The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Washington State

Moving is exciting — and a lot of moving parts. This week-by-week checklist was built for moves in Washington State, whether you are heading from Kent to Bellevue or Tacoma to Seattle.

8 Weeks Before Your Move

• Decide on your move date — summer weekends in Puget Sound book up fast
• Research and contact at least 3 licensed and insured moving companies
• Schedule free in-home estimates — phone quotes are rarely accurate for larger homes
• Start decluttering — donate, sell, or discard anything you will not bring
• Research schools if moving school districts in Washington

6 Weeks Before

• Book your moving company and confirm in writing with a written quote
• Start collecting free boxes from grocery stores and Facebook Marketplace
• Order specialty packing supplies: bubble wrap, packing paper, wardrobe boxes
• Contact your utility companies (Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Comcast)
• Begin packing non-essential rooms and seasonal items first

4 Weeks Before

• File your USPS change of address at usps.com/move
• Notify your bank, credit cards, and subscriptions of your new address
• Confirm your movers have the new address and any access instructions
• Reserve the building elevator if moving into a high-rise in Seattle or Bellevue

2 Weeks Before

• Pack all but essential daily-use items
• Label every box clearly — room name on top and side
• Photograph all electronics and valuables for insurance
• Confirm move date, time, and crew size with your moving company
• Plan your first-night bag: charger, toiletries, change of clothes, medications, documents

The Week Of

• Defrost your refrigerator 24–48 hours before move day
• Disassemble large furniture if your movers are not handling it
• Clear pathways from every room to the front door
• Confirm parking access for the moving truck at both addresses

Move Day

• Be ready before your crew arrives — time is money on an hourly move
• Walk your movers through every room and point out fragile items
• Do a final walkthrough of closets, garage, attic, and outdoor spaces before the truck leaves
• Direct each item to the correct room as it comes off the truck
• Inspect for any damage before signing off

First Week in Your New Home

• Update your Washington State driver license at dol.wa.gov within 10 days
• Locate your nearest grocery store, urgent care, and pharmacy
• Leave a review for your moving company — it helps other Washington families