Your relocation playbook

Search for Your New Home

• Use online real estate apps and websites to perform initial home search.
• Research local realtors in your new area or request a referral.
• Map out neighborhood needs: school districts, commutes, crime stats, medical services, and pet amenities.
• Map out home desires: size, floors, closet space, recent remodeling, and desired features.

Sell Your Home

• Work with a realtor to list your home, schedule inspections, and set a closing date.
• DIY or use a contractor to help you stage your home.
• Align all real estate dates with your move timeline.
• Prepare to Transition to a New Lease (if applicable).
• Provide proper notice to your landlord according to your lease.
• Explicitly request the return of your security deposit on a specific date.

Get Organized

• Create a move folder (physical or cloud) for documentation, research, estimates, and receipts.
• Designate a specific email folder for all move correspondence.
• Create a detailed budget: determine your allocation, then estimate costs.
• Create a move calendar for move dates, packing schedules, and lease deadlines.

Gather Quotes and Pricing

• Protect yourself: learn to spot red flags and fraudulent moving scams.
• Determine required services: packing, car shipping, TV mounting, and PC setup.
• Prepare details: zip codes, home size, number of floors, and specialty item list.
• Understand cost factors: seasonality, distance, weight, and extra services.
• Learn the difference between instant quotes, ballpark estimates, and walkthrough estimates.
• Verify interstate movers have a federal DOT number.
• Schedule a virtual or in-person walk-through with an estimator.
• Understand your move protection options (Full Value Protection).
• Compare estimates for value and book your move.

Prepare Your Family

• Sit down with kids early and often to help them prepare for the transition.
• If possible, visit the new home and area with the family to acclimate them.

Prepare for Your New Destination

Have Kids in School?

• Notify current schools and research new ones based on requirements.
• Complete required school registration and transfer transcripts/medical records.
• Schedule an in-person visit at the new school.

Have Pets?

• Research local veterinarians, dog parks, and doggie daycares.
• Take pets for a final veterinary check-up before traveling.

Protect Important Documents

• Scan physical documents to the cloud and back up local computer drives.
• Secure logins/passwords for online accounts in a password service or cloud file.
• Secure passports, birth certificates, and social security cards; keep these on your person.
• Collect all product warranty documentation and manuals in one place.
• Coordinate with your mover regarding how they handle moving a safe.

Transfer Records

• Transfer medical, dental, and optical records to new service providers.
• Transfer prescriptions to your new pharmacy and pet records to a new vet.

Start Decluttering

• Separate items to throw away, donate, or sell; organize a garage sale.
• Use online marketplaces or consignment services for sales.
• Contact a junk removal company for pick up of unwanted items.
• Dispose of documents that need to be shredded securely.

Begin Packing Process

• Designate at least one week to pack and gather basic supplies (tape, markers, baggies).
• Pack non-essential and seasonal items first (decor, special dishware).
• Create a first-night essentials box: bedding, clothes, snacks, and toiletries.
• Inventory your belongings and take photos of valuable items.
• Label boxes by room on the side; mark fragile or heavy items clearly.
• Keep furniture hardware separate and labeled for easy reassembly.

Update Your Address

• Update financial accounts: banks, credit cards, investments, and loans.
• Update subscriptions: online shopping, streaming, and food delivery.
• Update insurance policies: health, auto, renter's, pet, and life.
• Notify the Social Security, IRS, and local voter's registration offices.
• Cancel local memberships: gyms, social clubs, and business associations.

Prepare Your Home & Trip

• Deep clean the home; remove nails and fill holes with spackling.
• Plan your route, hotels, and gas fill-ups; service your vehicle.
• Return borrowed items and library books; pick up dry cleaning.

Final Prep

• Defrost and wipe down refrigerator/freezer 24 hours before movers arrive.
• Disconnect washers/dryers, dishwasher, and pack smaller appliances.
• Schedule start dates for all utilities: gas, water, internet, and electricity.
• Arrange daycare for kids and pets for move-out day.

Move Day Execution

• Move-Out: Direct movers on handling items; sign paperwork; leave a welcome note.
• Move-In: Protect floors; assemble beds first; baby-proof the home.

• Deep clean the new house; check smoke/carbon monoxide alarms.
• Unpack immediate needs (dishware, toiletries) first.
• Fulfill all DMV requirements for a new ID; register to vote.
• Introduce yourself to neighbors and explore your new neighborhood.