Topic 02 of 20
Moving out and moving house without the chaos
Moving is a project with a fixed deadline, a budget and a dozen small handoffs, and it usually lands on top of a normal work week. Treating it like a project, with a timeline and a short list of things that must not slip, is what separates a tiring move from a disastrous one.
Moving out and moving house guides
The backwards timeline
Moves go wrong when tasks with long lead times get left to the last week. Start from move-in day and count back:
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks before | Give notice on your current place if your lease requires it. Get quotes for trucks or movers. Start using up food and selling or donating what you will not take. |
| 3–4 weeks before | Book the truck or movers. Collect boxes and tape. Schedule utilities to start at the new address and stop at the old one. |
| 1–2 weeks before | Submit your change of address. Pack rooms you do not use daily. Confirm parking or elevator reservations if your buildings require them. |
| Moving week | Pack the essentials box. Clean the old place. Confirm times with everyone helping. |
| First week after | Unpack the kitchen and bed first. Update your license, voter registration and car registration within your state's deadlines. |
Three ways to move
Do it yourself means you rent the truck, recruit help and carry everything. It costs the least in cash and the most in time and risk to your back and belongings. Hybrid options include portable storage containers that a company drives for you, or paying hourly helpers to load a truck you drive. Full service movers pack, load, drive and unload; this costs the most but frees your time and transfers some damage risk to the company, depending on the valuation coverage you choose.
Whichever you choose, get the full price in writing, including mileage, fuel, equipment, stairs and any minimum hours.
Money you need before the move
Moving costs land all at once: the new deposit and first month's rent may be due before your old deposit comes back. List every cost, add a buffer of 10 to 15 percent for surprises such as extra truck hours or a forgotten cleaning fee, and make sure the cash is in your account before the week of the move.
Updating your address
Start with the places that send money, bills or legal notices: your bank and card issuers, your employer for your W-2, your health plan, your car insurer and the post office. Then update your driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration and voter registration; states set their own deadlines for these, often within days or weeks of a move. Subscriptions and online stores can follow.
Moving checklist
Tick items as you go. Ticks stay on this page only and clear when you leave.
Questions people ask
How far ahead should I plan a move?
For a local move, start about six to eight weeks out so you can compare truck or mover prices and give notice on your old place. Long-distance moves and moves at the start or end of a month, when demand is highest, benefit from more lead time.
What is the cheapest way to move?
Usually moving fewer things. After that, a rental truck with friends costs less than hiring movers, and a hybrid such as a portable container or hired loading help can split the difference. Compare quotes for your exact date.
Do I have to tell the post office I moved?
It is not legally required for most people, but it is the easiest way to keep mail from going to the old address while you update accounts. USPS offers forwarding online for a small identity-verification fee, or at a post office.