In NYC, moving usually aligns with the end of a lease, so you often know the date well in advance. Ideally, start planning about eight to ten weeks before the big day. Of course, unexpected circumstances can speed things up (we’ve all been there!), but the more lead time, the better.

To keep your move in NYC from becoming a chaotic blur, here’s a moving checklist designed to help you stay organized and sane every step of the way.

Eight Weeks Out: Start Early for a Smoother Move

no rush

Starting early gives you a manageable timeline to handle the many moving tasks. Begin preparing as soon as you decide not to renew your lease—around eight weeks out is a great starting point. Here are some steps to get things rolling:

Create a Digital Moving Folder: Snap photos of moving quotes, receipts, and any important documents. Having everything in one spot will save you countless headaches.

Request Time Off Work: Schedule time off for moving day and the day after to give yourself some breathing room. If you’re moving mid-week, consider taking off the day before, too. The earlier you request, the better the chances for approval.

Research Schools (If You Have Kids): If you’re relocating within NYC, your child has access to any public school in the city, but you may prefer a school closer to your new home. Now is a good time to start researching options.

Notify Your Landlord: Let your landlord or building manager know you won’t be renewing your lease. They’ll provide any paperwork needed to officially end your lease.

Six Weeks Out: Time to Dive into the Details

clearing out

With about six weeks to go, it’s time to get into the practical side of your NYC move. From clearing out clutter to booking your movers, this phase is all about setting up a seamless transition. Here’s how to make it happen:

Declutter Each Room: Take a tour through your apartment and start purging. You’d be surprised how quickly things pile up, even after a short stay! Go through each room and sort out items you no longer need, reducing what you have to pack and move.

Map Out Your New Space: If you don’t have a floor plan of your new apartment, create one! Measure doorways, stairwells, or elevators to ensure your furniture will fit, and sketch out your layout. Knowing exactly what pieces will fit where can save you time—and stress—when unpacking.

Research and Select Movers: While moving on your own is an option, consider whether you’d rather skip the parking headaches and hire professional NYC movers. Look into different companies; some may offer basic transport, while others provide all-inclusive options like assembly and packing. Choose movers that suit your needs and budget, and lock in your dates as early as possible.

Plan Your Moving Budget: A solid budget can keep unexpected costs at bay. Account for moving supplies (like boxes and tape), movers, travel costs, and even moving insurance. Knowing where your money is going upfront will make the process smoother.

Update Family and Friends: Share the news about your move with those close to you and make sure they have your new address. If you’re moving far, consider planning a small going-away gathering with friends and family, especially those you might not see for a while. And if you have kids, invite their friends’ parents to help keep connections alive.

family

Gather Free Boxes: Save on supplies by sourcing free boxes. Ask neighbors, friends, and local businesses if they have any extras. Liquor stores and restaurants often have sturdy boxes that work well for moving.

Choose a Move-In Day: While many leases start on the 1st, you may have flexibility. If so, aim for a Friday move-in to give yourself the weekend to settle in and unpack.

Request Time Off Work: Don’t leave your time-off request until the last minute. Let your workplace know your moving plans and schedule time off so you can focus on settling in.

Book Your Movers Early: Once you’ve found the right movers, book them as soon as possible, especially during peak moving season (May to September). When you’re booking:

  • Ask about any additional services, like furniture assembly or packing supplies.
  • Review the contract thoroughly.
  • Get moving insurance to protect your belongings.
  • Request a written confirmation of your move date and costs, and save it in a secure cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Notify Your Child’s School: If you’re relocating to a different area, inform your child’s school of the transfer so they can send transcripts to the new school.

Four Weeks Out: Pack Smart and Finalize Your Move Plans

packing

With just a month to go, you’re getting into the final stages of your move. Now’s the time to streamline your belongings, get all the essentials in place, and tackle the key logistics. Here’s how to stay on track and keep things manageable:

Lighten the Load
Start by going through each room and deciding what’s coming with you and what’s not. Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need. Clearing things out now will mean less to pack, carry, and unpack later!

Keep Track of What’s in Each Box
Set up a simple labeling system that works for you—whether it’s by room or category (e.g., “Kitchen” or “Books”). Keep a list or spreadsheet of what goes into each box. It’ll make unpacking a breeze and help you locate items easily once you’re in your new home.

