6-Month Moving Checklist and Timeline

Moving across the country to close the distance requires careful planning and organization. This comprehensive 6-month timeline breaks down every task you need to complete, from initial planning to your first week in your new home. Use this as your master checklist to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

How to Use This Checklist

6 Months Before Moving Day

Relationship and Planning

  • Confirm move date and location with partner
  • Have expectations conversation about living together
  • Discuss financial arrangements and responsibilities
  • Consider cohabitation agreement if applicable
  • Visit destination city together if possible
  • Research neighborhoods and housing options

Financial Planning

  • Calculate total moving costs (moving services, travel, deposits, etc.)
  • Create moving budget with 20% buffer
  • Open dedicated moving savings account
  • Set up automatic transfers to hit savings goal
  • Research cost of living in destination city
  • Review your credit score (needed for housing applications)

Career Planning

  • Research job market in destination city
  • Update resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Begin networking in destination city
  • Investigate whether current employer offers transfer or remote work
  • Research career prospects in your field
  • Check if licenses/certifications transfer to new state

Downsizing Begins

  • Start assessing what to keep, sell, donate, or discard
  • Create inventory of belongings
  • Take photos of valuable items for insurance
  • Begin selling large items you won't move
  • Coordinate with partner on duplicate items

5 Months Before Moving Day

Moving Logistics

  • Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
  • Research DIY moving options (rental trucks, containers)
  • Compare costs: professional movers vs. DIY
  • Read reviews of moving companies carefully
  • Verify moving company licenses and insurance
  • Plan travel route if driving

Housing Search

  • Begin actively searching for housing online
  • Join neighborhood Facebook groups and forums
  • Contact property managers and landlords
  • Schedule video tours of potential places
  • Research renter's insurance options
  • Understand typical lease terms and requirements in new city

Job Search

  • Begin actively applying to positions
  • Attend virtual networking events for destination city
  • Schedule informational interviews with industry contacts
  • Mention confirmed move date in cover letters
  • Join professional associations in new city

Continued Downsizing

  • Host garage sale or list items online
  • Donate items to charity (get tax receipts)
  • Sell furniture, electronics, and large items
  • Give away items to friends and family
  • Use up household consumables (cleaning supplies, pantry items)

4 Months Before Moving Day

Book Major Services

  • Book moving company or reserve rental truck
  • Reserve storage unit if needed
  • Book hotels for travel (if driving)
  • Book flights (if flying)
  • Purchase moving insurance/coverage

Housing Decisions

  • Schedule in-person housing tours during visit to new city
  • Submit rental applications
  • Gather required documents (pay stubs, references, credit report)
  • Secure housing and sign lease
  • Pay deposits (first/last month, security)
  • Document condition of current residence for deposit return

Notice Period

  • Give notice to current landlord (check lease for required timeframe)
  • Notify employer of relocation plans
  • Begin transition planning at work
  • Notify friends and family of move date

Financial Preparations

  • Transfer prescriptions to pharmacy in new city
  • Request copies of medical and dental records
  • Research doctors and dentists in new city
  • Notify health insurance of address change
  • Check if your insurance covers you in new state

3 Months Before Moving Day

Packing Preparations

  • Order or collect packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
  • Start packing non-essential items (seasonal clothes, books, decor)
  • Label boxes clearly with room and contents
  • Create "Open First" box for essentials
  • Pack one room at a time
  • Take photos of electronic setups for reassembly

Vehicle and Travel

  • Schedule vehicle maintenance before long trip
  • Research vehicle registration requirements in new state
  • Get new driver's license application requirements
  • Research auto insurance rates in new location
  • Finalize travel logistics (route, stops, timing)

Career Updates

  • Continue job search and interviews
  • Begin work transition/training replacement
  • Update professional online profiles with new location
  • Request recommendation letters from current colleagues

Administrative Tasks

  • Research utility providers in new city
  • Set up or transfer internet service
  • Research trash/recycling service
  • Transfer or set up new bank accounts if needed
  • Update address with credit card companies

2 Months Before Moving Day

Packing Intensifies

  • Pack everything except daily essentials
  • Clearly label all boxes
  • Create inventory list for movers/insurance
  • Set aside items for donation/disposal
  • Make arrangements for transporting plants (many movers won't)
  • Plan for transporting pets

Confirm and Finalize

  • Confirm moving company reservation
  • Confirm hotel reservations
  • Confirm new housing lease start date
  • Finalize travel plans
  • Order new checks with new address if needed

Utilities and Services

  • Schedule utility disconnection at current residence (for 1-2 days after move)
  • Schedule utility connection at new residence (for 1-2 days before move-in)
  • Set up internet installation appointment
  • Transfer or cancel cable/streaming services
  • Forward newspaper subscriptions

Saying Goodbye

  • Plan farewell gatherings with friends and family
  • Schedule one-on-one time with closest people
  • Take photos at meaningful places
  • Exchange contact information for staying in touch
  • Read about coping with leaving your hometown

1 Month Before Moving Day

Final Logistics

  • Submit change of address with USPS (do this 2-4 weeks before move)
  • Update address with: banks, credit cards, insurance, employer, IRS, voter registration
  • Notify magazine and subscription services
  • Transfer memberships (gym, AAA, professional organizations)
  • Cancel local services (lawn care, cleaning, etc.)

