Guide › Moving in the United States: the checklist

Moving in the United States: the checklist

The general list plus what comes on top in this country: deadlines, offices and customs.

57 tasks · General checklist

Contracts and authorities

17 weeks before
Check the notice period in your lease (notice to vacate)
Usually 30 or 60 days; check the lease end date and whether it rolls over month-to-month. Rules differ by state.
14 weeks before
Hand in a written notice to vacate
Dated and signed, keep a copy; the notice period follows the lease or state law.
13 weeks before
Arrange viewings for the next tenant
11 weeks before
Sign the new lease
10 weeks before
Pay the security deposit and the first month's rent
Capped by state law, often one to two months' rent; complete a move-in checklist with photos — it decides what you get back.
9 weeks before
Arrange the handover date for the old flat
6 weeks before
Cancel internet and TV contracts
6 weeks before
Book a van for the cellar and small items
4 weeks before
Book time off for moving day
3 weeks before
Draw up the list of address changes
2 weeks before
Move your renters insurance to the new address
Many landlords require proof before handing over the keys.
7 days before
Cancel the standing order for the old rent

Packing and decluttering

5 weeks before
Get moving boxes
5 weeks before
Get packing material
4 weeks before
Set a decluttering day per room
3 weeks before
Move the cellar and attic ahead of time
2 weeks before
Pack seasonal and rarely used things
10 days before
Pack the workspace
5 days before
Pack the kitchen, defrost the fridge
2 days before
Pack the first-night box
2 days before
Keep the toolbox separate

Old home

9 weeks before
Declutter: sell, give away, dispose
6 weeks before
Clear out the cellar and attic
4 weeks before
Schedule a bulk trash pickup with the city
Book a pickup with the municipal waste service; often limited or charged.
7 days before
Factory-reset the smart home devices
1 day before
Read and photograph the meters
7 days after
Clean the old place for the handover
10 days after
Sign the handover protocol, count the keys
4 weeks after
Track the return of the security deposit
Deadline depends on the state, usually 14 to 30 days after moving out (California 21 days); an itemised statement of deductions is required.

New home

9 weeks before
Move-in inspection: record the condition with photos
Fill in the landlord's move-in checklist, sign it and keep a copy; note every scratch.
6 weeks before
Book the electrician and tradespeople
6 weeks before
Check mounting points: shower rail, lamps, curtains
4 weeks before
Order the internet connection
4 weeks before
Decide what to buy new
2 weeks before
Draw a furniture plan per room, take measurements
7 days before
Test the internet connection
7 days before
Set up utilities at the new address: electricity, gas, water, trash
Providers depend on the city; schedule the start before move-in. Close the accounts at the old address and request the final bill.
1 day after
Record and report defects on moving in
3 days after
Label the doorbell and letterbox
7 days after
Set the smart home up again
7 days after
Meet the neighbours and the property manager

Moving day

13 weeks before
Fix the moving date
9 weeks before
Book the moving company
2 weeks before
Apply for a moving permit for the truck
Needed in cities such as New York, Boston or San Francisco; apply with the city one to two weeks ahead.
2 weeks before
Reserve the lift at both addresses
10 days before
Arrange care for children and pets
3 days before
Move the plants separately
3 days before
Plan bikes and bulky items separately
On moving day
Food and drink for the helpers
On moving day
Final walk-through of the old flat

After the move

7 days after
File a change of address with USPS
usps.com/move or at the post office; mail is forwarded for 12 months, allow two weeks' lead time.
10 days after
Enrol at the school in the new district
Bring proof of residency (lease, utility bill), immunisation records and transcripts.
10 days after
Update your address with the DMV: driver's license and vehicle
Deadline depends on the state, usually 10 to 30 days (California and New York 10, Texas 30); moving to another state means a new license and registration.
2 weeks after
Tell your bank, employer, health insurer and Social Security
A move is a qualifying life event: moving to a new area lets you change health plans (60 days); benefit recipients update their address at ssa.gov.
2 weeks after
Update subscriptions and delivery services
2 weeks after
Change your address with the IRS (Form 8822)
Otherwise tax notices will not reach you; also with the state if it levies income tax.
2 weeks after
Update your voter registration
vote.gov; deadlines before elections depend on the state, often 15 to 30 days ahead.

In the app: when setting up the move or under Tasks → Template. Everything can be deselected; a template is a suggestion.

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The checklists in this guide are compiled with care, but without guarantee of completeness or currency. Deadlines and responsibilities change. The information of the respective authority or contracting party is authoritative.