Pack Smart and in Stages
Rather than trying to pack everything at once, start with one room at a time—beginning with the areas you use the least. Work your way toward the essentials, saving frequently used items for last. This staggered approach makes packing feel less overwhelming.

Update Your Address in All the Right Places
Make a list of everyone who needs your new address. Start with the essentials, like:

  • Bank and Credit Cards
  • DMV
  • Your Employer
  • Utility Providers (schedule transfers or cancellations)
  • Post Office (set up mail forwarding)
  • Friends and Family

Separate and Document Valuables
For any high-value or sentimental items, consider setting them aside and keeping them with you. Photograph each item—most moving companies provide minimal insurance, and you’ll want proof if any damage occurs.

Protect Yourself with Insurance
If you’re renting, either purchase or update your renter’s insurance policy for the new place. Moving insurance from your moving company can also offer added protection for your items in transit.

Confirm Your Moving Day Plans
If you haven’t already, this is the time to lock in your movers and confirm all details. Ensure you have:

  • Confirmation of the date, time, and costs.
  • Insurance coverage if needed.
  • A full understanding of any additional services they’ll provide.

Save all documents in a cloud folder, like Google Drive or Dropbox, for easy access.

Prepare for the Move-Out
To help with security deposit returns, inspect your current apartment for any touch-ups it may need. Fix small marks or dings, clean as necessary, and keep it looking as close to move-in condition as possible.

wall touch ups

Set Up New Local Services
If you’re moving far, take this time to find new essential contacts in your area, like a doctor, dentist, and vet. This will make the transition smoother once you’re settled.

Update Your Pet’s Information
Pet owners should make sure their pet’s ID tag and microchip information reflect their new address. This will keep your furry friend safe and identifiable in a new neighborhood.

Stop Stocking Up
Cut down on new purchases from now on; you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to pack. Hold off on bulk buys and only purchase small essentials if necessary.

Two Weeks Out: Final Prep and Packing

With two weeks left, things are getting real! This is the time to focus on packing, prepping your current place, and tying up loose ends.

Plan a Cleaning and Repair Day
To maximize your security deposit, schedule a day to handle any cleaning or small repairs. You might spend a bit on supplies, but it’ll pay off when you get that full deposit back. Prioritize tasks like:

  • Painting walls back to their original color
  • Fixing any small holes or scratches
  • Deep-cleaning the bathroom and kitchen
  • Repairing tiles or other minor damage
  • Removing any temporary shelves or fixtures and touching up where needed

Confirm Moving Plans
Double-check your moving date with the movers to ensure everything is set and ready to go. It’s also a good time to review any additional services they’ll provide.

Return Borrowed Items
Now’s the moment to return any items you’ve borrowed from friends or family (yes, even that one thing you borrowed ages ago!).

Back Up Important Files
Moving can be unpredictable, so make sure to back up your computer and any important files, just in case something gets damaged in transit.

Take Photos of Your Electronics Setup
Photograph the way your electronics are connected so you have a quick reference when you’re setting things up in your new place. This can save you a lot of time and troubleshooting later!

Share Your New Address
Let your friends and family know where you’ll be. This way, any letters, packages, or visits find their way to you.

Use Up Remaining Food
To avoid moving lots of perishable food, plan meals around what’s left in your fridge and pantry. If possible, prep some simple meals to get you through moving week so you won’t have to worry about cooking in the chaos.

Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Start packing up non-essential kitchen items and anything fragile, like glassware, dishes, and decor. Move on to your bedroom and bathroom items, setting aside only the essentials for the next two weeks.

Arrange Care for Kids and Pets on Moving Day
If possible, arrange for a sitter, family member, or friend to care for your children or pets on moving day. This will let you focus on the move without any extra stress.

One Week Out: Final Countdown

final countdown

With moving day almost here, it’s time to tackle last-minute tasks and get everything in place.

Fill Prescriptions and Transfer to a New Pharmacy
If you have any prescriptions, refill them now and arrange to transfer to a pharmacy close to your new home.

Donate Any Extra Food
Avoid wasting food by donating any unopened, non-perishable items to a local food pantry.

