Moving without a plan is how things get forgotten, damaged, or left behind. This checklist keeps your Madison WI move organized from the moment you set your date all the way through your first week in your new home.
Use it alongside professional apartment movers in Madison — or any move. Check items off as you go. Print it, screenshot it, or bookmark this page.
8 Weeks Before
Set your move date
Mid-month weekdays are easiest in Madison
Book your movers
608 Movers fills up fast — call (608) 855-4007
Give notice to landlord
30–60 days required in Wisconsin typically
Begin decluttering
Sell, donate, or trash what you won't move
Research your new neighborhood
Schools, commute, grocery stores, parking
Start collecting boxes
Free from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or grocery stores
6 Weeks Before
Set up mail forwarding (USPS)
usps.com — takes 2 weeks to process
Notify important accounts of address change
Banks, credit cards, subscriptions, Amazon
Research moving insurance
Ask mover what coverage is included
Start packing least-used rooms first
Storage, basement, guest room, seasonal items
Check if building requires elevator reservation
Contact building manager — often 2 weeks required
Arrange parking for moving truck
Downtown Madison requires advance permit coordination
4 Weeks Before
Pack books, decor, off-season clothing
You won't miss these for a month
Confirm new utilities start date
Electric, gas, internet, water
Schedule disconnection of Wisconsin utilities
Give 2 weeks notice to providers
Transfer medical records and prescriptions
Especially important if moving to new city
Notify employer of new address
For W-2, direct deposit, and HR records
Register kids for new school
Wisconsin school transfers require specific documentation
2 Weeks Before
Pack all non-daily-use items
Kitchen extras, artwork, books, linens
Label every box: room + contents
Add FRAGILE and OPEN FIRST where needed
Photograph all electronics before disconnecting
Photograph cable setups for easy reconnection
Confirm mover arrival time and day-of contact
Have 608 Movers number ready: (608) 855-4007
Deep clean fridge — use up perishables
Defrost 24 hours before move day
Photograph your current apartment
Timestamped video for deposit protection
1 Week Before
Finish all packing except daily essentials
Clothes, toiletries, coffee maker, phone charger
Disassemble large furniture
Bed frames, bookshelves, desks, mirrors
Create OPEN FIRST box
TP, soap, paper towels, charger, snacks, coffee, basic tools
Confirm parking at both locations on move day
Both origin and destination — very important downtown
Return borrowed items and collect loaned items
Last chance before the move
Charge all devices
Phone, laptop, earbuds — especially for long distance
Move Day
Be ready when movers arrive
Everything boxed, staged near exit
Direct crew room by room
Clear labeling helps crew place boxes correctly
Keep valuables with you
Wallet, laptop, meds, jewelry — not on truck
Walk through before leaving
Every room, closet, cabinet, storage unit, parking spot
Return all keys, remotes, fobs, and passes
Document the handoff
Pay the movers and tip if deserved
$20–$50 per mover is standard for good service
First Week in New Home
Update driver's license and vehicle registration
Wisconsin requires update within 60 days of address change
Register to vote at new address
myvote.wi.gov for Wisconsin
Update address with IRS
File Form 8822 online or by mail
Test all utilities at new home
Electric, gas, water, internet, HVAC
Locate nearest hospital, pharmacy, and grocery store
Good to know before you need it
Meet your neighbors
Especially important in new cities
Ready to book your Madison move?
608 Movers handles apartment and home moves throughout Madison and all of Dane County. Flat-rate from $249.