Essential Moving Checklist to Complete Two Weeks Before Your Move

Christen Moore
7 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Moving to a new home can feel overwhelming, especially as the moving day approaches. Two weeks before your move is a critical time to get organized and tackle important tasks that will make the final days smoother. This checklist helps you focus on what matters most, so you avoid last-minute stress and stay on track.

Confirm Your Moving Arrangements

By this point, you should have booked your moving company or arranged for a rental truck. Now is the time to:

Confirm the date and time with your movers or rental agency.
Double-check the moving contract for any special instructions or fees.
Share your new address and contact information with the moving company.
Arrange for parking permits if needed at either your current or new home.

Taking care of these details early prevents surprises on moving day.

Begin Packing Non-Essential Items

Start packing items you won’t need in the next two weeks. This includes:

Seasonal clothing and accessories
Books, DVDs, and other media
Decorative items like picture frames and vases
Extra linens and towels

Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect fragile items. Packing early reduces the rush and helps you stay organized.

Notify Important Contacts About Your Move

Inform key people and organizations about your upcoming move to avoid disruptions:

Utilities: Contact electric, gas, water, internet, and cable providers to schedule disconnection at your current home and connection at your new address.
Postal Service: Set up mail forwarding with the post office to ensure you receive all your mail.
Banks and Credit Cards: Update your address to avoid missing statements or important notices.
Insurance Providers: Notify your health, car, and home insurance companies about your move.
Employer and Schools: Inform your workplace and children’s schools about your new address and moving date.

Making these notifications early helps maintain continuity and avoids service gaps.

Organize Important Documents

Gather and organize essential documents you will need during and after the move:

Identification documents (passports, driver’s licenses)
Moving contracts and receipts
Medical records and prescriptions
Financial documents (bank statements, tax records)
New home paperwork (lease, mortgage documents)

Keep these documents in a dedicated folder or box that you will transport personally. This prevents loss and makes them easy to find.

Plan for Pets and Plants

If you have pets or plants, plan how you will care for them during the move:

Arrange pet boarding or a friend to watch them on moving day if needed.
Prepare a travel kit for pets with food, water, and comfort items.
Check regulations for transporting plants, especially if moving across state lines.
Pack plants carefully to avoid damage.

Planning ahead ensures your pets and plants stay safe and comfortable.

Declutter and Donate Unwanted Items

Use this time to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard:

Separate items into categories: keep, donate, sell, trash.
Schedule a donation pickup or drop-off.
Host a garage sale or list items online to sell.
Dispose of hazardous materials properly (paint, batteries, chemicals).

Reducing your load saves moving costs and helps you start fresh in your new home.

Prepare Your New Home

If possible, visit your new home to:

Clean rooms before moving in.
Measure doorways and rooms to plan furniture placement.
Arrange for any repairs or upgrades.
Set up utilities and internet service.

Preparing your new space ahead of time makes settling in easier.

Pack an Essentials Box

Create a box or bag with items you will need immediately after moving:

Toiletries and medications
A change of clothes
Basic kitchen supplies (coffee maker, utensils, snacks)
Chargers and electronics
Important documents and keys

Keep this box accessible during the move so you don’t have to search through multiple boxes on the first night.

Finalize Travel Plans

If your move involves long-distance travel:

Book accommodations if needed.
Plan your route and stops.
Arrange transportation for family members and pets.
Prepare snacks, entertainment, and comfort items for the trip.

Having a clear travel plan reduces stress and keeps everyone comfortable.

Moving two weeks before your move is the perfect time to get ahead on important tasks. Confirm your moving arrangements, start packing non-essential items, notify key contacts, and organize your documents. Planning for pets, decluttering, and preparing your new home will also save time later. Finally, pack an essentials box and finalize travel plans to ensure a smooth transition.