Get Familiar with Your New Neighborhood
Do a bit of research on your new neighborhood to find the best spots for a quick bite, grocery stores, and any other essentials. This can help you feel more settled from day one.

Finish Packing and Prepare an Essentials Bag
Complete your packing, keeping a small bag of essentials handy. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, basic bedding, and anything else you might need for your first night so you’re not scrambling through boxes.

Confirm Utility Installation Dates
Ensure that internet, gas, and electricity are scheduled for setup in your new place. This is especially important if you’re moving in right away.

Prepare for Your Walkthrough
Arrange a final walkthrough with your landlord. Document the apartment’s condition with photos to protect yourself if any disputes arise about your security deposit. Send the photos to your landlord immediately after the walkthrough.

Reconfirm Care Arrangements
If you’ve made plans for pet care or childcare, double-check that everything is confirmed for moving day.

A Few Days Before: Last-Minute Prep

last minute prep

The final days before moving can be hectic, but a little organization will make the transition smoother. Focus on these tasks to wrap everything up:

  • Purge Any Leftover Items
    Donate or throw out any remaining belongings you won’t be taking with you. Keeping it light makes for a faster, smoother move.
  • Clean Your Apartment
    Do a final cleaning so your place is spotless for the next tenant and for that all-important security deposit return.
  • Disassemble Furniture
    Take apart any large furniture items for easier transport. Keep screws, bolts, and brackets in a labeled baggie, taping it to the furniture or putting it in a clearly marked box.
  • Print Your Floor Plan
    Make copies of your floor plan for the movers to help guide where everything should go.
  • Dispose of Hazardous Materials
    Safely discard any flammable items like paint, aerosol cans, matches, and alcohol.
  • Prepare Tips for Movers
    Take out cash in advance for tipping—typically $20-30 per mover.
  • Confirm Moving Details
    Touch base with your movers one last time to confirm pick-up time, contact info, crew size, and any special requests.
  • Arrange Key Pick-Up
    Coordinate with your new landlord or management to get your keys. Ideally, pick them up a day or two early, but if not, arrange a handover on moving day.
  • Check the Weather
    Keep an eye on the forecast and make any adjustments for rain or extreme temperatures.

Moving Day: Final Steps

professional movers

The big day is finally here! Here’s how to keep everything running smoothly:

  • Hand Over Your Keys
    Turn in your keys to your landlord or building management before leaving.
  • Check Off Your Inventory
    As boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck, mark them off on your checklist.
  • Do a Final Walkthrough
    Walk through each room to make sure nothing is left behind. Double-check:

    • Lights are off
    • Windows are closed
    • Faucets are off
  • Unloading and Checking Inventory
    When you arrive at your new place, check off each box as it’s brought in. Direct movers to place boxes in their designated rooms and arrange large items like sofas and beds according to your floor plan.
  • If You Paid for Assembly
    Ensure movers assemble your furniture in the correct room and position as planned.
  • Take Photos of Your New Place
    Document any existing damage in your new apartment. This will be useful if you need to refer back to it later.
  • Unpack Essentials and Set Up Your Bed
    Focus on unpacking essential items and setting up your bed for a comfortable first night.
  • Quick Clean
    Give the new space a quick vacuum or mop to clean up any dirt or dust from the move.
  • Retrieve Kids and Pets
    Bring any kids or pets to their new home, introducing them to their new environment.
  • Introduce Yourself to Neighbors
    Once you’re settled, take a moment to say hello to your new neighbors—it’s a great way to feel at home.
  • Install Curtains for Privacy
    Adding curtains can offer immediate privacy and help manage sunlight.
  • Thank Your Broker
    If you used a broker, a quick thank-you message is a nice gesture.

Finally, take a deep breath—you did it! You’re officially moved in. The next few days will involve unpacking, grocery shopping, and setting up, but the hardest part is behind you. Hopefully, this checklist helped keep you organized and made moving day easier. And remember, if you’re planning a move in NYC, our team of trusted movers is here to help make it a breeze!

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Trust Expo Movers for a hassle-free moving experience.

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By Published On: November 6, 2024Categories: Moving Tips, Real Estate