The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before, During, and After Your Move

Moving is one of the most logistically complex events in a person's life. Whether you're relocating across Los Angeles or making a long-distance transition, the sheer number of tasks involved can feel paralyzing. That's why having a comprehensive, week-by-week checklist isn't just helpful — it's essential.

At LuxeMove, we've helped hundreds of families, executives, and businesses relocate across the Los Angeles area. Over the years, we've refined our understanding of exactly what needs to happen — and when. This ultimate moving checklist covers every phase of your move so nothing falls through the cracks.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

Confirm Your Move Date and Hire Your Movers

The earlier you secure professional help, the better. Top-rated moving companies in Los Angeles book out quickly, especially during peak season (May through September) and at the end of the month. Once you have a target move-in date:

• [ ] Research and compare at least three reputable moving companies
• [ ] Request in-home or virtual estimates
• [ ] Review contracts carefully — look for binding estimates and licensing credentials
• [ ] Book your movers and pay any required deposit
• [ ] Schedule any specialty services (piano moving, fine art handling, vault storage)

Start the Decluttering Process

There's no point paying to move items you no longer need or want. Eight weeks out is the perfect time to begin working through each room systematically:

• [ ] Sort belongings into Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard piles
• [ ] Schedule donation pickups with local charities
• [ ] List higher-value items on resale platforms
• [ ] Dispose of hazardous materials (paints, solvents, propane tanks) responsibly

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Notify Important Parties

Your address change affects more people and organizations than you might initially realize:

• [ ] Submit a USPS Change of Address form (online or at your local post office)
• [ ] Notify your employer's HR department
• [ ] Update your bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts
• [ ] Contact your insurance providers (home, auto, health, life)
• [ ] Notify subscription services and recurring deliveries
• [ ] Alert your children's schools and arrange for record transfers

Begin Gathering Packing Supplies

• [ ] Order or source moving boxes in a variety of sizes
• [ ] Stock up on packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing tape
• [ ] Purchase specialty containers (wardrobe boxes, dish packs, mattress covers)
• [ ] Gather markers for labeling

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Pack Non-Essentials

Start with items you rarely use — seasonal décor, books, guest room contents, and anything in storage:

• [ ] Pack off-season clothing and linens
• [ ] Box up books, artwork, and collectibles
• [ ] Wrap and pack decorative items
• [ ] Label every box with its contents AND destination room
• [ ] Create a master inventory spreadsheet or use a moving app

Handle Utilities and Services

• [ ] Schedule disconnection of electricity, gas, water, and internet at your current home
• [ ] Schedule connection of all utilities at your new address (allow a few days' buffer before move-in)
• [ ] Transfer or cancel local memberships (gym, country club, neighborhood association)
• [ ] Arrange final readings with utility providers if required

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Tackle the Remaining Rooms

• [ ] Pack the majority of your kitchen (keep out only daily-use items)
• [ ] Pack bedroom closets and dressers (use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes)
• [ ] Disassemble furniture you plan to move yourself
• [ ] Back up computers and important digital files
• [ ] Gather and secure important documents in a clearly labeled folder you'll keep with you

Confirm All Logistics

• [ ] Reconfirm your moving date, time, and address with your moving company
• [ ] Reserve elevator access or parking permits at your current and new building if required
• [ ] Arrange for a friend, family member, or professional to watch young children or pets on moving day
• [ ] Confirm hotel or temporary housing if there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates

Moving Week

Final Preparations

• [ ] Finish packing all remaining items except an "essentials box" (see below)
• [ ] Defrost the refrigerator and freezer
• [ ] Clean appliances you're taking with you
• [ ] Disassemble any remaining furniture
• [ ] Charge all electronics and portable battery packs
• [ ] Prepare payment and tip for your moving crew

Pack Your Essentials Box

This is one of the most important things you can do. Pack a clearly labeled box — or a large bag — that you'll keep accessible (not on the truck) containing:

• [ ] Phone chargers and laptop
• [ ] Two days' worth of clothing per person
• [ ] Medications and first aid kit
• [ ] Toiletries and towels
• [ ] Snacks and water bottles
• [ ] Important documents, IDs, and financial information
• [ ] Keys, cash, and credit cards
• [ ] Children's comfort items or toys
• [ ] Pet essentials

Moving Day

• [ ] Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, attic, and garage
• [ ] Check all drawers, cabinets, and built-in shelving
• [ ] Photograph the condition of your old home before leaving
• [ ] Be present and available to answer your movers' questions
• [ ] Verify that all boxes are accounted for before the truck departs
• [ ] Hand over keys, garage openers, and access cards as required

After the Move: First Week

Prioritize Immediate Needs

• [ ] Set up beds and sleeping areas on night one
• [ ] Unpack the kitchen for basic meal prep
• [ ] Locate and test all utilities
• [ ] Inspect your belongings for damage and document anything noteworthy
• [ ] File any damage claims with your moving company within the required timeframe

Administrative Follow-Through

• [ ] Update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your new address
• [ ] Register to vote at your new address
• [ ] Find new local service providers (doctor, dentist, veterinarian)
• [ ] Introduce yourself to neighbors

After the Move: First Month

• [ ] Unpack room by room, starting with high-priority spaces
• [ ] Hang artwork and arrange furniture
• [ ] Set up your home office or workstation
• [ ] Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
• [ ] Locate the circuit breaker, main water shutoff, and gas valve
• [ ] Deep-clean new home areas as you unpack

Let LuxeMove Handle the Heavy Lifting

No checklist can replace the peace of mind that comes from working with an experienced, professional moving team. LuxeMove provides full-service residential and commercial moves throughout the Los Angeles area, with specialized teams for high-value, large-scale, and complex relocations.

From packing and loading to white-glove delivery and setup, we manage every detail so you can focus on what matters — settling into your new chapter. Explore our services or reach out directly through our contact page to start planning your move today.

Moving doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right plan and the right team behind you, it can even be exciting. Use this checklist as your roadmap and check off each milestone with confidence.