The 8-week interstate moving checklist

By the Nation Moving data team · Updated July 2026

A state-to-state move has one hard deadline that everything else hangs on: booking your carrier. Start eight weeks out and the rest falls into place. Here's the week-by-week plan.

1. 1

   8 weeks out, research and quote

   Get written estimates from three licensed carriers after in-home or video surveys. Verify each USDOT number at fmcsa.dot.gov. Start a move binder for estimates, receipts, and inventory.

2. 2

   7 weeks out, book your carrier and purge

   Lock your date with your chosen carrier, summer books out first. Begin decluttering room by room; every pound you don't ship lowers the transport cost.

3. 3

   6 weeks out, gather supplies and records

   Order boxes and packing materials. Request school, medical, dental, and veterinary records. Photograph high-value items for your inventory and valuation coverage.

4. 4

   5 weeks out, start packing non-essentials

   Pack out-of-season clothing, books, and décor. Label every box by room and contents. Use a numbered inventory so nothing goes missing on a long haul.

5. 5

   4 weeks out, change your address

   File a USPS change of address, and update your bank, employer, insurers, and subscriptions. Research your new state's DMV deadlines for vehicle registration and license transfer.

6. 6

   3 weeks out, utilities and travel

   Schedule shut-off at your current home and set-up at the destination. Book any flights, hotels, or a car shipper. Confirm the carrier's pickup and delivery windows in writing.

7. 7

   2 weeks out, confirm and finish packing

   Reconfirm the move with your carrier. Pack everything except a two-week essentials box per person. Empty, defrost, and dry the fridge and any fuel-powered equipment.

8. 8

   1 week out, essentials and cash

   Pack an 'open first' box (chargers, meds, documents, tools, a change of clothes). Set aside the FMCSA 'Your Rights and Responsibilities' booklet and your bill of lading. Keep valuables and documents with you, not on the truck.

9. 9

   Load day, inventory and sign

   Walk the crew through the home. Check the driver's inventory and note the condition of items before you sign. Keep a copy of the signed bill of lading and the delivery window.

10. 10

    Delivery day, inspect and register

    Check off each item against the inventory as it comes off the truck, note any damage on the paperwork before signing, and file claims promptly. Then start the DMV clock for your new state.

Two companion guides make load day safer: your rights on an interstate move and packing for a long haul.