• Set your budget for the move:

Moving can be expensive, so it could be beneficial to set a budget before you start looking for a new place. Consider one-time expenses like security deposits, as well as how much you can afford to pay in utilities and rent. 

• Collect boxes: 

To help stay on budget, you can find free boxes at restaurants, as well as liquor, grocery and office supply stores. You can also ask friends or neighbors who may have recently moved for their used boxes. 

• Get packing supplies: 

Ensuring you're stocked with all the essentials can go a long way to relieve stress when packing. Gather all the packing basics like tape, labels, permanent markers, bubble wrap and mattress covers. For more packing-specific guidance, check out our packing tips and checklist.

• Make a private list of boxes with valuables:

Making a list of where certain items are packed can help you keep track of your valuables and prevent them from getting lost in the move. Label boxes with what room they belong to (bedroom, living room, playroom, etc.) and number each box. Then on your private list, you can note that your jewelry is in bedroom box #2 or your electronics are in living room box #4. 

• Make time for friends and relatives before the big move:

Spending time with friends and family can be so important, especially if you're planning a long-distance move. Plan a pre-move cookout or dinner to get your loved ones together one last time before you leave. 

• Pack a little each day: 

The sooner you start packing, the better. You can start by decluttering and throwing out or donating unwanted items. This can help reduce how much you have to pack and make it easier to put things away when you unpack in your new home. 

• Make a moving playlist:

Make packing and moving a little more enjoyable with a fun and upbeat playlist. Share your playlist with friends or family who are helping you move so they can add their favorite songs to the list too. 

• Start packing things you don’t use often:

Whether it's kitchen appliances, books, craft supplies or toys, you can start by packing items you won't need before the move.

• Organize financial, legal, school and medical records:

Gather and store your important documents in a file, folder or box. Keeping this accessible may be important if you need any documents for the move or if you're changing your child's school. 

• Seek out service providers in your new area:

Scope out your new area so you know where you can find important services. Locate local grocery stores, medical providers and even your nearest police and fire stations. Knowing what is available to you before you move can help alleviate any fear of moving to a new place. 

• Finish up necessary current home repairs:

Before you move out, it can be a good idea to evaluate any damage to your current home and make repairs. This can include dents and scrapes to the walls made by furniture, deep cleaning the carpet or cleaning out dusty air vents. This can be especially important for renters who paid a security deposit. Any repairs you can't make yourself may affect how much of your security deposit is returned. 

• Confirm moving day, get moving insurance and secure a moving company or reserve a moving truck:

Whether you’re hauling your belongings to your new place yourself or leaving it up to the professionals, consider making arrangements for a truck rental or professional movers well ahead of time. Additionally, moving insurance can help offer some financial protection for items lost or damaged during the move. 

• Secure cable/internet providers for your new address and schedule installation:
  

Check whether your current internet or cable providers can transfer your service to your new address or research local providers. Schedule your installation before you move to ensure the transition to your new home is quick and easy. 

• Back up your computer and important digital files:

While this may not seem like an obvious step, backing up important files on your computer before a move can help protect you from losing them if your computer is lost or damaged. Download your important data to an external drive and store it somewhere safe. 

• Schedule the day you want your current utilities turned off:

It is important to notify your utility providers before you move. Schedule the utilities to turn off the day after you leave to ensure you have service throughout your entire moving day. 

• Update your accounts with your new address:
  

When you move, it’s important to ensure that your updated address is shared with the companies you do important business with, such as your  bank, as well as car insurance, phone and electricity companies.

• Continue packing and set aside a week’s worth of clothing that is easy to access:
  

Around 2 weeks out, it is time to start packing things that you use more often, like clothing. Keep about a week's worth of clothes in a small suitcase or duffle bag to keep you clothed in the final days in your old home. 

• Request some time off before and after moving day for packing and unpacking:
  

Moving is time-consuming. Requesting days off from work will allow you to dedicate all your time and attention to the move. 

• Schedule sitters for kids and pets during moving day:

Moving can be hectic enough without having to look after kids and pets. Consider making a plan for childcare and/or pet-sitting for the day of your move so you can ensure your furry friends and children are safely out of the way.

• Sell or donate any items you don’t want or need:

As you pack, you will likely find old items you don't need anymore or simply don't want. Sell or donate unwanted belongings to prevent them from taking up extra space and causing clutter in your new home. 

• Refill prescriptions you might need:
  

Ensure you have all your health essentials, like prescription medications, before you move. This will give you time to unpack and get settled after the move before needing to run errands or schedule a doctor's appointment. 

• Prep 2 weeks’ worth of meals to use up everything in your fridge/freezer:

To prevent food waste, start planning ways to use all the food in your home. Prioritize using perishable foods like meats, veggies, dairy products and other refrigerated foods so you can empty your fridge and freezer before moving. 

• Set up mail forwarding to your new address:

Use the U.S. Postal Service to forward your mail from your old address to your new one. This will ensure you don't miss any mail once you've moved. 

• Electricity — start new or transfer existing service:

With Reliant, transferring your electricity service is quick and easy. You can start new or transfer existing service in just a few minutes. Schedule your transfer date ahead of time to ensure a seamless transition.