Moving Guide

Interstate Moving Checklist

An 8-week timeline to ensure a smooth long-distance move, the kind of interstate relocation handled by FMCSA-registered carriers across all 50 states. Save this page and work through each phase. See our methodology.

8 Weeks Out

  • Research moving companies, get 3+ FMCSA-verified carriers
  • Check each mover's DOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
  • Request in-home or video estimates (not phone estimates)
  • Decide between full-service movers, moving containers, or truck rental
  • Begin decluttering, sell, donate, or discard items you won't move
  • Create a moving budget including all services
  • Research your destination: neighborhoods, utilities, schools

6 Weeks Out

  • Book your mover, get a binding or not-to-exceed written estimate
  • Confirm moving date and delivery window in writing
  • Notify your employer of your move (if applicable)
  • Begin school enrollment research if moving with children
  • Arrange long-term parking/access at origin and destination
  • Research vehicle shipping if not driving yourself
  • Start collecting free moving boxes (liquor stores, grocery stores)

4 Weeks Out

  • Begin packing non-essentials (seasonal items, books, décor)
  • Label every box with contents AND destination room
  • Photograph valuable items for insurance documentation
  • Notify USPS of address change (usps.com/move)
  • Update address: bank, employer, IRS, subscriptions
  • Transfer medical and school records
  • Arrange pet transport if needed

2 Weeks Out

  • Confirm all details with your mover
  • Arrange utility shutoff at origin and setup at destination
  • Pack remaining rooms, leave essentials for last
  • Separate "DO NOT MOVE" items (valuables, documents, medications)
  • Defrost freezer and clean appliances
  • Return borrowed items; collect items you've lent
  • Confirm travel arrangements for moving day

Moving Day

  • Be present when movers arrive, inventory everything loaded
  • Get the Bill of Lading and keep a copy
  • Take photos/video of items before loading
  • Do final walkthrough of every room, closet, and storage area
  • Turn off lights, lock doors, return keys
  • Keep important documents and valuables with you (not on the truck)
  • Get the driver's cell number and delivery window confirmation

After the Move

  • Inspect everything as it's unloaded, note damage on the delivery receipt
  • File claims for lost/damaged items within 9 months
  • Change locks at new residence
  • Register vehicles and update driver's license (typically 30-90 days)
  • Register to vote at new address
  • Find new healthcare providers
  • Check that all boxes arrived and nothing is missing

Every figure on PlainMove is computed directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on federal source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.