Essential Guide: Your Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist

Written by Aaron Steed

Moving to a new home is often stressful, and long-distance moves can be even more challenging. Whether you’re relocating for a job, a change of scenery, or lower taxes, moving long distances requires careful planning and coordination.

This is why we created the ultimate checklist for your long-distance move. As the top-rated movers in Bakersfield, CA, and throughout California for the past 20 years, Meathead Movers is here to ensure your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Based on our data and also from recent news, more people have been moving from California to states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada for better taxes and affordable living, leading to a rise in demand for long-distance moving services. At Meathead Movers, we’ve helped many families and individuals with their relocations and know how important it is to address every detail.

From deciding what to keep, coordinating logistics, and ensuring your belongings arrive safely, the list of tasks can feel overwhelming. That’s why a well-organized checklist is essential. In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step checklist, starting two months before your move and covering everything you need to know to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Find The Best Moving Company In Your Area

Finding a moving company is the most important step in your long distance moving checklist. What happens very often is that people who move will try to get the cheapest moving company to do the job and this company will cancel the appointment 24-48 hours before the move, leaving you in a stressful situation looking for a last minute moving company.

Entrusting this task to a professional company ensures a smooth and stress-free experience. Here are the key steps to help you choose the right moving company:

Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Request at least three estimates to compare prices and services.

Verify the USDOT Number: Ensure the company has an active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which you can verify on the FMCSA website.
Check the Company’s History: Look up customer reviews and ratings on review sites, the Better Business Bureau, and the FMCSA website to gauge the company’s reliability and professionalism.
Analyze Moving Estimates: Ensure that the quotes are based on a detailed evaluation of your belongings, ideally with an in-home inspection, to avoid hidden fees.
Review the Contract Carefully: Before signing, thoroughly read the moving contract, which should include all details like moving dates, costs, and services provided. Make sure to check the fine print to avoid any surprises.

Declutter, Donate & Sell Not Important Stuff

Based on our experience as the long-distance moving company of choice in California, we’ve seen many people leave behind items they could have donated, decluttered, or sold before their move.

Decluttering and letting go of things you no longer need through donations or a garage sale not only reduces the cost of your move but also makes the entire process less stressful by giving you fewer items to pack, transport, and manage. Take the time to sort through your belongings, and you’ll start your new chapter with a lighter load and more peace of mind.

Make sure to have this sorted out 8 weeks before the final moving date.

6-8 Weeks Before the Move: Notify Important Parties About Your Move

Inform your employer about your relocation
If you have children, contact their current and future schools to arrange for records transfer
Update your address with banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions
Notify insurance providers (health, auto, home) about your move
Contact subscription services and update your address or cancel if necessary

Bonus: Begin packing non-essential items

Start with seasonal items, rarely used kitchenware, and out-of-season clothing
Label boxes clearly with contents and intended room in the new home
Take photos of valuable items and electronics setups for insurance purposes and easy reassembly
Consider creating a digital inventory of your belongings
Option B: Have a packing company do everything for you

4-6 Weeks Before the Move

Arrange for transfer of medical records and prescriptions

Contact your current healthcare providers (doctors, dentists, specialists) to request copies of your medical records
Ask for referrals to healthcare providers in your new location if possible
Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home
If you have ongoing treatments, coordinate with your current and future healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care
Don’t forget about veterinary records if you have pets

Update Your Address

Visit USPS.com to fill out a change of address form
Update your address with the DMV (you’ll typically have 30 days to get a new driver’s license after moving)
Notify the IRS and your state tax agency of your move
Update your voter registration
Inform any professional organizations or alumni associations you’re part of
Update your address for any online shopping accounts
Don’t forget about updating your address for any subscriptions or regular deliveries

Schedule utility disconnections and connections

Contact your current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable) to schedule service discontinuation
Research utility providers in your new area and schedule service connections
Try to overlap services by a day to ensure you’re not left without essentials
For internet and cable, schedule installation as early as possible to avoid long wait times
If you’re moving to a new state, research if you need to switch energy providers
Consider setting up autopay for your new utilities to avoid missing payments during the move

2-4 Weeks Before the Move

Confirm details with your moving company:

Review your moving date, time, and any special requirements
Confirm insurance coverage and valuation protection options
Discuss any changes in your inventory or special items that need extra care
Verify payment methods and timing

Arrange Your Transportation

While your belongings like furniture, kitchenware, and clothes can be moved by the van, you and your family will need to plan your own transportation. If you’re driving to your new state, consider turning the trip into a mini-adventure with a few stops at popular attractions along the way.

If you’re flying, book your tickets early to get the best rates. Travel light by packing just a backpack with essentials, especially if a moving company is handling the rest. This will not only reduce costs but also make your journey much easier.

Pack Most of Your Belongings

Sort items by room and label boxes clearly
Use sturdy boxes and proper packing materials to protect your items
Keep a detailed inventory of what’s in each box
Set aside valuable items and important documents to transport yourself

Pack An Essentials Box For The First Few Days In Your New Home

Include toiletries, medications, changes of clothes, basic tools, and important documents

Pack chargers, a few towels, and bedding for immediate use

Include some cleaning supplies for your arrival

Clean Your Current Home

Deep clean areas as you finish packing them
Consider hiring professional cleaners if required by your lease or for home sale

Dispose items That Can’t Be Moved

Properly dispose of flammables, chemicals, and perishables
Use up or give away food items that won’t survive the move
Check with local authorities for guidelines on disposing of hazardous materials

Moving Day

This is one of the most important days of your move, and we strongly recommend having at least one person present to oversee the details. While the moving company handles the heavy lifting, it’s ultimately the responsibility of the person moving to hand over the keys to the landlord or securely lock up the home for the last time.

Start by meeting your movers. It is always nice to have water for the movers as they would appreciate the act from your side. Point out any items that need special attention and make sure all rooms are empty.

Keep your important documents, like the moving contract, ID, and financial or medical records, safe and easy to access. While the movers load your belongings, keep your phone charged and have water and snacks ready.

Once everything is loaded, it’s time to say goodbye to your old home. Check each room one last time for anything you might have missed. Close all windows, turn off lights and appliances, and set the thermostat.

Lock up securely and, if needed, leave any garage door openers or spare keys as planned. Take a moment to reflect on your time in the home before locking the door for the last time.

After Your Move

Unpack Essentials First

Start by unpacking the most important items, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen supplies. This will make your first few days more comfortable and help you feel more at home right away.

Inspect Your Belongings

Check that all your items have arrived safely and are in good condition. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your moving company immediately to report it and discuss next steps.

Explore Your New Area

Take some time to familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood. Locate nearby amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and parks. This will help you feel more connected to your new surroundings.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Building relationships with those around you can provide valuable support and make your transition smoother.

Update Your Address and Information

Remember to update your address with the postal service, banks, insurance providers, and any subscriptions or memberships. This will ensure that your mail and services continue without interruption.

Set Up Utilities and Services

Ensure that your utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are set up and functioning. If any services are not yet active, contact the providers to arrange for their activation.

Organize Your Home Efficiently

Begin organizing and arranging your new space in a way that suits your lifestyle. This will help you settle in quickly and make your new home feel more functional and comfortable.

Take Time to Settle In

Moving can be emotionally overwhelming, so give yourself time to adjust. Create a routine, personalize your new space, and start enjoying your new home at your own pace.