“Clear Course Moving made my move so much easier! They are extremely efficient and loaded my stuff in half of the time I thought it would take. Craig is a great communicator and showed up right on time. Great customer service!”
-Clancy S
Moving Checklist: Your Week-by-Week Guide to a Stress-Free Move
Why a Moving Checklist Matters
A move goes smoothly when it's planned, not rushed. This moving checklist breaks the process into manageable steps, from eight weeks out through your first week in the new place, so nothing gets forgotten in the last-minute scramble. Whether you're organizing a local residential move in Phoenix or a smaller apartment move across town, working through this checklist early is the easiest way to avoid the common last-minute stress that comes with moving day.
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“Clear Course Moving moved me out of a 3-bedroom home, and I’d hire them again without thinking twice. I would highly recommend them and will use them again for my next move.”
-Westin C.
“Clear Course moving is amazing!! Craig and his team helped us move in and out of our home in Arizona and we couldn’t have done it without them. I would recommend Clear Course to any person I know moving in the Phoenix area”
-Lyric M
“10/10 recommend Clear Course Moving! They are careful, friendly, professional and best of all, efficient. What would have taken us two days, they got done in a matter of hours. They made the moving process so much less stressful!”
-Lyric M
“Clear Course Moving showed up on time, worked hard the entire day (we had a ton of heavy boxes), and didn’t cause any damage to the old house, new house, or my property.”
-Westin C
When you hire us, you'll know exactly what to expect. We believe in fair, transparent pricing, showing up on time, and earning your trust with every move. No hidden fees—ever.
Craig Tarnutzer | Owner, Operator
Your Complete Moving Checklist
Use our checklist below to help you get ready for your move!
Know your FMCSA rights and responsibilities for when you move with this free pdf download.
8 Weeks Before Your Move
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Set a moving budget and decide what you're willing to spend on movers, supplies, and any extra services.
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Research and get quotes from a few local moving companies — book early if you're moving during peak season (May–September) or around month-end.
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Create a home inventory of major items, especially anything valuable or oversized (piano, hot tub, gym equipment).
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Start a folder for moving-related documents: lease or closing paperwork, mover's estimate, school and medical records.
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Begin sorting room by room — decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss.
4-6 Weeks Before Your Move
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Book your moving company and confirm your date in writing.
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Order moving boxes and packing supplies, or confirm your mover can supply them.
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Start packing items you don't use often: off-season clothes, books, decor, garage items.
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Research your new area if you're relocating within the Valley: schools, utilities, HOA rules.
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If needed, reserve elevators or loading docks with your apartment or office building.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
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Notify utility companies of your move date (electric, water, internet, trash) — schedule shut-off at the old address and turn-on at the new one.
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Submit a change of address with USPS and update your address with banks, subscriptions, and employer.
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Continue packing non-essential rooms; label every box with its destination room and a brief contents list.
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Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day if needed.
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Confirm final details with your moving company: arrival time, parking, and any special items.
Moving Week
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Pack a "first night" box with toiletries, chargers, medications, and a change of clothes for each family member.
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Defrost and clean out the refrigerator/freezer 24 hours before moving day.
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Disassemble any furniture that needs to come apart, and keep hardware bagged and labeled.
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Confirm payment method for your movers and have it ready.
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Set aside cash for tips if you plan to tip your moving crew.
Moving Day
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Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet before the crew leaves.
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Keep essential documents, medications, and valuables with you rather than on the truck.
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Confirm the delivery address and any special instructions with your crew lead.
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Take photos of any pre-existing damage on move-out for your records.
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Do a final walkthrough at the new place as items are unloaded to confirm placement.
After You Move
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Unpack essentials first: kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
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Check appliances and major furniture for any transit damage and report it promptly.
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Update your address with your driver's license/ID and voter registration.
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Locate your new circuit breaker, water shutoff, and gas shutoff for peace of mind.
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Break down and recycle boxes, or ask if your mover offers box pickup.
See how Clear Course Moving can help you in your move.
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
The most common moving-day problems come from a handful of avoidable mistakes:
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Booking movers too late during peak season
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underestimating how long packing takes
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Forgetting to measure furniture against new doorways or stairwells
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Not confirming pricing in writing ahead of time
Building in a buffer week before your move date, and confirming details with your moving company a few days out, solves most of these before they become a problem.
How Clear Course Moving Can Help With Your Checklist
You don't have to work through this checklist alone. If packing is the part you'd rather hand off, our Packing and Unpacking Help covers full or partial packing. If you need boxes and materials, visit our Moving Supplies and Boxes page. And when moving day arrives, our Local Residential Moving and Apartment Moving teams handle the loading, transport, and unloading so you can focus on settling in.
Want to download a free checklist to help you move? The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has put together a free pdf Moving Checklist.
Our Moving Services
Local Residential Moving
Full-service local moves for Phoenix Valley homes, handled by our own crews.
Learn About Local Moving >
Long Distance Moving
Full-service moves to local surrounding Arizona states, handled by our professionals.
Learn About-Long Distance Moving >
Apartment
Moving
Fast, careful apartment movers built for stairs, tight hallways, and strict move-in windows.
Learn About Apartment Moving >
Small/Medium Moving
Right-sized moving help for studios, single rooms, and smaller households.
Learn About Small Moving >
Commercial /
Office Moving
Organized office moving that keeps downtime low and your business running.
Learn About Commercial Moving >
Senior
Moving
Patient, careful senior movers for downsizing and life transitions.
Learn About Senior Moving >
Student
Moving
Affordable, flexible student movers for tight budgets and tight timelines.
Learn About Student Moving >
Labor-Only
Moving Help
Just need muscle? We load, unload, and place furniture — no truck required.
Learn About Labor Help >
Furniture
Moving
Careful furniture movers who protect, disassemble, and reassemble with care.
Learn About Furniture Moving >
Moving Supplies / Boxes
Boxes, tape, and packing materials — everything you need, ready to go.
Learn About Supplies >
Storage
Services
Secure, climate-controlled storage for short- or long-term needs.
Learn About Storage >
Packing & Unpacking Help
Full or partial packing and unpacking that saves time and protects your stuff.
Learn About Packing Help >
Need help figuring out your move? Don’t wait to contact us!
Serving Phoenix, Surrounding Arizona Communities and Beyond
Whether you're checking off this list for a move within Phoenix or relocating from another city, Clear Course Moving LLC provides moving services throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Scottsdale, Glendale, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, and Fountain Hills. Need help outside of Arizona, talk to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Start packing non-essential items about 6 weeks before your move, and save daily essentials for the final week. This spreads the work out and avoids a last-minute rush.
Pack a "first night" box last with toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and any documents you'll need immediately — keep it with you rather than loading it on the truck.
Many moving companies, including Clear Course Moving, offer moving boxes and packing supplies for purchase, and can include them as part of a packing service. Ask when you book your quote.
Booking movers too late, especially during peak moving season (May through September) or around the first and last days of the month, when availability fills up fastest. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead gives you the most flexibility.
Schedule Your Move Today
Ready to get started? Contact Clear Course Moving LLC for a free, no-pressure quote on your moving checklist in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Scottsdale, Glendale, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, and Fountain Hills. Call 480-999-4345 or request your quote online today.