Moving Checklist: New City in 6 Weeks

T-6 Weeks

Housing and Planning

• Confirm the new lease, move-in date, deposit, and key collection.
• Review move-out requirements in your current lease.
• Give written notice to your current landlord.
• Ask both landlords about:
  • Move-in/move-out hours
  • Elevator reservations
  • Parking or loading permits
  • Required insurance or building fees
  • Key and access-fob returns
• Create a moving budget and inventory.
• Measure large furniture and doorways in the new home.
• Decide what to sell, donate, recycle, or discard.

Find Movers

• Get at least three written quotes from licensed and insured movers.
• Confirm whether quotes are binding or estimated.
• Check reviews, complaint history, and insurance coverage.
• Ask about:
  • Travel or long-carry fees
  • Stairs and elevator fees
  • Packing materials
  • Disassembly and reassembly
  • Cancellation terms
  • Delays and claims procedures
• Book movers and obtain written confirmation.
• Reserve a moving truck if moving yourself.

Cat

• Confirm that the new rental permits cats and document any pet deposit or rent.
• Schedule a veterinary checkup if needed.
• Request copies of vaccination records and medical history.
• Refill medications and flea/tick preventatives.
• Update microchip information or confirm how to change it.
• Research an emergency veterinarian near the new home.
• Begin leaving the carrier open with treats and familiar bedding inside.

T-4 Weeks

Declutter and Pack

• Sell or donate unwanted items.
• Dispose of paint, chemicals, batteries, and other restricted materials safely.
• Buy boxes, tape, packing paper, markers, labels, and furniture covers.
• Start packing seasonal clothing, books, décor, and rarely used items.
• Photograph valuable items and electronics before packing.
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