Printable Moving Checklist: Week-by-Week Plan (Free Template)

Short answer: the best printable moving checklist breaks your move into seven stages: 8 weeks, 6 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week, moving day and the first week after. Start 8 weeks out if you can, and tick off each box as you go. Below is our free template, plus a room-by-room packing list and a moving out checklist for renters.

We’ve been moving families and businesses across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach for over 25 years. This moving house checklist covers the things people forget most often, and it includes tips for moving in Florida’s heat, rain and hurricane season.

Printable Moving Checklist: How to Print and Use It

To print this page, press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac). In the print window, choose "Save as PDF" if you want a digital copy, or select your printer for a paper copy. Tip: print only the pages you need, then pin the checklist to your fridge.

Every item starts with a ☐ box. Don’t worry if your move is sooner than 8 weeks away. Skip to the stage that matches your timeline and work from there. If your date is days away, our guide to last-minute moves and same day movers can help.

Moving Checklist Template: Week-by-Week Plan

8 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ Set your moving date and a realistic budget.
• ☐ Create a moving folder (paper or digital) for quotes, contracts and receipts.
• ☐ Start decluttering: sell, donate or toss anything you haven’t used in 12 months.
• ☐ Request written quotes from at least 3 movers. Read how to choose the right moving company.
• ☐ Check your building’s move-in and move-out rules, including elevator reservations and insurance certificates.
• ☐ If you have kids, start talking to them about the move and check school records transfer.

6 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ Book your movers and get the confirmation in writing.
• ☐ Order moving supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes, mattress bags.
• ☐ Decide what you’ll pack yourself and what the pros will pack.
• ☐ Book storage if there’s a gap between homes.
• ☐ Gather medical, dental, vet and school records.
• ☐ Start using up food from the freezer and pantry.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ Start packing rarely used rooms: guest room, garage, storage closet, off-season clothes.
• ☐ Label every box with the room and a short description of the contents.
• ☐ Schedule disconnect and connect dates for electricity, water, internet, gas and trash service.
• ☐ Submit your official change of address with USPS.
• ☐ Notify your bank, credit cards, insurance companies, employer and subscriptions.
• ☐ Plan which furniture needs to come apart. See when and how to disassemble furniture before moving.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

• ☐ Confirm your moving date, arrival window and crew size with your movers.
• ☐ Pack most of your kitchen, books, décor and out-of-season items.
• ☐ Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day.
• ☐ Refill prescriptions and ask your doctor about transferring them.
• ☐ Reserve the elevator or loading zone at both buildings, if needed.
• ☐ Set aside valuables, documents and jewelry to carry with you.

1 Week Before Your Move

• ☐ Pack everything except daily essentials.
• ☐ Defrost the freezer and clean the fridge, at least 24 hours before the move.
• ☐ Disconnect and drain washing machines and other appliances.
• ☐ Pack an "open first" box for your first night (see below).
• ☐ Take photos of electronics and cable setups so reassembly is easy.
• ☐ Withdraw cash for tips. Here’s how much you should tip movers.

Moving Day

• ☐ Be up early and have your essentials bag, phone charger and ID with you.
• ☐ Walk the crew through the home and point out fragile or high-priority items.
• ☐ Do a final walk-through of every closet, cabinet, shelf and the garage or storage unit.
• ☐ Take meter readings and photos of the empty home.
• ☐ Review the paperwork before signing, and keep your copy.
• ☐ Lock up and hand over the keys.

First Week in Your New Home

• ☐ Check every box and piece of furniture for damage, and report any issues to your movers promptly.
• ☐ Unpack bedrooms, bathrooms and the kitchen first.
• ☐ Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.
• ☐ Locate the water shut-off, electrical panel and, if you’re in a hurricane zone, your evacuation route.
• ☐ Update your address with your employer, banks, DMV and voter registration.
• ☐ If you’re new to Florida, get a Florida driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

The "Open First" Box and Room-by-Room Packing List

Pack one clearly marked box (or a suitcase) that goes in your car, not the truck. This is the core of any moving checklist template:

• ☐ Phone chargers, medications, toiletries and a change of clothes
• ☐ Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags and basic cleaning supplies
• ☐ Snacks, water, coffee maker or kettle, plates and utensils
• ☐ Basic tools, box cutter, tape and a flashlight
• ☐ Bedding and towels for the first night
• ☐ Pet food, bowls and medications

