Moving Checklist

Moving Checklist for Long-Distance Moves

Our moving checklist will help you properly prepare for your long-distance move. The list will provide a helpful timeline of moving tips to get you organized before your moving day. Long-distance moving can be very taxing, and our goal is to provide as much information as possible to help relieve some of the stresses. If you have any questions about the moving checklist, please feel free to contact your International Van Lines agent.

Please also check out our FAQ’s page for long-distance moving.

YOUR TO-DO LIST

A Month Before Your Move – Moving Checklist

1. Once you’ve confirmed, your moving date contact the moving company of your choice and make a reservation. You can always change a moving time at no charge.

2. If you’re packing start purchasing the required packing supplies. You can get discounted packing materials on our site.

3. Start to organize your garage, closets etc. Get rid of what you don’t need.

4. Donate your unwanted things to charity.

5. Start contacting the local school to transfer records.

6. Get a change of address card from your local post office, or you can change your address online.

7. Start notifying all vendors of your address change.

ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

1. Create a “survival kit” of items you’ll need for the final move out and include snacks for the last day.

2. If you’re self-packing, label all boxes as you pack. Mark the destination of each room on the top and sides of the box, which will help you stay organized. If you’re having International Van Lines pack for you, we will take care of this.

3. Start scheduling your disconnects for utilities. If you have a landline, don’t disconnect it until after you move out. Arrange for any credits that are due, and arrange for connections at your new residence.

4. Cancel the internet, newspapers, cable, alarms, pest control, lawn care and any other services you receive. We hope this moving checklist helps.

WEEK OF THE MOVE

1. Mail your change of address forms.

2. Clean your home or hire a cleaning crew.

3. Finish packing and make sure all items are boxed and ready to go.

4. Plan for your kids and pets to be out of the residence on packing day. It will help with the stress levels.

5. Make sure you have transportation to your new home arranged.

6. If you have any questions about your relocation or our moving checklist, please contact us.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR MOVE

1. Make sure you read the International Van Lines pre-move email. Also, make sure you’ve purchased additional insurance coverage.

2. Make sure all breakable items have been removed from dressers and packed away.

3. Check out our list of things that can’t be moved and make sure you arrange to have them shipped.

4. Clean the refrigerator and defrost.

5. Get enough cash to hold you over. The money will come in handy if you need to order a pizza or dinner in your new place.

6. Double check the moving checklist and then say bye to your neighbors!

MOVING DAY

1. Create a patch for the movers. Clear your driveway of objects, snow or ice.

2. Pack your suitcase with all essentials to get you through the next few days, in case you’re not unpacking right away.

3. Make sure you’re home when the moving company arrives so you can walk them through the house and indicate what needs to be done.

4. Once all your household goods are loaded on the truck, be sure to do one more walk through of your home. Make sure all windows and doors are locked.

We understand that moving can be stressful. We hope our moving checklist helps. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. Below are some other helpful resources.

Understanding Your Estimate
What is a Binding Estimate
Weight vs. Cubic Feet
Find Free Packing Supplies
Tipping a Mover

General Information about International Van Lines

Thank you for visiting International Van Lines moving review page. IVL was established in the year 2000, primarily as an international moving & logistics company. In 2004 IVL purchased its first truck to focus on local moving. After rapidly growing IVL tried its hand at long-distance moving, and today they’re one of the largest private companies in the moving industry. They maintain one of the best reputations in moving and are quickly becoming a household name. Below you will find more information about International Van Lines moving reviews.

Rating & Reviews/Complaints

It’s easy for anyone to claim that they’re one of the best, but here at IVL, we can prove it. We’ve been featured in the INC500 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. IVL has also been mentioned in the Sun-Sentinel, USA Today and has been ranked number one by moving.co, Consumer Advocate and Consumer Affairs. Their review is based on customer feedback, online surveys, years in business and fleet size.

Complaints:

International Van Lines moving reviews are excellent; however, we still get complaints from time to time. Our complaints are less than a fraction of one percent of the moves we transport. The main complaints we deal with are delays and damages which are realistic possibilities when moving. Although they’re not a common occurrence it can happen. IVL will do everything in its power to find a solution to any problem which is why International Van Lines moving reviews are stellar.

Long-Distance Moving

International Moving

Local Moving

Elijah H – February 2, 2024

Efficient and reliable moving service! The team was punctual, handled belongings with care, and ensured a smooth transition. Reasonably priced, making the moving process stress-free. Highly recommend their services!

Donnelle Smith – February 2, 2024

This is a really great company. They are very efficient and have excellent peoples skills. Anytime I’ve had their service I was more than pleased. If you want movers that are safe careful and finish the job in a timely fashion. These guys are #1 and I’ll recommend them to my family and friends. Have a great day and thank you guys.

Chris – September 5, 2023

I have moved many times throughout my lifetime, and this by far, has been the best moving experience I have ever had! The truck showed up on time. The movers were very polite and extremely diligent during the packing and loading process. The truck showed up on time at the delivery location and the delivery was just as smooth as the pickup. I would recommend this company over any other by far. I am retiring, and I believe this will be my final move, but if I ever have to make another state to state move, I will definitely be using International Van Lines. To all the men and women at this company, I want to sincerely say thank you! Keep up the great work!

David Donahoe – May 15, 2023

International Van Lines made my interstate move much less stressful than I had imagined. They organized everything down to the smallest detail, and kept me informed every step of the way.

Charles Michael – May 15, 2023

International Van Lines could easily handle my large and complicated move. Their crew was efficient and prepared on a moving day because of the comprehensive plan they supplied. Their rates were the finest also. I couldn't have asked for a more glorious adventure.

Moving Checklist