01 / 2–3 months before
Book your move
The earliest stage sets everything else. This is the time to anchor the rest of your plans to the date that matters most.
- Book early: Book 2–3 months ahead if you can, especially for summer and month-end moves. Summer and month-end dates fill first.
- Find your pacing item: identify the date you cannot easily move — a job start, school start, closing date or lease end — and tell your specialist up front.
- Get a written quote: review it with your specialist, including the inventory, services and access details it describes.
- Compare like for like: compare estimates using the same inventory, and get a written quote for your route. See starting prices by route in our how-it-works guide.
02 / 1 month before
Confirm the details
A month out, confirm the terms that shape your price and protection. Get the answers in writing and keep them with your estimate.
- Confirm your estimate type: ask whether a binding or non-binding estimate applies to your move, and what changes would revise it.
- Confirm valuation coverage: ask which option applies and what must be declared, especially for high-value belongings.
- Confirm your delivery window in writing: deliveries are scheduled within a range based on your route’s distance, not on one exact day.
- Confirm date-change terms: No date-change fee with at least 7 days' notice after booking. Dates and addresses changing is totally normal on a long-distance move — just tell your specialist as soon as you know. Dates and addresses changing is totally normal — tell your specialist as soon as you know.
- Downsize now: shipment size drives price, so decide what you will sell, donate or leave behind before your inventory is finalized.
03 / 2 weeks before
Confirm access and start packing
Two weeks out, lock down the logistics at both addresses and begin packing the things you rarely use.
- Confirm the carrier’s details: ask your specialist for the assigned carrier’s details and contacts, and review them on your moving documents.
- Confirm access at both homes: check pickup and delivery access, building rules, elevator reservations and parking.
- Get the prohibited-items list: ask your specialist for the licensed partner carrier’s full list before you pack anything uncertain.
- Start packing non-essentials: begin with storage areas, seasonal items and rooms you use least.
04 / Moving week
Finish packing and set aside essentials
During the final week, finish packing and separate everything that travels with you instead of on the truck.
- Finish packing: Yes, you can pack your own boxes. Leave the furniture to the professional movers — furniture handling is included in the standard service.
- Label by destination room: clear labels help the crew place boxes correctly and help you find essentials without opening every box.
- Set aside what stays with you: documents, medications, keys and essentials you will need while the shipment is in transit — keep them separate from the items being loaded.
- Pack a first-night essentials bag: clothes, toiletries, chargers and anything each person needs before the boxes arrive, including pets’ medications and supplies.
05 / Moving day
Inventory and paperwork
On moving day the carrier loads your belongings. Stay available, review the paperwork and keep your own copies.
- Review the inventory: go through it with the carrier and note the existing condition of your items before loading.
- Ask before you sign: ask questions about the paperwork before signing, and keep copies where you can access them during the move.
- Know who needs to be present: your specialist will confirm who needs to be present at pickup and delivery before moving day.
06 / Delivery & after
Check everything before the crew leaves
Delivery is the last checkpoint. Take the time to compare what arrives against your inventory.
- Check items against the inventory: look at the condition of delivered items before the crew leaves.
- Record problems on the paperwork: note anything missing or damaged on the appropriate documents, and keep photos where useful.
- You are not on your own: your specialist stays with you through the whole process — call (833) 929-3318 if anything comes up.
Frequently asked questions
Sources & references
General public guidance informs this checklist. These references do not establish Commendable Movers’ specific prices, delivery windows or service terms; confirm those with your specialist.
Ready for your quote?
Get a written quote for your route and talk through the details with a moving specialist.