Whether you're moving within Madison, relocating from Milwaukee to Dane County, or making a long distance move out of Wisconsin — this checklist covers everything you need to do, in the right order.
8 Weeks Before Moving
Decide on a moving company — get 2–3 quotes
Create a moving budget
Start decluttering — donate, sell, or trash what you don't need
Gather important documents (birth certificates, insurance, tax records)
Research your new neighborhood and schools
Start using up pantry food
6 Weeks Before Moving
Book your mover — confirm date and time
Notify your landlord of move-out date
Order packing supplies or collect free boxes
Begin packing non-essentials
Update address with bank, employer, and important accounts
Schedule transfer/disconnection of utilities
4 Weeks Before Moving
Pack all non-essential rooms
Label every box with room and contents
Set up mail forwarding at USPS.com
Transfer or establish health insurance in new area
Notify friends and family of new address
Take inventory of high-value items for insurance purposes
2 Weeks Before Moving
Confirm mover date and time
Return library books, rental items, borrowed belongings
Arrange childcare or pet care for move day
Reserve elevator or loading dock if needed
Pack a "moving week" box — daily essentials for the last week
Move Week
Defrost and clean refrigerator
Disassemble large furniture
Pack remaining items — leave out only what you need daily
Confirm moving truck parking with building management
Charge all devices; gather all chargers in one bag
Create an "open first" box for move-in day
Move Day
Have everything packed and ready before crew arrives
Direct movers clearly — room by room
Do a full walkthrough before leaving old home
Return all keys, garage openers, and mail keys
Photograph old home condition for deposit return
Confirm utilities are transferred
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