Room-by-Room Packing Mini-List

• ☐ Kitchen: pack fragile dishes on edge with paper, tape knife blocks, empty and seal all liquids, and pack heavy pots in small boxes.
• ☐ Living room: wrap TV screens, bag cushions, take photos of cable connections, and remove lamp shades.
• ☐ Bedrooms: keep clothes on hangers in wardrobe boxes, bag mattresses, and disassemble beds.
• ☐ Bathrooms: seal bottles in zip bags, discard anything expired, and pack towels as padding.
• ☐ Home office: back up files, label cables, and carry your laptop and documents yourself.
• ☐ Garage and patio: drain fuel from mowers and grills, and fold or dismantle outdoor furniture. Propane tanks and other hazardous items can’t ride on most moving trucks.
• ☐ Closets: use suitcases for shoes and heavy clothing, and keep the heaviest items in the smallest boxes.

Not sure you can handle it all alone? Take a look at the signs you need professional movers.

Moving Out Checklist for Renters

If you’re renting, this moving out checklist protects your security deposit. Read your lease first. Notice periods and cleaning requirements vary.

Notice, Cleaning and Deposit

• ☐ Give written notice to your landlord within the time your lease requires.
• ☐ Ask the landlord or property manager what they expect for move-out condition.
• ☐ Patch small nail holes and touch up paint if your lease allows it.
• ☐ Clean the oven, fridge, cabinets, bathrooms, floors and windows.
• ☐ Take dated photos and video of every room after cleaning.
• ☐ Request a move-out inspection and put your forwarding address in writing for the deposit.

Keys, Utilities and Address Change

• ☐ Return all keys, fobs, garage remotes, parking passes and mailbox keys. Get a signed receipt.
• ☐ Schedule the utility shut-off for the day after you move out, not before.
• ☐ Return cable boxes and modems to avoid equipment fees.
• ☐ Forward your mail with USPS.
• ☐ Update your address with banks, insurers, employers, subscriptions and online shopping accounts.
• ☐ Cancel or transfer gym, parking and any building amenity memberships.

Florida Moving Tips: Heat, Rain and Hurricane Season

• Beat the heat. Start early in the morning. Keep water on hand for the crew and family, and don’t leave candles, medications, electronics or vinyl records in a hot vehicle.
• Plan for rain. Summer afternoon storms are common in South Florida. Keep plastic wrap, extra blankets and floor protection handy, and ask your movers how they handle wet weather.
• Watch hurricane season. It runs June 1 to November 30. Build in a backup date, keep important documents in a waterproof bag, and check the forecast before you commit to a long-distance trip.
• Check your high-rise rules. Many Miami buildings need advance elevator bookings, and building fees can run $200–$500.
• Book early at peak times. End of month, weekends and summer fill up fast. See how to move during peak season and the best times to move locally in Miami.

Budget Line to Add to Your Checklist

Add a budget line to your checklist so nothing surprises you. A local Miami move typically runs $300–$600 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $500–$900 for 2–3 bedrooms, and $800–$1,500+ for 4+ bedrooms. Packing adds about $200–$500, and furniture disassembly about $50–$150. Mid-week moves are often 15–20% cheaper, while peak dates can add 20–30%. For a full breakdown, read How Much Do Movers Cost in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start a moving checklist?

Ideally 8 weeks before your move. That gives you time to declutter, compare quotes and book movers before your date fills up. If you have less time, start at the stage that matches your timeline and focus on booking movers, packing and utilities first.

What should I do first when moving house?

Set your date and budget, then declutter and request written quotes from several movers. Check your lease or building rules at the same time so you know about notice periods, elevator bookings and move-out requirements.

What do I need to cancel or transfer when I move?

Electricity, water, gas, internet, trash service, insurance policies, subscriptions, gym memberships and any building parking or amenity accounts. Schedule shut-offs for the day after you leave and start service at the new home before you arrive.

How do I print this moving checklist?

Press Ctrl+P on Windows or Cmd+P on a Mac, then pick your printer or "Save as PDF." The ☐ boxes will print as checkboxes, so you can tick them off by hand.

Get Your Free Moving Quote in 15 Minutes

Once your checklist is printed, the first box to tick is "book movers." Online Movers & Storage offers free, binding quotes for local and long-distance moves across South Florida, including packing, storage and furniture disassembly. Call 305-539-0553 or fill out our quick form, and a specialist will get back to you within 15 minutes.

¿Prefieres leerlo en español? Lee Cómo prepararse para una mudanza en Miami.