Moving can be overwhelming. Between packing, paperwork, and coordinating with service providers, it’s easy to miss important steps that can cost you time, money—or both. To help simplify things, our relocation experts have created a straightforward relocation moving checklist to keep you organized from start to finish.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this list will help ensure that your transition is smooth, structured, and less stressful.
Check Your Timeline and Build a Countdown
A successful relocation isn’t just about what you do—it’s when you do it. Build a week-by-week timeline starting at least six weeks before your move. This keeps the process bite-sized and helps prevent last-minute chaos.
- 6 weeks out: Start researching movers and organizing your household.
- 4 weeks out: Lock in your mover, begin packing non-essentials.
- 2 weeks out: Confirm all logistics, use perishables, and notify service providers.
- 1 week out: Pack essentials, prepare your moving folder, and finalize all plans.
This type of timeline keeps your stress levels down and helps you avoid overlooking small—but important—details.
Sort Through Your Stuff and Declutter
Sorting and purging your home’s content should be your first point of departure. Start with the bedrooms and make your way to the kitchen, living room, guest bedrooms and garage. Make a list of any items that will require special packaging or moving insurance.
Research Moving Companies in Your Area
Don’t rely on a verbal quote. Contact a few reputable moving companies and give them as much information as possible about your move. Insist on a written quote and find out about any deposits or down payments that might be needed to secure the move. Make sure the moving company you choose has testimonials on their website and is listed with reputable moving associations or the Better Business Bureau. A good idea is to also check out their social media presence to read any feedback that they might have received from past clients.
Create a Moving Folder
It’s easy to lose track of written quotes, notes about moving items and receipts, but an administration folder that contains all the documentation about your move and the items that you are moving can save you a lot of worry and hassle in the long run. Take your important documents you may need like passports, rental agreements, insurance information with you in your moving folder.
Get Moving Supplies
Talk to your moving coordinator about what supplies you’ll need. Most full-service movers offer professional-grade packing supplies or even custom crating for fragile or oversized pieces. Avoid overpacking boxes and keep the weight manageable—this helps prevent breakage and injuries during the move.
Use Perishable Consumables
Your freezer, fridge and kitchen might be full of foods or cleaning supplies that can’t be taken with you. Start using up these items or giving them away so that you don’t waste too much time on moving day.
Label and Sort
Sort your items into various containers and label them with the room and contents to simplify the delivery and unpacking process. Make sure to mark your essential items clearly so you can find them first.
Notify Relevant People About Your Move
Schools, doctors, lawyers and a number of other people will have to be notified about your move. Be sure to change your address on all your official documentation and bills.
What If Your Move Isn’t Instant?
Not every move is a door-to-door process. Sometimes you’re stuck between leases, waiting on construction, or just need a breather between homes. That’s where short- or long-term storage services come in.
At Isaac’s, we offer secure storage facilities in multiple locations, making it easy to keep your belongings safe during the gap. It’s a great option if your timeline shifts or you just don’t want to unpack everything right away.
And if you’re downsizing or decluttering during the move? Storage can give you more time to decide what to keep—without tripping over boxes in your new living room.
Ready to Move? Get a Free Quote Today
Isaac’s Moving & Storage is ready to help your move from start to finish. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve supported thousands of individuals, families, and businesses through relocations of all sizes—local and long-distance. Whether you’re moving across the city or across state lines, having a professional team on your side can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty that comes with packing up your life.
If you’re preparing for a move and are looking for a reliable moving company, contact Isaac’s Moving & Storage in Boston, Philadelphia, Houston, Providence and Portsmouth today for a free quote. From full-service packing to secure storage solutions, our goal is to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Still comparing options or unsure where to begin? We’re happy to answer questions, walk you through the moving process, and provide a transparent, no-obligation quote. Reach out today and discover why Isaac’s is one of the most trusted names in the industry.
Let us help you move forward—safely, efficiently, and with peace of mind.
