Starting 8 to 12 weeks ahead gives you time to compare movers properly, clear out what you will not need and handle paperwork before the rush. Work through one week at a time. If you are starting later, combine weeks 12 and 11, but do not skip the vetting step.
Set Your Budget and Moving Window
- Pick a target move week and one backup week
- Check lease end, closing, job start and school calendar dates
- Set a working budget: a 3-bedroom long-distance move commonly runs $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on distance and services
- Add lines for travel, temporary housing, auto transport and new-home setup
- Ask your employer about time off and any relocation benefits
- Note that moving outside May through September can save up to 35%
Research and Hire a Licensed Mover
- Look up each company's USDOT number on the FMCSA website and confirm active household goods authority
- Confirm whether you are talking to a carrier or a broker
- Schedule at least three in-home or video estimates
- Ask each mover for a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate
- Compare valuation options: Released Value is included, Full Value costs more and covers more
- Read the federal booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
Declutter and Build Your Inventory
- Go room by room with keep, donate, sell and discard piles
- Start a simple inventory spreadsheet: item, room, condition and approximate value
- Photograph valuables and note serial numbers on electronics
- Get appraisals for art, antiques or jewelry you plan to insure
- Schedule charity pickups and list sale items online
Every item you remove at this stage is weight you will not pay to move. Our decluttering guide has a step-by-step method that keeps you from stalling.
Book Extra Services and Start Notifications
- Reserve auto transport, storage or piano and specialty handling if needed
- Request transfer of school records and copies of medical and vet records
- List every utility, internet and subscription account at the old and new address
- Plan to start USPS mail forwarding about two weeks before moving day
- Ask your new HOA or building about move-in rules and elevator reservations
Start Packing and Prepare the Home
- Pack seasonal clothing, books, decor and rarely used kitchen items
- Use sturdy boxes and label each with room and contents
- Set aside a do-not-pack zone for documents, medications and valuables
- Arrange pet care and childcare for moving day
- Confirm dates, services and the written estimate with your mover
How to Read the Quotes You Collect in Week 11
Line your estimates up side by side and check that they describe the same move. Look at the estimated weight or cubic footage, the services included such as packing, disassembly and shuttles, the type of estimate and the valuation option. A quote that is much lower than the others often leaves something out, assumes a lighter shipment or comes from a broker who will hand the job to another company.
- Is the estimate binding, binding not-to-exceed or non-binding?
- Are stairs, long carries and elevator time accounted for?
- Is packing included, partial or not at all?
- What pickup and delivery windows are promised in writing?
- Who will actually load and drive the truck?
If two estimates are close, choose the company that answered your questions most clearly. You will be working with that coordinator for the next two months.
What Comes After Week 8
| Weeks out | Focus |
|---|---|
| 7 to 5 | Keep packing room by room, use up pantry and freezer food, book cleaners |
| 4 to 3 | Schedule utility shutoff and start-up, reserve parking permits and elevators |
| 2 | Start mail forwarding, update banks and insurance, refill prescriptions |
| 1 | Pack essentials suitcases, defrost the fridge, confirm arrival time |
| Moving day | Walk through with the crew, review the inventory and bill of lading |
For the full picture, see how to plan a long-distance move from California, and our home prep guide for the final days.
What should I do 12 weeks before a long-distance move?
Set your budget and moving window, check key dates like lease end and job start, and begin researching licensed movers.
When should I start decluttering?
Around 10 to 12 weeks out, so your estimates reflect a smaller load and you have time to sell or donate.
What documents should I keep for the move?
Your written estimate, order for service, inventory, bill of lading and valuation paperwork. Keep them together and with you.
When should I contact utility companies?
Two to four weeks before moving day, for both shutoff at the old home and start-up at the new one.