Moving Checklist

A step-by-step guide to relocating without the stress — from tax research to unpacking.

Phase 1.3 Months Before Moving

  • Research state and local tax differences using Clarity Tax
  • Compare cost of living between current and target locations
  • Visit potential neighborhoods (or schedule virtual tours)
  • Check state licensing requirements if you work in a regulated field
  • Start decluttering — decide what to keep, sell, or donate

Phase 2.2 Months Before Moving

  • Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
  • Set a moving budget including travel, deposits, and moving costs
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) with written notice
  • Request time off from work for moving days
  • Research schools, healthcare providers, and other essentials in your new area
  • Begin forwarding address paperwork with USPS

Phase 3.1 Month Before Moving

  • Book movers or rental truck
  • Change utilities: set cancellation dates for current, start dates for new
  • Update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance, and subscriptions
  • Transfer or refill prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new area
  • Arrange for pet travel if applicable (vet records, airline requirements)
  • Start packing non-essentials (off-season clothes, books, decor)

Phase 4.2 Weeks Before Moving

  • Confirm movers and finalize pickup/delivery schedule
  • Pack an essentials box: toiletries, chargers, medications, bedding, basic tools
  • Label all boxes clearly by room
  • Clean your current home for the next occupant
  • Notify insurance (auto, health, renters/homeowners) of address change
  • Cancel local services: gym, delivery subscriptions, parking permits

Phase 5.Moving Week

  • Confirm arrival time with movers or truck rental
  • Defrost and clean refrigerator
  • Do a final walkthrough of your old home — check closets, cabinets, garage
  • Take photos of empty rooms for deposit return
  • Charge all devices and pack chargers in your carry-on or car bag
  • Have cash or payment method ready for movers (tips, any balance due)

Phase 6.After Arrival

  • Inspect all boxes for damage before movers leave
  • Update your voter registration
  • Register your vehicle and update your driver's license (check state deadlines)
  • Set up trash/recycling pickup schedule
  • Find new healthcare providers — primary care, specialists, dentist
  • File any state-specific tax registration if you're starting a business
  • Re-run your tax comparison on Clarity Tax with your final address

Tax-Specific Moving Checklist

Don't let tax surprises ruin your fresh start. Add these to your moving plan:

  • Compare total tax burden (income + sales + property) between states before you commit
  • Check if your target state has a homestead exemption for homeowners
  • Review state estate tax thresholds — some kick in well below the federal exemption
  • If retired, verify how your new state taxes Social Security, pensions, and IRA withdrawals
  • Check if your target state has a 'source tax' that could affect remote income
  • Set aside funds for any prorated tax obligations in your current state

Start With a Tax Comparison

Before you pack the first box, know exactly what your tax picture looks like in your new home state.

Compare Taxes Now