MOVING CHECKLIST
A practical, phase-based companion from MoverAdvice

Use the phases in the order that makes sense for your move. There are no fixed
countdown deadlines here: confirm the actual dates, notice periods and
requirements with the people and authorities involved. This checklist is general
information, not a substitute for your agreements or local rules.

1. DEFINE THE MOVE
[ ] Identify your origin and destination areas and whether the route crosses a
    state or national border. Even a short move across state lines is interstate.
[ ] Choose an acceptable pickup and delivery window and note any constraints.
[ ] Walk through each room. List what will move, stay, be donated or be discarded.
[ ] Measure oversized pieces and check doorways, stairs, elevators and loading areas.
[ ] Decide which tasks you can safely handle and where you may need help.
[ ] Consider whether a gap between pickup and delivery requires storage.

2. RESEARCH AND COMPARE
[ ] Give each provider the same inventory, route, access details and service scope.
[ ] Identify the legal business you are dealing with, its role, and who will
    actually transport and handle your belongings.
[ ] For a U.S. interstate move, check the carrier or broker in FMCSA's official
    mover search. For other routes, check the relevant state, local, customs or
    transport authorities and the rules that apply.
[ ] Obtain written estimates and understand whether each is binding or
    non-binding and when the terms can change.
[ ] Compare included services, exclusions and potential charges—not only the total.
[ ] Ask about pickup and delivery windows, access, deposits, cancellation and
    changes, and storage if needed. Keep written answers.
[ ] Understand the mover's valuation or liability options and how they differ from
    separate insurance. Read limits, deductibles, exclusions and claims terms.

3. PREPARE AND PACK
[ ] Confirm the written scope, the people responsible for each stage and any
    building access, parking, elevator or permit arrangements.
[ ] Ask the transporter what it cannot take and make separate arrangements for
    restricted, hazardous, perishable or personally essential items as appropriate.
[ ] Gather appropriate boxes and packing materials; protect fragile and bulky items.
[ ] Label boxes by room and keep a separate inventory. Photograph the condition of
    items when useful, especially items requiring special care.
[ ] Keep essential medication, documents, keys, chargers and immediate necessities
    with you rather than assuming they will be accessible in transit.
[ ] Confirm utility, address-change, building and service arrangements that apply
    to you, using the actual notice periods of the organizations involved.

4. PICKUP AND TRANSIT
[ ] Confirm the identity of the crew and the agreed pickup and delivery windows.
[ ] Review the inventory and paperwork before signing; correct discrepancies and
    keep your copies. Do not sign a blank or incomplete document.
[ ] Note the condition and count of items loaded and ask how to report a change.
[ ] Keep the relevant contact and shipment information accessible during transit.
[ ] If goods go into storage, confirm location, access, handling and responsibility.

5. DELIVERY AND FOLLOW-THROUGH
[ ] Check off items against the inventory as they arrive and note visible damage
    or missing items on the paperwork. Keep photos and records where useful.
[ ] Confirm where boxes and furniture should go and check access before the crew leaves.
[ ] Review the final charges against the written agreement and ask about differences.
[ ] Follow the applicable written claims procedure and time limits; retain copies
    of correspondence, documents and evidence.
[ ] Unpack essentials first, then work through the remaining rooms and recycle or
    dispose of packing materials according to local rules.

OFFICIAL SOURCE AND FURTHER READING
FMCSA Protect Your Move: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move
FMCSA mover search: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/search-mover
FMCSA moving fraud red flags: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/red-flags
MoverAdvice packing checklist: https://moveradvice.com/topics/packing-checklist/
MoverAdvice quote questions: https://moveradvice.com/topics/how-to-get-moving-quotes/

FMCSA's interstate household-goods resources are especially relevant to U.S.
interstate moves. Rules and protections may differ for other routes and modes.