Howdy! 🤠 A move feels a lot smaller when it is broken into weeks. This checklist is the same plan we walk families through on local moves around Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Austin, and San Antonio, and on long distance moves out of Central Texas. Elite Star Movers is a family owned and operated moving company in Buda, TX, and our motto is simple: Serving People & Protecting Furniture, Peace by Piece. Print this page, stick it on the fridge, and check things off as you go. When something feels like too much, call us. We Can Handle It.
Moving out of state? Our out-of-state moving checklist adds the extra steps for a long haul.
8 Weeks Out: Make the Plan
- Pick a target move date, plus a backup date if you can. Month-end and summer weekends fill up first in Central Texas.
- Start a simple move folder (paper or phone) for quotes, lease or closing papers, and receipts.
- Walk each room and decide what is coming, what is being sold or donated, and what is going to family.
- Measure big pieces (sofas, sectionals, armoires, pianos) and compare them to doorways and stairways at the new place.
- Call us for a free quote. Tell us about stairs, elevators, gates, and anything heavy or fragile so the crew plans for it.
7 Weeks Out: Book Your Movers and Set the Scope
- Book your move date with your moving company. Ask who will be on site; with us, the foreman and crew handle your move from start to finish, and Hector Jr leads our crews.
- Decide how much packing you want help with. Our packing services range from a few rooms (kitchens are the most common) to the whole house.
- If you want help sorting before you pack, look at our home organizing services.
- Moving a piano? Mention it now. See our piano movers page.
6 Weeks Out: Declutter Room by Room
- Start with the spaces you use least: garage, attic, guest room, closets.
- Set up three piles: keep, donate or sell, and toss.
- Schedule donation pickups or drop-offs now, before your calendar fills up.
- Use up pantry and freezer food so there is less to pack later.
5 Weeks Out: Gather Supplies and Start Packing the Extras
- Get boxes in a few sizes, packing paper, tape, and markers. Small boxes for heavy things like books, larger boxes for light things like linens.
- Pack out-of-season clothes, holiday decor, and books first.
- Label every box with the room it goes to and a few words about what is inside.
- Read our kitchen and fragile items packing guide before you touch the china cabinet.
4 Weeks Out: Paperwork and Address Changes
- Submit your change of address with the U.S. Postal Service.
- Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance, subscriptions, and doctors.
- Request school and medical records if you are changing schools or providers.
- Schedule utility shut-off at the old place and start-up at the new place (see our moving to Central Texas guide if you are new to the area).
- Living in an apartment or HOA community? Ask about elevator reservations, move-in hours, and insurance certificates now. Our apartment and HOA moving guide covers what to ask.
3 Weeks Out: Pack in Earnest
- Pack one room at a time and finish it before starting the next.
- Keep a running list of box numbers and rooms if you like extra peace of mind.
- Take photos of the back of TVs and electronics before unplugging so setup is easier.
- Decide which furniture stays assembled and which comes apart. Our guide to protecting furniture and floors explains how we protect the big pieces.
2 Weeks Out: Confirm the Details
- Confirm your move date, start time, and both addresses with us.
- Confirm parking, gate codes, and building access at both homes.
- Arrange childcare and pet care for move day. Our moving with kids and pets guide has ideas.
- Start using up cleaning supplies and toiletries you do not want to pack.
1 Week Out: Final Prep
- Pack everything except what you need for the last few days.
- Defrost and dry the freezer if it is moving with you.
- Set aside an open-first box: sheets, towels, toilet paper, chargers, basic tools, snacks, and a few dishes.
- Pack a personal bag with medications, documents, keys, and valuables. That bag rides with you, not with the movers.
- Read our moving day prep guide for the night-before list.
Move Day
- Walk through the home with the foreman when the crew arrives. Point out fragile pieces and anything that is not going.
- Our crew lays floor runners and pads door frames before the first piece goes out.
- Keep your personal bag and set-aside items in one marked spot, like a closet or your car.
- Do a final walk-through: closets, cabinets, attic, garage, and the backyard.
After You Move In
- Tell the crew where each room is so boxes land in the right place the first time.
- Make beds first. A good night’s sleep makes the unpacking feel easier.
- Unpack the kitchen and bathrooms next, then the rest of the house at your own pace.
- Want help getting settled? We can unpack and organize too. Ask about home organizing services.
Moving Checklist FAQs
How far ahead should I book movers?
For local moves, booking a few weeks ahead is a good habit, and more notice helps at month-end, on summer weekends, and around holidays. If your date is sooner, call anyway. We will tell you honestly what we have open.
What should I pack myself and what should I leave for the movers?
Many families pack books, clothes, and decor themselves and leave the kitchen, framed art, mirrors, and lamps to us. You can choose full or partial packing services.
Do I need to empty my dressers?
Lighter items like clothing can often stay in drawers, but anything heavy, breakable, liquid, or valuable should come out. Ask your foreman on move day; it depends on the piece.
Does this checklist work for long distance moves?
Yes. For a move out of state, add the extra steps in our out-of-state moving checklist and see our long distance moving page.
Ready to Start Your Checklist?
Whether you are moving across Buda or across the country, our family is ready to help with local moving, long distance moving, packing, and the heavy lifting in between. We Can Handle It.
Get Your Free Quote or call (512) 358-7827 (toll-free (855) 358-7827).