The Ultimate Moving Checklist (8 Weeks Out to Move Day)

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

This is your planning phase. Nothing gets packed yet — you’re setting the foundation.

Set your moving date — Confirm with your lease end date or closing date. Build in 1–2 days of buffer if possible.
Research moving companies — Get at least 3 quotes from licensed Florida movers. Verify USDOT or FDACS license numbers.
Start your moving binder — One folder (physical or digital) for all moving documents: estimates, contracts, utility contacts, new address info.
Begin decluttering room by room — Every item you donate or discard is money saved on the move. Less weight = lower moving cost.
Measure your new space — If your current furniture won’t fit, sell or donate it before paying to move it.
Notify your landlord — Provide written notice per your lease terms (typically 30–60 days).
Research your new neighborhood — Schools, utilities, grocery stores, doctors, DMV location.

Book your mover — Get your binding estimate in writing. Confirm the estimate type, pickup/delivery window, and all add-on fees.
Schedule packing services (if using full-service) — Confirm packing dates with your mover.
Order moving supplies — Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, labels. Estimate 3–4 boxes per room for a basic pack.
Notify your current utilities of disconnect date
- Electric
- Gas (if applicable)
- Water (if your responsibility)
- Internet/cable
- Security system
Set up new utilities — Contact providers at your new address. In Florida, FPL, Duke Energy, Tampa Electric, JEA are common. Internet in FL: Spectrum, AT&T, Xfinity.
Start packing seasonal items — Holiday decorations, off-season clothes, rarely-used sports equipment.

Pack books, media, and non-essential décor
Change your address — File with USPS at usps.com (forward all mail for 12 months, $1.10 online fee). Also update:
- Banks and credit cards
- IRS (Form 8822 for individuals)
- Social Security Administration
- Voter registration (register in your new county)
- Car insurance
- Health insurance
- Employer HR (for W-2 delivery)
- Online shopping accounts (Amazon, etc.)
Transfer medical records — Request records from doctors, dentists, specialists, and veterinarians.
Research new doctors and services in your new area (doctors, dentists, vet, schools if applicable).
Schedule childcare or pet care for moving day — Moving day is not the day for kids or pets underfoot.
Confirm HOA move-in rules — Schedule elevator reservation if needed. Get COI requirements in writing.

Pack most of the house — Leave out: daily clothes (pack a suitcase), kitchen essentials (pack the rest), toiletries, and bedding for the last night.
Use up pantry food — Cook from your freezer and pantry this week. Donate what you can’t use.
Confirm moving company details — Reconfirm pickup date, time window, number of crew, truck size, and total estimated cost.
Disassemble large furniture — Bed frames, desks, shelving units. Save all hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture piece.
Defrost the freezer — Do this at least 24 hours before pickup.
Fill prescriptions — Get a 90-day supply before moving to allow time to establish with new providers.
Photograph everything — Document the condition of furniture, electronics, and art before loading. Timestamped photos are your proof if damage claims arise.
Prepare payment — Confirm accepted payment methods (many movers require cash or cashier’s check at delivery, not personal checks or credit cards).

Pack all remaining non-essentials — Spare bathroom supplies, extra linens, garage items.
Label every box — Room destination + brief contents + handling notes (FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP).
Prepare your essentials bag — Pack a bag you’ll carry with you (not on the truck):
- IDs, passports, birth certificates
- Laptop and phone chargers
- Medications
- Snacks and water
- Cash (for tips, tolls, food)
- Moving company contact info
- New address and key/access codes
Confirm moving day logistics — Parking for the truck, elevator reservation, building move-in window.
Do a final walkthrough of each room — Check closets, cabinets, attic, garage, outdoor storage.

Be present or have a representative — Someone must be at origin for loading and at destination for delivery.
Do a pre-move walkthrough with the foreman — Note existing damage on the Bill of Lading before loading begins.
Keep your essentials bag with you — Never put medications, IDs, or valuables on the moving truck.
Photograph the loaded truck — Especially any items that concern you.
Do a final sweep of your old home — Every closet, cabinet, drawer, garage bay, and outdoor space.
Sign the Bill of Lading — Confirm the price, delivery window, and your rights are listed correctly.
Turn over keys and access devices — Return building key fobs, parking passes, and garage openers.

Inspect every item before signing — Walk through every room and check furniture and boxes for damage.
Note damage on the delivery receipt — Don’t sign “received in good condition” until you’ve inspected everything. Note any damage in writing on the receipt and get the driver to sign.
Tip the crew — Cash, directly to each mover.
Keep your paperwork — Bill of Lading, inventory list, and delivery receipt. You have 9 months to file a damage claim for interstate moves.

File for Florida Homestead Exemption (if you purchased a home) — Deadline is March 1 following the year you moved in.
Update Florida driver’s license — Required within 30 days of establishing residency.
Register your vehicle in Florida — Required within 10 days of employment or 90 days of residency.
Find your hurricane evacuation zone — Check your county’s emergency management website.
Locate the nearest urgent care and ER before you need them.
Introduce yourself to neighbors — Florida neighborhoods vary widely in culture. In condo buildings especially, knowing your neighbors pays off during emergencies.