Moving checklist

6–8 weeks before

• Decide whether you'll DIY-pack, hire a packer, or do a hybrid (kitchen + fragiles by us, soft goods by you).
• Get written quotes from at least 2–3 movers. Request a written quote from us.
• If moving long-distance, book the date — long-distance dates fill up first.
• If you have a piano, pool table, gun safe, or oversized art, mention it when getting quotes — it changes crew size.
• Start using up frozen and pantry food you don't want to move.

4 weeks before

• Confirm the moving date in writing with your chosen mover.
• If your building requires a COI, send the template to your mover. See apartment moves →
• Reserve the freight elevator at both origin and destination buildings if applicable.
• Order packing supplies if self-packing. Use our carton guide to estimate quantities.
• Notify your landlord (origin) and confirm move-in details with new landlord/HOA.
• Schedule disconnects/reconnects: utilities, internet, cable. Disposal resources →

2 weeks before

• Start packing rooms you don't use daily — storage closets, garage, attic, formal dining.
• File your USPS change of address (moversguide.usps.com) at least 14 days ahead.
• Update address with banks, credit cards, insurance, employer, schools, voter registration, and any subscription services.
• Confirm parking arrangements at both addresses (loading zones, "no parking" signs, dock reservations).
• Pull together important documents and valuables — keep these with you, don't pack them on the truck.
• Donate or dispose of anything you don't want to move. Donation pickups →

1 week before

• Finish packing everything except essentials.
• Label boxes by destination room and contents. Mark fragile boxes "Fragile — top load only."
• Defrost the freezer 24–48 hours before move day so it's empty and dry.
• Pack a "first-night" bag for each family member: clothes for 2–3 days, toiletries, chargers, medications, snacks.
• Confirm move time, address, and crew size with your mover. Double-check the COI is on file with your building.
• Withdraw cash if tipping in cash, and have the discount payment method ready (cash or certified funds if you arranged a discount).

The day before

• Pack what's left, including bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets in a single labeled bag).
• Disassemble what you intend to disassemble yourself; leave to-be-disassembled by movers for the crew.
• Charge phones and any backup batteries.
• Place valuables, important documents, and a "first-night" bag in your car, not on the truck.
• Confirm with the building one more time that move-in/move-out window and freight elevator are reserved.

Move day

• Be on site when the crew arrives. Walk them through the home and point out anything fragile or special.
• Keep the path from the truck to the door clear (move rugs, prop doors).
• For hot LA days, have water and a few snacks for the crew available.
• Inventory the truck as it loads — the crew brings a sheet; check off as items go on.
• At destination, direct items to the right rooms as they come off. Saves a lot of "where does this go?" time.
• Walk through the empty truck before signing off. Confirm with the foreman.

After you've moved

• Unpack essentials first: kitchen basics, bathroom, beds, then everything else over the following week.
• Test appliances; confirm utilities are working.
• Update your driver's license and voter registration if you moved across counties or states.
• Re-register your car if you moved to a new state.
• Leave a review for your mover — it helps the next person choose well.