Final Packing

  • Pack everything except absolute essentials for last week
  • Prepare "first night" box (toiletries, clothes, bedding, snacks)
  • Set aside important documents for personal transport (ID, passport, birth certificates)
  • Defrost freezer if taking refrigerator
  • Use up perishable food

Financial Preparations

  • Set aside cash for tips, tolls, and emergencies
  • Have multiple payment methods available
  • Transfer enough money for first month in new city
  • Set up online bill pay for new address

Pet and Plant Preparations

  • Get pet health certificates if required for travel
  • Research pet registration requirements in new city
  • Purchase pet carriers or travel crates
  • Plan rest stops for long-distance pet travel
  • Arrange for plants to be transported or given away

1-2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Final Preparations

  • Confirm all reservations one more time (movers, hotels, flights)
  • Reconfirm new housing access details
  • Pack essentials bag for travel
  • Clean out refrigerator and pantry
  • Return library books, borrowed items
  • Pick up dry cleaning, items in storage

Current Residence

  • Schedule final walk-through with landlord
  • Take photos/video of cleaned, empty apartment
  • Deep clean or hire cleaning service
  • Patch holes, make minor repairs
  • Collect all keys, remotes, parking passes

Last Goodbyes

  • Final visits with family and close friends
  • Visit favorite places one last time
  • Take commemorative photos
  • Express gratitude to people who've supported you

Moving Day

Morning Of

  • Eat a good breakfast (long day ahead)
  • Dress comfortably in layers
  • Have water and snacks available
  • Do final walkthrough of residence
  • Check all closets, cabinets, storage areas
  • Have cash ready for movers' tips

If Using Professional Movers

  • Be present when movers arrive
  • Do walkthrough and inventory with movers
  • Point out valuable or fragile items
  • Keep important documents and valuables with you
  • Get copy of Bill of Lading and inventory list
  • Get movers' contact information for delivery
  • Tip movers (10-20% of cost, or $20-50 per person)

If DIY Move

  • Pick up rental truck early
  • Load heavy items first, fragile items last
  • Secure load with straps
  • Take photos of rental truck condition
  • Thank and tip helpers

Before Leaving Current Residence

  • Turn off all lights
  • Lock all windows and doors
  • Set thermostat per lease requirements
  • Take final photos of empty residence
  • Turn in keys to landlord or leave per instructions

Travel Day(s)

During Travel

  • Follow planned route and schedule
  • Take regular breaks (every 2-3 hours)
  • Stay hydrated and eat regular meals
  • Check in with partner at destination
  • Keep important documents and valuables secure
  • Care for pets during travel (water, bathroom breaks)
  • Get good sleep at hotels
  • Keep receipts for all moving expenses

Arrival Day

Upon Arrival at New Residence

  • Document condition with photos/video before moving in
  • Check that utilities are connected
  • Test all outlets, lights, appliances
  • Check for any damage or issues
  • Locate shut-off valves (water, gas) and breaker box
  • Change locks if possible/needed

When Movers Arrive

  • Be present for delivery
  • Direct movers where to place furniture
  • Check inventory list as items are unloaded
  • Inspect for damage before signing off
  • Document any damage with photos
  • Tip movers

First Night

  • Make beds first (you'll want to sleep!)
  • Unpack "essentials" box
  • Set up bathroom necessities
  • Order takeout (you'll be exhausted)
  • Locate fire extinguisher and emergency exits
  • Do quick security check of residence

First Week in New Home

Immediate Priorities

  • Unpack kitchen essentials
  • Set up bedroom and bathroom
  • Locate nearest grocery store, pharmacy, hospital
  • Buy immediate necessities
  • Confirm utilities are working correctly
  • Set up internet (or follow up on installation)
  • Meet neighbors and introduce yourselves

Administrative Tasks

  • Get new driver's license (check state deadline)
  • Register vehicle in new state
  • Register to vote in new location
  • Update car insurance with new address
  • Find new doctors, dentist, vet
  • Locate post office, library, city services
  • Register pets with city if required

Getting Settled

  • Unpack one room at a time
  • Set up work space if working from home
  • Hang artwork and decorate
  • Explore neighborhood on foot
  • Find coffee shop, gym, or regular spots
  • Join local groups or activities
  • Schedule video calls with family back home

First Month

Continued Integration

  • Continue unpacking and organizing
  • Dispose of packing materials
  • Return rental truck or equipment
  • Follow up on any damage claims with movers
  • Get deposit back from previous residence
  • Establish routines and rhythms
  • Explore city and surrounding areas
  • Begin building social connections
  • Have check-in conversations with partner about adjustment
  • Read about what to expect transitioning from distance to cohabitation

Tips for Success

Stay Organized

Reduce Stress

Communicate with Your Partner

Printable Checklist

Want a condensed version to print and keep handy? Here's a simplified master checklist:

6-Month Moving Master Checklist

6 Months Before:

  • Create budget, start saving
  • Begin job search
  • Start downsizing

5 Months Before:

  • Get moving quotes
  • Begin housing search
  • Continue selling items

4 Months Before:

  • Book movers
  • Secure housing
  • Give notice at work and to landlord

3 Months Before:

  • Start packing non-essentials
  • Set up utilities
  • Vehicle maintenance

2 Months Before:

  • Pack everything except essentials
  • Confirm all reservations
  • Plan goodbyes

1 Month Before:

  • Submit change of address
  • Final packing
  • Clean current residence

Moving Day:

  • Final walkthrough
  • Supervise movers
  • Travel safely

First Week:

  • Unpack essentials
  • Update license and registration
  • Explore neighborhood

Final Thoughts

Moving across the country is a massive undertaking, but with proper planning and organization, it's entirely manageable. This checklist is your roadmap—use it to stay on track, reduce stress, and ensure nothing critical is forgotten.

Remember that moving is a process, not an event. Give yourself grace during the transition. Some days will be chaotic and stressful. Some tasks will take longer than expected. That's okay. What matters is that you're taking this major step to be with the person you love.

Stay organized, communicate with your partner, ask for help when you need it, and keep your eyes on the goal: starting your life together in the same place. You've got this.

Need more support? Read our guides on saving money for your move, emotional preparation, and choosing the right time to move.