A solid moving checklist is the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic one. Whether you're relocating across Dallas or moving from Plano to Fort Worth, this week-by-week guide covers everything you need to do before, during, and after your move. Bookmark it, print it, or use our free interactive moving checklist to track your progress in real time.
8 Weeks Before Your Move
Start early. The more time you give yourself, the less stressful everything gets.
- Set your move date. If you have flexibility, weekdays tend to have better availability with moving companies.
- Set your budget. Factor in movers, deposits, utility transfers, and any new furniture you might need.
- Research moving companies. Get quotes from at least two or three companies. Look at reviews, ask about hidden fees, and confirm what's included.
- Start decluttering. Go room by room. Donate, sell, or toss anything you haven't used in the past year. Less stuff means a faster, cheaper move.
- Create a moving binder or folder. Keep all your quotes, receipts, contracts, and checklists in one place. Digital works too.
6 Weeks Before Your Move
- Book your movers. Don't wait on this, especially if you're moving during spring or summer in DFW. Peak season fills up fast.
- Notify your landlord. If you're renting, check your lease for the required notice period. Most require 30 to 60 days.
- Order supplies. If your moving company provides bins or boxes, confirm the details. If not, start collecting boxes now.
- Start a change-of-address list. Think about your bank, insurance, subscriptions, doctor's offices, and the USPS.
4 Weeks Before Your Move
This is when things get real. You should be actively packing non-essentials by now.
- Start packing. Begin with rooms and items you use least. Guest rooms, storage closets, seasonal clothes, and books are great starting points.
- Label everything by room. This saves a massive amount of time on moving day. Your movers will know exactly where each box goes.
- Transfer or set up utilities. Call your electric, gas, water, and internet providers. In Dallas, electricity goes through a retail provider, so shop rates on PowerToChoose.org if you're switching.
- Update your address. File a change of address with USPS. Update your driver's license, voter registration, and vehicle registration with the Texas DMV.
- Confirm your mover details. Reconfirm dates, times, and any special requirements (large items, stairs, elevator reservations).
2 Weeks Before Your Move
- Pack most of your home. Leave out only daily essentials: a few dishes, toiletries, work supplies, and a week's worth of clothes.
- Handle specialty items. Drain fuel from lawn equipment. Disconnect and prep appliances. If you have a gun safe, piano, or pool table, confirm your movers know about them.
- Prepare your moving day essentials box. Pack a bag or bin with everything you'll need on day one at the new place: phone chargers, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, water, paper towels, and basic tools.
- Clean as you pack. Wipe down shelves, vacuum rooms as they empty out. This saves you from doing a marathon cleaning session later.
- Confirm parking and access. If you're in an apartment complex, reserve the elevator and confirm loading dock or parking availability. Let your HOA or building manager know.
- Notify important contacts. Let your employer, school, daycare, and any recurring service providers know about your address change.
1 Week Before Your Move
You're almost there. This week is about tying up loose ends.
- Finish packing. Everything except your essentials box should be packed and labeled.
- Defrost the freezer. If you're moving your fridge, defrost it at least 24 hours before the move.
- Take photos of electronics setups. Snap pictures of how your TV, router, and gaming systems are connected. You'll thank yourself later.
- Confirm your move one more time. Call or text your moving company to confirm the date, arrival time, and any last details.
- Plan for kids and pets. Moving day is hectic. Arrange for someone to watch your kids or pets, or designate a safe room in the house that stays clear of the action.
- Withdraw cash for tips. If you plan to tip your movers, have cash ready. $20 to $40 per mover is a common range for good service.
Moving Day
This is the big day. Stay calm and let your movers do what they do best.
- Do a walkthrough before the crew arrives. Make sure everything is packed, pathways are clear, and fragile items are marked.
- Be available. Your movers will have questions. Which items are fragile? What goes first? Where does everything go at the new place? Being present and accessible keeps things efficient.
- Protect your floors and walls. A good moving company will bring padding and floor protection, but it's worth confirming.
- Check every room, closet, and cabinet. Before you leave, do a final sweep. Check the attic, garage, under sinks, and inside built-in shelves. It's easy to miss things.
- Take meter readings. Note the readings on your electric, gas, and water meters at both homes.
- Lock up and hand over keys. If you're renting, take photos of the empty unit for your records.
After the Move
You're in. But there are still a few things to button up.
- Unpack your essentials box first. Get the basics set up so your first night is comfortable.
- Prioritize the kitchen and bedrooms. These are the rooms that matter most in the first 48 hours.
- Test everything. Run faucets, flush toilets, check that your HVAC works, test all outlets. Report any issues to your landlord or home warranty provider immediately.
- Update your Dallas moving checklist. Use our interactive checklist tool to make sure you haven't missed anything.
- Meet your neighbors. A quick introduction goes a long way, especially in DFW neighborhoods where people tend to look out for each other.
- Return moving bins. If your mover provides reusable bins, schedule a pickup once you've finished unpacking. No need to deal with breaking down and recycling mountains of cardboard.
- Leave a review. If your movers did a great job, leave them a Google review. It makes a real difference for small businesses.
Dallas-Specific Tips
Moving in the DFW area comes with a few things you won't find in a generic moving checklist.
- Watch the heat. If you're moving between May and September, hydration is critical for you and your movers. Start early in the morning to avoid the worst of it.
- Plan for traffic. DFW traffic is no joke, especially on I-35, I-635, and the Dallas North Tollway during rush hour. A move that crosses the metroplex can take longer than expected if you're on the road at the wrong time.
- Check your electricity provider. Texas has a deregulated energy market. Use PowerToChoose.org to compare rates before you commit to a provider at your new place.
- Know your toll roads. If your move route takes you through toll roads, confirm whether your moving company covers those or if it's an extra charge.
Make Your Move Easier
Planning ahead is half the battle. The other half is having the right team. At Bin on the Move, we handle residential moves across the entire DFW area at $250 per hour with a full crew and truck. Every move includes reusable moving bins at no extra cost, so you can skip the cardboard boxes entirely.
Ready to get started? Use our free interactive moving checklist to stay on track, and get a quote when you're ready to book your move.
Ready to Book Your Move?
Bin on the Move serves the entire DFW area. Every move includes reusable bins at no extra cost.