A good moving checklist turns a big, stressful job into a series of small tasks you can tick off one at a time. Whether you are moving across Memphis, out to Collierville or Germantown, or leaving Tennessee altogether, the same rule applies: the earlier you start, the smoother moving day goes.
This checklist is written for Memphis homeowners and renters. It is split into time frames so you always know what to work on next, with notes on the local details that often catch people out, like summer heat, apartment move-in rules and HOA truck restrictions.
8 Weeks Before: Plan Your Move
Two months out is the time to make the big decisions. Getting these right shapes everything that follows.
- Set your moving date. If you have flexibility, a weekday or mid-month date is often easier to book than a weekend at the end of the month.
- Set a budget. Think about movers, packing supplies, truck rental if you are doing part of it yourself, cleaning and any storage. Our guide on what affects the cost of hiring movers in Memphis explains the main cost factors.
- Decide how much help you need. A full-service move, help with loading only, or something in between. See labor-only movers vs full-service movers if you are not sure.
- Start a moving folder. Keep quotes, leases, closing papers, receipts and important contacts in one place, either on paper or on your phone.
6 Weeks Before: Book Movers and Start Decluttering
- Request moving quotes. Share your addresses, home size, large furniture, stairs or elevators and any heavy items such as a piano or safe. The more detail you give, the more accurate the quote.
- Book your movers. Busy dates in Memphis, especially in summer and at the end of the month, fill up early.
- Declutter room by room. Sell, donate or recycle anything you do not want to pay to move. Start with garages, attics, closets and storage rooms.
- Measure large furniture. Check that big pieces will fit through the doors, hallways and stairways in your new home.
4 Weeks Before: Packing and Paperwork
This is when the move starts to feel real. Packing a little each day is far easier than trying to do everything in the final weekend.
- Gather packing supplies: boxes in several sizes, packing tape, markers, packing paper and wrap for fragile items.
- Pack rooms you use least first, such as guest rooms, formal dining rooms, seasonal clothes and decorations.
- Label every box with its room and a short list of contents. Mark fragile boxes clearly.
- Change your address with the post office, your bank, employer, insurance and subscriptions.
- Schedule utilities. Arrange for electricity, gas and water to be turned off at your old home after you leave and turned on at the new home before you arrive. Do the same for internet and TV.
- Transfer records for schools, doctors, vets and prescriptions if you are moving out of the area.
Short on time? Our packing and unpacking services can cover the whole house or just the rooms that take longest, like the kitchen.
2 Weeks Before: Confirm the Details
- Confirm your moving date and arrival time with your movers.
- Check building and HOA rules. Many Memphis apartment buildings ask you to reserve an elevator or a loading time, and some suburban neighborhoods have HOA rules about moving trucks and parking. Ask both your old and new property.
- Plan parking for the moving truck at both addresses. Tell your movers about long driveways, narrow streets or gated entrances.
- Use up food in the freezer and pantry so there is less to pack.
- Arrange care for children and pets on moving day if you can.
Moving Week Checklist
- Finish packing everything except what you need for the last few days.
- Pack an essentials bag for each person: medicines, documents, phone chargers, keys, toiletries, a change of clothes and snacks. This bag travels with you, not on the truck.
- Empty, defrost and dry the refrigerator at least a day before the move if it is going with you.
- Disconnect electronics and take a quick photo of the cables so setup is easier.
- Take apart furniture you plan to disassemble yourself, and keep screws and bolts in labeled bags.
- Empty drawers of anything heavy, loose or breakable.
Moving Day Checklist
- Be ready when the crew arrives. Walk the team through the home and point out fragile items and anything that is not going.
- Keep paths clear from each room to the front door.
- Stay cool in the heat. Memphis summers are hot and humid, so keep water on hand for everyone and plan an early start if you can.
- Do a final walk-through. Check every closet, cabinet, the attic, garage and outdoor areas before the truck leaves.
- Lock up and leave keys or garage openers as agreed with your landlord, buyer or agent.
After the Move: Settling In
- Check that utilities and internet are working.
- Unpack the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms first so the house is livable.
- Inspect furniture and boxes as they come off the truck.
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration if you moved from another state.
- Break down boxes and recycle packing materials.
Quick Moving Checklist Summary
| When | Main tasks |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks before | Set date and budget, decide on the type of help, start a moving folder |
| 6 weeks before | Get quotes, book movers, declutter, measure furniture |
| 4 weeks before | Buy supplies, start packing, change address, schedule utilities |
| 2 weeks before | Confirm movers, check building and HOA rules, plan parking |
| Moving week | Finish packing, essentials bag, defrost fridge, empty drawers |
| Moving day | Walk the crew through, keep paths clear, final walk-through |
Moving Checklist Tips for Special Items
Some belongings need extra planning. Mention these when you book so the right crew and equipment are on the job:
- Pianos: they are heavy and delicate, especially on stairs. See our piano moving services.
- Large furniture: sectionals, beds, dressers and cabinets may need protection or disassembly. Learn more about furniture moving.
- Safes, gym equipment and appliances: tell your movers the size and approximate weight in advance. Read how movers handle safes and gym equipment or see our heavy item moving services.
- Items going to storage: keep them separate and labeled so they go to the right place. Our storage moving services can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start my moving checklist?
About eight weeks before your move is a comfortable time to start for most homes. Larger homes or long distance moves may need more time, while a small apartment can often be done in less.
What should I pack first when moving?
Start with rooms and items you use least, such as guest rooms, seasonal clothes, decorations, books and storage areas. Leave everyday kitchen items, toiletries and bedding until the last few days.
When should I book movers in Memphis?
Book as early as you can, ideally four to six weeks ahead. Weekends, the end of the month and the summer months are usually the busiest times.
What should go in a moving day essentials bag?
Pack medicines, important documents, keys, phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, water and any items you need for the first night in your new home.
Do I need to empty my dresser drawers before the movers come?
It is best to empty drawers of anything heavy, loose or breakable. This makes dressers lighter and safer to carry and protects your belongings.
Get Help With Your Memphis Move
A checklist keeps you organized, and the right moving team takes the heavy lifting off your plate. Five Star Trusted Movers helps with residential moves, local moves and long distance moves across Memphis, Shelby County and nearby communities like Collierville.
Request a free moving quote or call us at +1 (901) 364-2959.