Everything you need for a successful move — checklists, packing tips, printable labels, and a complete timeline.
Check off items as you complete them. Your progress is saved automatically.
Items marked with * are required for interstate moves. See Your Rights & Responsibilities for details.
Follow this timeline to stay on track for a smooth move.
Research and book your moving company. Get at least 3 written estimates. Verify USDOT numbers at ProtectYourMove.gov. Start decluttering — donate, sell, or trash items you don't need. Create a moving binder or folder for all documents.
Gather packing supplies. Create a home inventory (photos/video of every room). Review your mover's "Rights & Responsibilities" booklet and arbitration program summary. Choose your valuation coverage. Start packing items you rarely use.
Notify important parties of your address change (USPS, banks, subscriptions, employer, doctors). Arrange utility transfers. Complete your moving inventory in the customer portal. Upload walkthrough video for interstate moves. Separate prohibited items (hazardous materials, perishables, ammunition).
Confirm your move date with us. Sign your estimate in the portal. Pack most rooms except daily essentials. Arrange pet/child care. Use up pantry and freezer items. Reserve elevator if needed.
Pack your "Open First" essentials box. Photo all electronics setups. Defrost and clean refrigerator. Prepare payment method. Set aside valuables to transport yourself (jewelry, documents, medications).
Finish all packing. Disassemble furniture (bag and label hardware). Clear pathways and driveways. Charge your phone. Get a good night's sleep!
Do a final walkthrough (closets, cabinets, attic, garage). When crew arrives, review and sign the Bill of Lading and inventory list. Point out fragile and special items. Keep your copy of all signed documents. Keep essentials box and valuables with you.
Check items off the inventory as they're unloaded. Note any damage or missing items BEFORE signing the delivery inventory. Request weight tickets for interstate moves. For non-binding estimates, verify the charge is within 110%. Unpack essentials first.
Update driver's license and vehicle registration (within 30 days in most states). Register to vote at your new address. If anything is damaged, file a written claim with the mover within 9 months. Enjoy your new home!
Focus on one room at a time to stay organized. Label every box with room name and contents.
Books and heavy items go in small boxes. Light items like linens can go in large boxes.
Pack plates on their sides like records — they're less likely to break than laying flat.
Wrap fragile items in t-shirts and towels. Saves on bubble wrap and packs two things at once!
Put cords in labeled sandwich bags and tape to their devices. Take photos of cable setups!
Unscrew bottle tops, cover with plastic wrap, then rescrew. Pack in sealed bags just in case.
Make an X with masking tape across glass. If it breaks, pieces stay together.
Include toilet paper, snacks, phone chargers, basic tools, paper towels, and hand soap.
Use mattress bags and pack sheets/pillows in large garbage bags — keeps them clean!
Jewelry, important documents, and irreplaceable items should travel with you.
Stuff empty spaces with packing paper or clothes. Boxes shouldn't rattle when shaken.
Leave clothes in dresser drawers — just wrap the dresser in moving blankets or stretch wrap.
For safety and legal reasons, these items must be transported by you or disposed of:
Gasoline, propane tanks, kerosene, paint thinner, pool chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, motor oil, lighter fluid, charcoal
Frozen food, refrigerated items, open food packages, produce. Use up or donate before moving day
Live plants may not cross state lines due to USDA agricultural regulations. Transport them yourself for local moves
Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives — transport these yourself securely
Oxygen tanks, SCUBA tanks, fire extinguishers, aerosol cans in large quantities
Car batteries, acid, bleach in large quantities, certain cleaning chemicals
Here's what you'll need. Pro tip: Ask local stores for free boxes!
Ask your local grocery store, liquor store, or bookstore for free boxes. Liquor boxes have dividers perfect for glasses! Also check Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor for people giving away moving supplies.
Click any label to print. Color-code your boxes by room for easy unpacking!
Print blank labels and write your own room names!
Have questions? We're here to help every step of the way.
