Moving Checklist Archives

The Ultimate Moving Checklist: What to Do 4 Weeks Before You Move

Planning a move can feel overwhelming, but having a structured timeline makes all the difference. The key? Start early and stay organized. If your move is four weeks away, now’s the time to lock in logistics, prepare your home, and get ahead of the chaos.

This ultimate 4-week moving checklist breaks down everything you need to do to make your move as smooth as possible.

📦 1. Book Your Moving Company

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to:

Research and compare local or long-distance movers
Get written estimates (at least 3)
Verify licenses and insurance (especially for long-distance moves)
Choose a mover and secure your moving date

Pro tip: Good movers get booked fast, especially during weekends and peak season.

📋 2. Create a Master Inventory List

Start listing everything you plan to move. This helps with:

Packing strategies
Insurance documentation
Deciding what to sell, donate, or toss

Use a spreadsheet or app to categorize items by room.

🎯 3. Declutter Your Home

A move is the perfect time to downsize. Go room by room and decide what to:

Keep
Donate
Sell
Recycle or toss

The less you move, the more you save—both in cost and time.

📦 4. Start Gathering Packing Supplies

Stock up on:

Boxes (various sizes)
Packing tape
Bubble wrap
Labels and markers
Specialty boxes for TVs, mirrors, and wardrobes

Many moving companies sell or even include supplies—ask ahead!

🏷️ 5. Label Everything

As you pack, clearly label each box with:

Contents
Room destination
Fragile (if needed)

Color-coded or numbered systems can also help the movers (and you) stay organized on moving day.

📝 6. Notify Important Parties

Update your address with:

Post office (schedule mail forwarding)
Bank & credit card providers
Insurance companies
Schools & employers
Utility companies (for future disconnection/setup)
Subscription services

📁 7. Organize Important Documents

Put together a folder for:

Moving contracts
Receipts
Rental or mortgage paperwork
IDs, medical records, school documents

Keep this folder with you during the move—don’t pack it.

🧹 8. Schedule a Donation Pickup

Got furniture, clothes, or items you’re not taking with you? Many organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity offer scheduled donation pickups.

🐾 9. Make Arrangements for Kids & Pets

Moving day can be hectic. Consider:

Babysitters or childcare
Pet boarding or keeping them in a calm, separate room

📆 10. Plan Time Off From Work

If you’re working, request time off now for:

Moving day
A day or two before (if needed for packing)
A buffer day after the move to settle in

🎉 Final Thoughts

Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right prep and a clear plan, you can cut the stress and focus on the excitement of your new home. Following this 4-week checklist gets the big tasks out of the way early—so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Ready to make your move even easier? Check out our top-rated moving company reviews to compare trusted movers in your area and get free quotes today.

Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company

✅ 1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This should be your first question. Reputable moving companies must be licensed and insured.

For interstate moves, ask for their USDOT number and verify it at FMCSA.gov.
For local moves, check with your state’s Department of Transportation or consumer protection agency.
Insurance is also crucial — it protects your belongings in case of damage or loss.

💵 2. What Type of Estimate Will I Receive? (Binding vs. Non-Binding)

There are three common types of estimates:

Non-binding: Price can change based on actual weight/time
Binding: Price won’t change unless services change
Binding Not-to-Exceed: You pay less if your shipment weighs less than estimated

Always clarify which type you’re getting — and get it in writing.

🧾 3. What Services Are Included in the Estimate?

Some companies offer full-service moving (packing, loading, unloading, etc.), while others charge extra for things like:

Packing materials
Disassembly of furniture
Carrying items up/down stairs
Long-carry fees for difficult access

Know exactly what’s included to avoid surprise fees on moving day.

📦 4. Do You Hire Employees or Use Subcontractors?

You want to know who will actually be handling your belongings.

In-house crews are usually better trained and more accountable.
Subcontracted crews can vary in quality and may not follow the company’s standards.

⏱️ 5. How Long Will the Move Take?

Ask for an estimated timeline for:

Pickup
Transit
Delivery

For long-distance moves, make sure you understand delivery windows and how delays are handled.

📋 6. Can You Provide a Written Contract and Inventory List?

A professional moving company should give you:

A detailed, written contract
An inventory list of your items (especially for long-distance moves)

This protects both you and the mover if anything is lost or damaged.

🔍 7. What Is Your Cancellation and Refund Policy?

Life happens. Understand the terms if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Will you lose your deposit?
Are there any rescheduling fees?

Having clarity upfront will give you peace of mind.

📞 8. Who Do I Contact During the Move?

Ask if you’ll have a dedicated moving coordinator or contact person.
This makes communication easier and helps avoid confusion if issues arise during the move.

🧑‍💼 9. Can You Provide References or Recent Reviews?

Don’t just rely on the company’s website. Look up Google Reviews, BBB ratings, and third-party review platforms.
Better yet, ask for direct references — a reputable company won’t hesitate to connect you with past clients.

🚩 10. What Happens If Something Gets Damaged or Lost?

Accidents happen — but how a company responds makes all the difference.

What is the claims process?
Do they offer valuation coverage or full replacement?
How long does it take to settle a claim?

🏁 Final Thoughts

Moving is a big decision — and hiring the right company is critical to making it go smoothly. By asking these 10 questions before hiring a mover, you’ll protect yourself from unexpected costs, poor service, or worse: a moving scam.

Ready to compare top-rated movers? Check out our moving company reviews to find trusted professionals near you.

How to Choose the Best Moving Company for Your Needs

Finding the right moving company can make or break your moving experience. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, knowing how to choose a trustworthy, reliable mover is key to saving money, avoiding stress, and protecting your belongings.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice — and avoid the biggest mistakes.

🧭 1. Know What Type of Move You Need

Start by defining your moving needs. Are you making a local move within the same city, or a long-distance move across state lines? Some companies specialize in local moves, while others are licensed for interstate or international relocations. The size and distance of your move will help narrow down your options.

Tip: If you’re moving long-distance, make sure the company is registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

🕵️ 2. Research and Compare Moving Companies

Use moving review platforms (like ours!) to find and compare top-rated movers in your area. Look at:

Ratings and reviews on Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Years in business
Services offered (packing, storage, full-service, etc.)
Transparency around pricing

💬 3. Ask the Right Questions

When reaching out to companies for quotes, don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

Are you licensed and insured?
Do you provide binding or non-binding estimates?
What additional fees should I be aware of?
Who handles the actual move — your team or subcontractors?

💰 4. Get At Least 3 Quotes

Don’t settle for the first estimate. Gather at least 3 quotes to compare pricing, services, and professionalism. Be wary of quotes that are dramatically lower than others — that’s often a red flag.

🚩 5. Watch for Red Flags

Avoid moving scams by watching for these warning signs:

Movers demand a large upfront deposit
No written estimate is provided
They’re not listed on FMCSA or lack a USDOT number
Poor customer reviews or hidden contact info on their site

📦 6. Understand the Services Offered

Not all moves are created equal. Some movers offer:

Full-service moves (they pack, load, transport, and unpack)
Labor-only services (you pack, they move)
Storage options if there’s a gap between moving out and moving in

Choose a company that matches the level of support you need.

📝 7. Get Everything in Writing

Once you’ve selected a mover, make sure all agreements — including inventory, delivery timeline, pricing, and liability — are clearly laid out in a written contract. Never rely on verbal agreements alone.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Choosing the best moving company starts with research, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts. A good moving company will be transparent, communicative, and focused on customer satisfaction.

Ready to find a mover you can trust? Browse our top-rated moving company reviews to compare services, prices, and customer experiences — all in one place.