About eight weeks before moving
- Set a moving date and compare moving options, quotes, and insurance terms.
- Sort belongings, sell or donate items you do not plan to move, and measure large furniture.
- Collect lease, school, medical, insurance, and vehicle records in one secure place.
- Make a budget for deposits, transport, utility setup, and unexpected costs.
Four to six weeks before moving
- Confirm housing, access dates, parking, elevator reservations, and move-in instructions.
- Schedule utility start or transfer dates with service providers.
- Arrange school, childcare, medical, and pet records as needed.
- Update subscriptions and make a list of organizations that need your new address.
One to three weeks before moving
- Pack items you use less often and label boxes by room and contents.
- Keep medications, chargers, documents, and a few days of essentials in a separate bag.
- Confirm the mover, vehicle, route, keys, and final walkthrough arrangements.
- Use the official USPS change-of-address process if you want mail forwarded.
During the first week
- Check utilities, internet, smoke alarms, locks, and any move-in condition notes.
- Update your address with banks, employers, insurers, and government services as appropriate.
- Review California DMV and other state requirements that apply to your situation; deadlines depend on the type of move and your circumstances.
- Keep receipts and contact information for the landlord, mover, and utility providers.
This is a general organizer, not a complete list of legal or agency requirements. Verify current steps and deadlines with official California and local government sources.
Make the checklist your own
Every move is different. Add tasks for children, pets, accessibility needs, storage, work equipment, or a long-distance vehicle shipment. Assign dates and owners to important items so that nothing depends on memory alone.