Moving is consistently ranked as one of life's most stressful events — but a little planning goes a long way. Whether you're relocating across Bloomington or moving to town for the first time, this checklist will keep you on track.

6–8 Weeks Before

  • Set your move date and give notice to your landlord if renting
  • Start researching movers or arrange help from friends and family
  • Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or trash what you won't need
  • Create a moving binder or folder for receipts, lease docs, and contacts

4–5 Weeks Before

  • Book your moving totes early — especially if moving during IU move-in season (late July–August) or move-out (April–May). Availability fills fast.
  • Notify utilities: electricity, gas, internet, water — set transfer or cancellation dates
  • Forward your mail via USPS and update your address with banks, subscriptions, and the Indiana BMV
  • Schedule elevator reservations if your building requires them

2–3 Weeks Before

  • Start packing non-essentials: off-season clothes, books, décor
  • Label every tote clearly — room name + general contents
  • Photograph serial numbers and condition of valuables before packing
  • Arrange childcare or pet care for move day

Move Week

  • Pack your "first night" bag: toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, snacks, and anything you'll need before the totes are unpacked
  • Confirm your tote delivery time and ensure someone is home to receive them
  • Do a final walkthrough of your old place before handing over keys
  • Take photos of both your old and new space for your records

After You Move In

  • Unpack room by room — start with the kitchen and bedroom
  • Schedule tote pickup once you've emptied them (no cleaning required — just leave them empty and we'll collect from your new address)
  • Update your voter registration and driver's license with your new Bloomington address

One Last Tip

Plastic moving totes are significantly easier to stack and carry than cardboard boxes — and since they have attached lids, you won't spend any time hunting for tape. If you haven't already, reserve your totes well ahead of your move date.