**The Ultimate Moving Guide for Home Sellers & Buyers

(What People Don’t Think About — But Should)**

Moving is one of the biggest transitions in a person’s life. Beyond boxes and bubble wrap, it involves financial planning, logistical coordination, home-prep decisions, lifestyle adjustments, and timing everything with escrow, closing, or a home sale.

A smooth transition starts 6–8 weeks before moving day. This expanded guide highlights the real decisions people overlook — from hiring movers to prepping a home for sale, forwarding utilities, protecting valuables, understanding tax implications, and preparing for life in a new neighborhood.

8 Weeks Before Moving

1. Determine Your Moving Budget

Factor in:

• Movers vs. DIY

• Packing supplies

• Storage or temporary housing

• Pet boarding

• Cleaning crews

• Repairs requested in escrow

• Travel costs if moving out of state

• Child care during move

Pro tip: Sellers often forget post-sale expenses like transfer taxes, repairs from inspections, and purchasing essentials for the new home. Buyers often underestimate the cost of setting up utilities and buying appliances.

2. Create a Moving & Home-Transition Folder

Include:

• Estimates from movers & packers

• Receipts (potential tax write-offs for some long-distance moves)

• Real estate timelines (listing date, contingencies, close of escrow)

• Contacts for utilities at your current and future home

• Moving timeline and checklists

• Records of repairs from inspection requests

Digital or physical — but everything in one place.

3. Research Moving Companies

Verify:

• Licensing & insurance

• Reviews and complaint histories

• Whether they handle specialty items (art, pianos, safes)

• If they offer packing/unpacking

For long-distance moves, confirm FMCSA registration and long-haul insurance coverage.

4. Get Moving Quotes + Schedule In-Home Estimates

You want:

• Binding or “not to exceed” estimates

• Confirmation of how they charge (weight? hourly? complexity?)

• Clear understanding of cancellation or rescheduling policies

• Written contracts

Avoid “sight unseen” quotes — it’s the top red flag for scams.

5. Reserve Your Truck or Moving Container (DIY Movers)

Book early, especially in summer or end-of-month closings. Consider:

• Dollies, pads, blankets

• Rope/straps

• Ramp vs. liftgate

• Parking restrictions at both addresses

Check HOA or apartment rules about days/times you can move.

6. Establish a Room-by-Room Moving Plan

Start with:

• Seasonal items

• Guest rooms

• Decor

• Books

Save daily-use areas for later.

7. If Renting, Give Notice

Confirm whether your state requires 30 or 60 days.

8. If Selling, Contact Your Agent Immediately

Discuss:

• Ideal list timing based on your move-out date

• Prep needed for your home (repairs, touch-ups, staging)

• Showing schedule

• Whether a rent-back agreement makes sense

9. Dispose of Hazardous Materials

Movers will not transport:

• Paint

• Gas cylinders

• Cleaning chemicals

• Fertilizers

• Oil

Plan drop-off days in advance.

10. Begin the Declutter & Donate Phase

This impacts:

• Moving costs

• Presentation for showings

• How fast the home sells

Create toss / donate / sell piles. Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and charity pickups are great for larger items.

6 Weeks Before Moving

1. Review & Reduce Books and Paperwork

Books add significant weight.
Shred sensitive documents; retain essentials like:

• Closing disclosures

• Warranties

• Tax documents (last 7 years)

2. Sell or Donate Items

Great for:

• Furniture that won’t fit the new layout

• Outdoor equipment

• Kid items

• Decor items that help depersonalize a listing

3. Clean Out the Garage & Storage

Garages often hold:

• E-waste

• Tools

• Old paint

• Bulky items

Cities have rules on dumping — prepare ahead.

4. Organize Vital Documents

Birth certificates, passports, estate documents, insurance — all placed in a fireproof, waterproof box that stays with you, not with movers.

5. Begin Kitchen Clean-Out

Toss expired items, use up duplicates, and donate unopened food.

