Guide My Move
Moving Checklist
A week-by-week checklist built for New Jersey residents — from 8 weeks out to moving day and beyond.
8 Weeks Out
- Set your moving date and confirm lease end / home closing
- Create a moving budget (movers, supplies, deposits, travel)
- Research and request quotes from at least 3 licensed NJ movers
- Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or discard unused items
- Notify your landlord or list your home if selling
- Check if your building requires elevator reservations or a COI
6 Weeks Out
- Book your moving company — get a written, binding estimate
- Reserve a moving truck if doing a DIY move
- Notify your children's school and request records transfer
- Start collecting free boxes (liquor stores, Buy Nothing groups)
- Order packing supplies: tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers
- Research schools, doctors, and services in your new area
4 Weeks Out
- File a change of address with USPS (usps.com/move)
- Notify your bank, credit cards, and financial institutions
- Update your address with your employer and HR
- Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home
- Contact insurance providers (home, auto, health) about your move
- Schedule utility disconnection at current home
- Schedule utility connection at new home (PSE&G, JCP&L, etc.)
- Arrange internet and cable service at new address
2 Weeks Out
- Pack non-essentials: guest rooms, storage areas, seasonal items
- Label every box: room name + contents + FRAGILE if needed
- Photograph electronics setups before disconnecting
- Confirm moving date, time, and arrival window with your mover
- Confirm elevator reservations or parking permits if needed
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day
- Return library books, borrowed items, and rental equipment
1 Week Out
- Pack almost everything — leave out only daily essentials
- Assemble your "essentials box" (see below)
- Defrost the freezer and use up perishable food
- Disassemble large furniture if your mover isn't doing it
- Confirm payment method with your mover
- Get cash for tips ($20–$50 per mover for a full-day move)
- Charge all devices and portable battery packs
Moving Day
- Be present when movers arrive — do a walkthrough before loading
- Keep your essentials box and valuables with you (not on the truck)
- Check every room, closet, cabinet, and drawer before the truck leaves
- Take photos of your old home's condition (for security deposit)
- Hand over keys, garage openers, and mailbox keys
- Direct movers at your new home — tell them which room each box goes
- Do a final walkthrough at your new home before signing off
- Tip your movers if they did a great job
Your Essentials Box
Pack one box or bag that travels with you — not on the truck. You'll need these items immediately.
Phone chargers and laptop
Medications and first aid kit
Important documents (IDs, lease/deed, insurance cards)
A change of clothes for each family member
Toiletries and toilet paper
Snacks and water
Kids' comfort items or toys
Pet food and supplies
Coffee maker and coffee
After You Move In
Don't forget these important post-move tasks — especially the NJ-specific ones.
- Update your NJ driver's license address (within 1 week)
- Register your vehicle at your new address if you've moved counties
- Register to vote at your new address
- Update your address with the IRS (Form 8822)
- Locate your circuit breaker, water shut-off, and gas shut-off
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Change the locks (especially if renting)
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors
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