Inventory the stuff you’re taking.
Create a short, accurate list for yourself or a moving company. Avoid overestimating and overpaying for too many boxes or too large a truck. Ask friends for referrals! Extra tip: don't pay for boxes. There are free cardboard boxes just about everywhere; all you have to do is ask!

Book your move.
Nail down your move-out date. If you are using a moving company or renting a truck, sign your estimate and confirm your plan. Lock in a rental truck early to avoid heavy last-minute rates or truck unavailability.

Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, if you do hire a moving company, we suggest purchasing insurance through that company to help protect you and your stuff during the big move.

Purge your junk.
Donate, sell, toss and recycle things you don’t want or need. Purge expired medicines and makeup. Keep a give-away box or bags handy. This will make it easier to get rid of items while you purge.

Start packing.
Make a packing kit. Include permanent markers, scissors, different-colored rolls of duct tape and pens. A notebook, bottle of water and snacks, too!

As you pack, set aside items that you’ll need for your trip and the first few days in your new home. Put them in a box labeled “first day,” so you know when to open it once you arrive. Extra tip: color-code your stuff. Pick one color of duct tape for each room in your house and slap a square of it on each side of your box.

Quit stocking the cabinet.
Eat as many perishables as possible and stop grocery shopping. Reducing food=reducing boxes.

Change your address.
Fill out a change of address form with the post office or online at USPS.com. Be sure to update your address with your bank, insurance providers, credit card issuers, mailed subscriptions and other important contacts.

Think outside the box.
Garbage bags are your friends! Think pillows, blankets, socks, undergarments, bathing suits and pajamas. Get creative in combining items. Include socks, shirts, pillows, blankets, and other soft items with your fragile items.

Keep an inventory.
Use the notebook to create a checklist of your boxes. Write numbers on your boxes, and include what each number represents in your notebook.

Visually check whether everything is loaded onto the truck and all applicable paperwork is complete.

Take a final tour of your home to make sure the water and light switches are turned off, windows are locked and closed and nothing is left behind.

Check your belongings as they’re unloaded. Keep a map handy to direct movers where to place the furniture.

Store all of your moving paperwork—you’ll need it for your federal income tax returns.

Start settling in.
Visit your new post office to pick up any mail being held and ask for delivery to begin.

Contact your car insurance company.
Depending on where you’ve moved, you may have new coverage options, prices and savings available to you. Take a look at the coverage requirements for your state to ensure you have the right protection. If you insure your car with GEICO, we’re always a click, tap or phone call away! If not, consider getting a quote with GEICO today.

Register your vehicle.
Check the state requirements for vehicle registration and driver’s license, and make a trip to the DMV. Every state has a different window for when you need to make these transfers, so put this high up on your list. Also be sure to check the DMV website to see what steps can be completed online.

Search for new healthcare providers.
One of the top priorities when moving to a new place is finding a new doctor, dentist, vet and other important specialists for you and your family.

Register to vote.
Conveniently register online, or fill out and mail a Voter Registration Form. This form can be found at post offices and the DMV. We suggest checking the DMV website to see what can be completed online.

Explore your new city and neighborhood.
Enjoy discovering your new favorite hair salon, parks, running and bike paths as well as other hangouts. Figure out which restaurant will be your regular pizza delivery place.

Find a trustworthy local contractor.
Save money by relying on one person instead of many to service your home improvement projects. Asking your neighbors for referrals is a smart way to break the ice and build relationships.

Be sure to keep in contact with your insurance company about updates and improvements to your home—from renovations to better materials—to ensure you’re getting the best rate.