect your time, money, and sanity. Use this guide—built around expert resources and real‑world tips—to map your timeline, control costs, and make moving day boring (in the best way).
Context: Why a checklist matters
Most moving stress comes from last‑minute decisions and hidden costs. A simple, time‑boxed plan keeps you ahead of both. For deeper dives, see trusted resources like The Ultimate Moving Checklist, budget tips for expensive moves, and gear advice to make packing easier from Wirecutter: Ultimate Moving Checklist, Moving Budget Tips, and Supplies & Packing Advice. Their Make a Plan hub for moving is also helpful: Make a Plan: Moving.
Key steps: A simple timeline you can follow
6–8 weeks out: Decide, declutter, and book
Choose your move type (DIY, hybrid, or full‑service). Audit every room and purge what you won’t take—sell, donate, or recycle. Get at least three quotes from movers or truck rentals and ask for binding or “not‑to‑exceed” estimates. Reserve elevators and loading zones if needed. Order core supplies early so you can pack in short, daily bursts.
4 weeks out: Start packing with purpose
Begin with low‑use areas (seasonal items, decor). Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes. Label every side with room, a brief content note, and a number (e.g., “Kitchen 07: mugs, filters”). Create a shared inventory list to track box numbers and fragile items. Measure doorways and furniture to plan pathways and disassembly.
2 weeks out: Line up logistics
Set utility shut‑off/turn‑on dates with 1–2 days of overlap. File a change of address with USPS and update banking, insurance, and subscriptions. Prep an essentials box for the first 48 hours (toiletries, linens, meds, snacks, chargers, basic tools). Arrange pet/child care for moving day. Confirm parking permits and building requirements for both locations.
1 week out: Protect, confirm, and stage
Confirm mover arrival windows or your rental pickup and helpers. Back up computers and take photos of high‑value items. Disassemble furniture and bag hardware by piece. Protect floors and doorframes. Defrost and dry the freezer 24–48 hours before you move. Stage boxes by room near exits; keep fragile items separate for top‑loading.
Moving day: Keep it orderly
Walk through with movers and note fragile/priority items. Photograph utility meters and empty rooms for records. Load by room and label facing out. Do a final sweep (closets, cabinets, appliances). At the new place, guide boxes to the correct rooms and assemble beds first.
After move: Settle smart
Unpack essentials, then kitchens and bedrooms. Test smoke/CO alarms and set HVAC schedules. If installing a window AC, use a proper bracket for safety (see Wirecutter’s take on AC brackets). Planning a heat pump upgrade? Vet installers carefully: how to find a competent pro. Moving plants? If they’ll be unattended briefly, see plant care while you’re away.
Budget implications: Control your biggest costs
Moving is pricey because expenses stack up: labor or truck rental, supplies, travel, permits, insurance, and time off work. Anchor your budget with a written estimate, then add a 10–15% contingency for surprises (extra boxes, building delays, tips). Save by moving midweek or mid‑month, shipping media/books via USPS Media Mail, and returning unused supplies.
| Option | Upfront cost | Time/effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (rent a truck) | Low | High | Short moves, tight budgets, minimal furniture |
| Hybrid (you pack; pros load/drive) | Medium | Medium | Most apartments/homes, some savings with less hassle |
| Full‑service movers | High | Low | Large homes, long distance, time‑constrained schedules |
Supplies and packing strategy
Right gear prevents damage and speeds everything up. Aim for: sturdy boxes (mix of small/medium), heavy‑duty packing tape and a dispenser, packing paper and bubble wrap, foam pouches for dishes/glassware, stretch wrap, furniture blankets, a hand truck and/or dolly, sliders, and bold markers. For product picks and techniques, see Wirecutter’s moving supplies and packing advice.
Pack room by room. Heavy items low, cushioning on all sides, and no box over a comfortable lifting weight. Use towels and linens as padding where sensible. Color‑code labels by room to speed unloading. Photograph cable setups and furniture assembly points before disassembly.
What to watch for (and avoid)
Common pitfalls include underestimating packing time, skimping on tape and padding, forgetting to reserve elevators/permits, and not measuring stair turns. Beware vague mover quotes—ask for specifics on stairs, long carries, and fuel/surcharge fees. Document rental conditions and any pre‑existing damage with photos. Keep IDs, meds, and critical documents with you, not on the truck.
Quick safety notes
Don’t pack hazardous items (propane, paints, certain cleaners) on a moving truck. Lift with your legs, use gloves, and clear pathways. If you’re mounting window ACs, use purpose‑built brackets rather than makeshift supports.
FAQs
- How many boxes do I need?
Roughly 10–15 boxes per room is a workable starting point. Use more small boxes than large—heavy items (books, pantry cans) go in small boxes. - When should I book movers or a truck?
Four to eight weeks ahead is safe. In peak season (summer, month‑end, weekends), book earlier to lock in times and prices. - Are plastic bins better than cardboard?
They’re durable and reusable but heavier and bulkier. Cardboard is easier to stack and label. Many people mix both depending on contents. - How do I label boxes effectively?
Room + number + brief contents on multiple sides. Add a color sticker per room. Keep a simple spreadsheet or notes app list by box number. - What goes in an essentials box?
Toiletries, basic meds, phone chargers, a change of clothes, towels/bed sheets, snacks, water, paper goods, light tools, and important documents.
A smooth move comes down to decisions made weeks before moving day. Choose the right service level, lock down your schedule, and pack with a system. Use expert guides for deeper details, keep a small buffer in your budget, and aim for progress in daily increments. Do that, and moving day becomes a simple handoff—not a fire drill.
