Prepare for Your Long-Distance Move

Start Planning Early

• Confirm your target moving date
• Create a moving budget
• Request moving estimates
• Decide which services you need
• Begin sorting and decluttering
• Identify items to sell, donate, or discard
• Create a household inventory
• Research schools, utilities, and services at your destination
• Review lease, closing, or relocation deadlines
• Ask about vehicle transportation if needed

If your plan includes a vehicle, review Auto Transport timing early.

Organize the Details

• Confirm your moving plan and service schedule
• Gather packing supplies
• Begin packing nonessential items
• Label boxes by room and contents
• Notify employers, schools, and important contacts
• Update your mailing address
• Arrange utility transfers or cancellations
• Request medical, school, and veterinary records
• Make travel arrangements
• Confirm plans for pets and plants

Prepare for Moving Day

• Confirm pickup and delivery details
• Pack valuables and personal documents separately
• Prepare medication and daily essentials
• Finish packing most household items
• Photograph electronics and valuable items
• Separate hazardous and restricted materials
• Confirm building access, elevators, and parking
• Prepare appliances if required
• Create a first-night essentials box
• Confirm contact information for moving day

Keep Essentials Close

• Keep identification and important documents with you
• Keep phones and chargers accessible
• Carry medication, keys, cash, and payment methods
• Review the inventory before departure
• Walk through the property before leaving
• Confirm the destination address and contact details
• Keep water, snacks, and basic supplies nearby
• Photograph the condition of the property
• Verify nothing has been left behind
• Confirm next steps for delivery

Settle In With a Plan

• Confirm delivery access and parking
• Review items as they are unloaded
• Direct boxes to the correct rooms
• Check furniture and high-value items
• Compare delivered items with your inventory
• Report visible concerns promptly
• Locate your essentials box first
• Confirm utilities are active
• Update locks and security access where appropriate
• Save moving documents and receipts