Ultimate Moving Checklist

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8-6 Weeks Before

Early Planning & Decisions — seniors can use our detailed timeline calculator

Choose your moving date

Avoid peak summer months if possible for better rates. Check optimal timing with our market calculator

Decide: DIY or hire movers?

Get 3 quotes from Des Moines moving companies or reserve truck

Create moving budget

Movers, supplies, deposits, travel, storage. Selling first? Estimate your net proceeds to plan your budget

Research new neighborhood

Not sure where to land? Compare Des Moines metro neighborhoods by price, schools, and commute

Start decluttering

Room by room: donate, sell, or trash. Use our downsizing guide if you're rightsizing

Gather important documents

Birth certificates, passports, medical records in one safe place

Measure furniture & doorways

Ensure large items fit through doors at new home

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6-4 Weeks Before

Preparation & Packing Start

Order packing supplies

Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers. Get free boxes from stores

Start packing non-essentials

Out-of-season clothes, books, decor, garage items

Schedule school transfers

Request transcripts. Moving with kids? Compare Des Moines school districts to find the right fit

Notify landlord/HOA

Give proper notice, schedule move-out inspection

Research insurance options

Get quotes for homeowners/renters insurance at new location

Update car registration/license

Moving to Iowa? 30 days to get Iowa license and registration

Host garage sale

Sell items you don't want to move, donate the rest

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4-2 Weeks Before

Utilities & Address Changes

Schedule utility transfers

Electric, gas, water, sewer, trash - disconnect/connect dates

Set up internet/cable

Schedule installation, return old equipment

Submit USPS change of address

File online at usps.com ($1.10 verification fee)

Update financial institutions

Banks, credit cards, investment accounts, loans. Run new mortgage numbers if buying

Notify insurance providers

Auto, health, life, homeowners/renters insurance

Update subscriptions

Magazines, meal kits, Amazon, streaming, gym

Transfer medical records

Doctors, dentists, vets; find new Des Moines providers

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2-1 Weeks Before

Final Preparations

Confirm moving company/truck

Reconfirm date, time, address, special requirements

Pack most remaining items

Leave only essentials for final week

Label all boxes clearly

Room name, contents, FRAGILE if needed

Defrost freezer

Allow 24-48 hours to defrost, clean, dry

Drain lawn equipment

Drain gas from mower, snowblower, generator

Return library books, borrowed items

Collect items from friends, return rentals

Update voter registration

Register at new address online or at Iowa DMV

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Final Week

Last-Minute Tasks

Pack "first night" boxes

Toiletries, chargers, meds, clothes, snacks, toilet paper

Pack essentials bag

Documents, medications, valuables, laptop - keep with you

Empty/clean refrigerator

Use up perishables, clean out fridge/freezer

Arrange pet/child care for moving day

Keep kids and pets safe during the chaos

Get cash for tipping

$20-50 per mover depending on job

Finish all laundry

Pack clean clothes, wash linens

Take photos of new home

Document condition before moving in

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Moving Day

The Big Day

Final walkthrough of old home

Check every room, closet, cabinet, attic, garage

Take meter readings

Photo electric, gas, water readings for final bills

Leave keys, garage openers, manuals

Leave all keys, remotes, manuals for new owners

Supervise loading process

Check inventory, point out fragile items

Direct furniture placement

Tell movers where each item goes

Check for damage

Inspect items as unloaded, note damage before signing

Tip movers

$20-50 per person depending on job quality

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First Week After

Settling In — explore Des Moines metro neighborhoods

Unpack essentials first

Kitchen basics, bathroom, bedding - make home functional

Test all utilities

Lights, outlets, water, heat/AC, appliances

Change locks/rekey home

Rekey or replace locks on all exterior doors

Locate shut-off valves

Water main, gas, electric panel locations

Meet the neighbors

Introduce yourself, get local recommendations

Find local services

Closest grocery, pharmacy, gas station, urgent care

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Ongoing Tasks

Complete Over Time

Update professional licenses

State boards, professional organizations

Update emergency contacts

Family, employer, children's schools

File change of address with IRS

Form 8822 or notify with next tax return

Update estate planning documents

Will, power of attorney with new address. Planning for retirement? Review your housing budget

Explore new community

Find favorite restaurants, parks. See West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, and more

Recycle/dispose of boxes

Break down boxes, save a few for storage

More Planning Tools

Coordinate your move with other important decisions using these free planning tools.

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Net Proceeds Calculator

See what you'll walk away with

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Market Timing

Best time to list your home

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Neighborhood Comparison

Compare Des Moines areas

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Senior Move Timeline

Plan complex transitions

Pro Moving Tips

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Pack Smart

Heavy items in small boxes, light in large. Label on top AND sides. Use towels as padding.

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Save Money

Move mid-week and mid-month. Get free boxes from stores. Know your net proceeds before budgeting.

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Timing Matters

Summer is most expensive. October-April offers best rates. Use our timing calculator to optimize your move.

Des Moines Resources

Local contacts and reminders for your Iowa move. Still deciding where to live? Compare Des Moines neighborhoods side by side.

Essential Contacts

• MidAmerican Energy (gas & electric)
• Des Moines Water Works
• Mediacom / CenturyLink (internet)
• USPS Change of Address
• Iowa DOT (license & registration)

Important Reminders

• Iowa requires new license within 30 days
• Register vehicles within 30 days
• Most utilities need 2-3 days notice
• Update voter registration at DMV
• Keep receipts - may be tax deductible

Moving FAQs

How far in advance should I start planning?

Start 8 weeks before your move. This gives time to declutter, get quotes, pack systematically, and handle address changes without stress. For summer moves or complex senior transitions, start even earlier.

What utilities do I need to transfer in Des Moines?

Contact MidAmerican Energy (electric/gas), Des Moines Water Works (water), your chosen internet provider, and schedule trash/recycling. Most need 2-3 days notice.

How long to update my license after moving to Iowa?

Iowa law requires an Iowa driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You also have 30 days to register your vehicle. Visit any Iowa DOT service center.

What should I pack in my first-night box?

Toiletries, phone chargers, medications, change of clothes, pajamas, toilet paper, paper towels, snacks, pet supplies, and important documents. Keep with you, not on the truck.

How much should I tip movers?

$20-$50 per mover depending on job difficulty and quality. Full-day with heavy furniture: tip higher. Half-day local move: $20-$30 per person is appropriate.

How do I choose the right Des Moines neighborhood?

Consider commute times, school districts, home prices, and lifestyle. Use our neighborhood comparison tool to weigh options, or compare school districts if you have children.

Need Moving Day Help?

I can connect you with trusted movers, cleaners, and service providers to make your Des Moines move smooth and stress-free. Learn more about how I help families relocate across the metro.

Get Moving Resources Browse Des Moines Homes

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®

Smart Move Des Moines | CHASE. Collective Real Estate

📞 563-513-8771 | ✉️ [email protected]