Moving out of an apartment in Madison doesn't have to be chaotic. Whether you're moving to a new apartment in Sun Prairie, buying a home in Fitchburg, or relocating out of state, this checklist keeps you organized and on schedule. Follow it week by week and you'll be stress-free on move day.
4–6 Weeks Before
Book your movers — slots in Madison fill fast, especially weekends
Give notice to your current landlord (usually 30–60 days required)
Start collecting free boxes from local stores or Facebook Marketplace
Start decluttering — donate or sell what you don't need to move
Confirm your new lease start date and move-in window
Set up mail forwarding at USPS.com
2 Weeks Before
Pack non-essentials: books, decor, off-season clothes, extra linens
Label every box with room name and general contents
Arrange parking for the moving truck (call your building manager)
Notify utilities of your move date (electric, internet, gas)
Confirm elevator reservation if your building has one
Start using up pantry food — less to move
1 Week Before
Pack all remaining items except daily essentials
Disassemble large furniture (bed frame, desk, shelving)
Charge all devices and gather chargers in one bag
Create an "open first" box: toilet paper, soap, phone charger, coffee maker
Confirm your move date and time with 608 Movers: (608) 855-4007
Walk through your apartment and photograph condition for deposit
Move Day
Have boxes in one area ready to load — don't make movers wait
Direct movers clearly: room-by-room, heaviest items first
Keep valuables (wallet, laptop, meds) with you — not on the truck
Do a full walkthrough before leaving: closets, cabinets, storage unit
Return all keys, remotes, and parking passes to landlord
Confirm all utilities are transferred before you leave
Need Apartment Movers in Madison?
608 Movers handles apartment moves throughout Madison, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Fitchburg, Verona, Monona, and Cottage Grove. $170/hr · 2-hr minimum.
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