Moving Guide
The California Moving Checklist
A week-by-week plan from eight weeks out to move day, with the California-specific DMV and utility steps most checklists miss.
Last updated June 2026
The simplest way to a stress-free move is to start about eight weeks out and work the list below week by week. It covers what to do, when to do it, and the California-specific steps, like updating the DMV within 10 days, that catch people out. Print it, or call us and we will handle the heavy parts for you.
Your Countdown to Move Day
8 Weeks Out
- Set a moving budget and decide DIY vs full-service.
- Request written quotes from licensed California movers (check the CAL-PUC / CPUC T-number).
- Start a moving binder or folder for quotes, receipts, and dates.
- Inventory each room and flag specialty items (piano, art, safe).
6 Weeks Out
- Declutter room by room. Donate, sell, or recycle what is not coming.
- Book your mover and confirm the date in writing.
- Order packing supplies, or arrange full-service packing.
- Measure large furniture against doorways at the new home.
4 Weeks Out
- File a change of address with USPS and update your license/registration (California DMV within 10 days of the move).
- Transfer or set up utilities: power, water, gas, internet.
- Notify banks, insurers, employer, and subscriptions.
- Start packing rarely used rooms (garage, attic, guest room).
2 Weeks Out
- Pack non-essentials and label every box by destination room.
- Confirm parking, elevator, and HOA certificate-of-insurance needs at both ends.
- Arrange care for kids and pets on move day.
- Use up or safely dispose of items movers will not transport (paint, propane, chemicals).
Move Week
- Pack a first-night essentials box (medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes).
- Defrost the fridge and empty the freezer.
- Confirm arrival window and crew contact with your mover.
- Keep valuables, documents, and keys with you, not on the truck.
Move Day
- Walk the crew through the home and point out fragile or priority items.
- Do a final empty-house sweep of closets, cabinets, and the garage.
- Sign the inventory list and keep your copy.
- Confirm the delivery address, gate codes, and unload instructions.
Moving Checklist FAQs
For a typical household, start about eight weeks out. That gives you time to compare licensed movers, declutter, notify utilities and the DMV, and pack without rushing. For peak season (May through September) book your mover even earlier.
Two to three weeks minimum, and earlier during peak season. Booking early locks your date and usually gets you a better crew and rate. Elite confirms your date in writing as soon as you book.
Hazardous and perishable items: paint, propane, gasoline, chemicals, fireworks, and most plants and frozen food. Use these up or dispose of them before move day, and keep valuables and documents with you.
Yes. California requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days, and to file a change of address with USPS so mail forwards. Add banks, insurers, and your employer to the list.
Want the Move Done For You?
Tell us your dates and inventory and we will send a written quote, usually within a few hours.