Moving Checklist

Table of contents

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

Meghan Heidelberg – November 22, 2024

The staff worked very hard the entire time , they were very gentle with my belongings. I would highly recommend this company.

The staff worked very hard the entire time , they were very gentle with my values. The movers were efficient and was very nice . They stayed until 10 pm helping move my large furniture. I would highly recommend this company!

Nicole – October 29, 2024

I would definitely recommend IVL to anyone moving in the country or out of the country because they are reliable, courteous and very professional!! They arrived at my home 20 mins. early and helped me get my belongings packed and ready to move. They also helped move my vehicles with no hesitation!! At first I was a little nervous being I had such a horrible experience with a different moving company!! IVL employees are amazing and I will definitely recommend them to any friends or family members who are relocating in the future!! THANKS GUYS FOR Everything!!

Ben Meredith – October 23, 2024

International Van Lines was very accommodating for my recent move. After googling Moving companies, International Van Lines came up in the search, and I thought I would give them a try.

I had a 3 bedroom home to move from Staten Island, New York to Marietta, Georgia, including Living Room set, Refrigerator and stove. The guys were very professional in their move of the 3 Bedroom, Living Room, and Kitchen sets! They had all of the moving equipment, Dollies, hand trucks, boxes, tape, etc.

My items arrived in Marietta, Georgia without any damage!

Thanks for the Very Successful Move International Van Lines! Five Stars! God Bless!

Ben Meredith, Jr – October 23, 2024

International Van Lines was very accommodating for my recent move. After googling Moving companies, International Van Lines came up in the search, and I thought I would give them a try.

I had a 3 bedroom home to move from Staten Island, New York to Marrieta, Georgia, including living room, Refrigerator, and stove. The guys were very Professional in their Total Move with the 3 Bedroom sets, Living room set, and Kitchen items. They definitely had all the equipment, shrink wrap, dollies, hand trucks, and boxes for the move.

My items arrived in Marietta, Georgia, without any damage.

Thanks International Van Lines for the Very Successful Move! Five Stars! God Bless!

Moving Checklist