6. Start Gathering Boxes & Packing Supplies

Look for:

• Liquor stores (strong small boxes)

• Grocery stores

• Recently moved neighbors

7. Plan to Move Your Car

Especially important if:

• Leasing

• Moving across the country

• Towing is required

8. Change Your Address

USPS + IRS + financial institutions + employer + insurance policies.

9. Request Time Off Work

You’ll want at least 1–2 days buffer before and after.

10. Begin Packing Non-Essentials

Holiday items, off-season clothing, extra linens, sports gear.

4 Weeks Before Moving

1. Label & Number Boxes

Include:

• Room destination

• Contents

• Level of fragility

2. Take Inventory of Belongings

This protects you in:

• Insurance claims

• Moving company disputes

• Homeowner’s insurance updates

Take photos inside each box.

3. Use Up Frozen & Perishable Food

4. Contact Insurance Agent

Update:

• Homeowners insurance

• Renters insurance

• Auto insurance (rates may change with new ZIP codes)

For sellers: Confirm coverage persists through close of escrow.

5. Notify Utility Providers

Schedule:

• Disconnect at old home

• Connect at new home

Don’t forget:

• Water

• Trash

• Gas

• Electric

• Internet & cable

• Security system monitoring

6. Gather Old Tech & Cords

Recycle or donate.

7. Make a Plan for Valuables

Jewelry, heirlooms, documents should stay with you.

8. Create Staging Area for Packed Boxes

Avoid clutter during showings or walkthroughs.

9. Make Repairs (For Renters & Sellers)

For sellers:

• Complete agreed-upon repairs

• Touch-up paint for pre-listing photos

• Prepare for final walkthrough

10. Create “Essentials to Pack Last” List

Clothes, toiletries, pet items, chargers.

11. Arrange Child/Pet Care for Moving Day

12. Service Your Car for Long-Distance Moves

13. Book Travel Arrangements

14. Visit Your Storage Unit (If Applicable)

2 Weeks Before Moving

1. Secure Additional Supplies

2. Pack Most of the Kitchen

3. Finalize All Your Plans

Confirm:

• Movers

• Cleaning crew

• Appliance delivery at new home

• Lock change service (buyers often forget this)

4. Ask Movers About Payment

Cash? Card? Check? Tip amounts?

5. Make a Plan for Plants

Some movers won’t take them.

6. Check for Parking or Elevator Reservations

7. Transfer Prescriptions to Near New Home

8. Update Address for Subscriptions

1 Week Before Moving

1. Prepare a Moving-Day Survival Kit

Include:

• Clothes

• Medications

• Toiletries

• Tools

• Phone chargers

• Snacks

• Dog leash / pet food

• Paper towels & cleaning wipes

2. Finish Packing Everything Except Essentials

3. Reconfirm All Details with Movers

4. Disassemble Furniture (If DIY)

5. Make a Cleaning Plan (Required for Some Closings or Rentals)

6. Confirm Access Instructions for New Home

7. Photograph TV & Electronics Setup

8. Say Goodbyes (If Moving Far)

Moving Day

1. Be 100% Packed Before Movers Arrive

Running behind delays everything — including your closing schedule.

2. Provide Clear Instructions

Gate codes, parking restrictions, fragile items, stairs.

3. Clear Safe Pathways

4. Load Truck Correctly (DIY)

5. Do a Final Walk-Through

Check:

• Closets

• Cabinets

• Attic

• Washer/dryer area

• Outdoor spaces

For renters: take timestamped photos for deposit protection.

6. Expect Imperfections — That’s Normal

After You Move

1. Unpack Bedrooms & Kitchen First

You need sleep and food before anything else.

2. Wash All Dishes Before Use

3. Do a Second Declutter Pass While Unpacking

4. Dispose of Moving Materials

5. Update DMV for Driver’s License & Registration

6. Homebuyers: Schedule Must-Do Items

• Change locks

• Test smoke & CO detectors (should be completed during home inspection)

• Locate water shutoff valves (should be completed during home inspection)

• Confirm garbage pickup day

• Update homeowner’s insurance with final inventory