A complete relocation checklist covers address changes, utilities, movers, records, and packing on a two-month timeline, and it should also account for your vehicle. If you are moving long-distance and not driving your car yourself, book auto transport at least three to four weeks before your move date to lock in availability.

Long-distance moves have a way of feeling manageable until the actual week arrives and a dozen small tasks collide at once. The best defense is a checklist broken into stages, so nothing gets left for the last minute, including a piece people often forget until it is almost too late: how the car actually gets to the new house.

Two Months Before You Move

This is the planning stage. Decisions you make now save you money and stress later.

  • Research your new city: neighborhoods, commute times, school districts, and cost of living
  • Create a moving budget and start a folder (digital or physical) for receipts and confirmations
  • Get quotes from at least three moving companies and read reviews before booking
  • Start decluttering room by room, donating or selling what you do not need
  • Notify your landlord if you are renting, or list your home if you are selling
  • Research your new state’s requirements for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and insurance
  • If your move involves a car you will not be driving, start looking into shipping options now (more on this below)

One Month Before You Move

Tasks start getting concrete here. This is also the window when you should finalize your movers and your car shipping arrangements.

  • Book your moving company or reserve a moving truck
  • Begin packing non-essential items, labeling boxes by room
  • Request school records be transferred and register kids at their new school
  • Schedule utility shut-off at your old address and setup at your new one (electric, gas, water, internet)
  • Submit a change of address with the USPS and update it with your bank, employer, and subscriptions
  • Transfer or cancel local memberships (gym, clubs, medical providers)
  • Request copies of medical, dental, and veterinary records
  • Arrange car shipping if you need it (see the highlighted section below)

Book Your Car Shipping Early: Here’s Why It Matters

If you are flying to your new city, driving a second vehicle separately, or simply do not want to put hundreds or thousands of miles on your car, shipping it is often the more practical choice. But car shipping runs on carrier availability, and popular routes and peak moving seasons fill up fast. Booking three to four weeks ahead gives you far more flexibility on pickup dates than trying to arrange something with a week’s notice.

Here is what to do during this window:

  • Decide between open transport (cost-effective and common for everyday vehicles) and enclosed transport (extra protection, often chosen for classic, luxury, or low-clearance cars)
  • Decide whether you want door to door pickup and delivery or are willing to meet a carrier at a nearby, accessible location
  • Get a free, no-obligation quote so you know your options before you commit to a date
  • Confirm the pickup window lines up with your moving timeline, including a buffer day or two in case of weather or route delays
  • Prepare the vehicle: remove personal items, keep the gas tank low, document existing condition with photos, and disable any active toll transponders

ABC Auto Shipping ships vehicles nationwide and works with a network of licensed and insured carriers, so whether you are relocating across two states or coast to coast, you can get matched with a driver on your timeline. Getting a free quote early costs you nothing and takes the guesswork out of this part of the move, letting you check it off the list and focus on everything else.

Moving Week

Things move fast now. Stay organized and keep a “first night” bag separate from everything else.

  • Confirm final details with your moving company (arrival time, parking, elevator reservations if needed)
  • Confirm your car shipping pickup window and share any gate codes or access instructions with the carrier
  • Finish packing everything except daily essentials
  • Pack a first-night box with toiletries, chargers, medications, and a change of clothes
  • Empty and defrost the refrigerator if it is being moved
  • Return borrowed items and library books
  • Back up important documents (birth certificates, passports, titles) in a folder you carry yourself, not in the moving truck

Moving Day

  • Do a final walkthrough of your old home, checking closets, cabinets, and the garage
  • Take meter readings and photos of the empty home for your records
  • Hand off your vehicle to the car shipping carrier and do a walkaround inspection together, noting condition on the bill of lading
  • Keep your phone charged and carrier contact information handy in case pickup times shift slightly
  • Turn in keys and garage remotes to your landlord or the new owners
  • Keep essential documents, medications, and valuables with you rather than on the truck

After You Arrive

  • Unpack essentials first: kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms
  • Register your vehicle and get a new driver’s license within your new state’s required window
  • Update your voter registration
  • Locate the nearest hospital, pharmacy, and urgent care
  • Introduce yourself to neighbors and explore the immediate area
  • Track your car shipping delivery and inspect the vehicle against the pickup notes before signing off
  • File any moving-related expenses for tax purposes if applicable

Once your car arrives and passes inspection against the condition report from pickup day, that is one more major task off your list. If you have not yet arranged transport and your move is coming up fast, it is worth getting a free quote from ABC Auto Shipping now rather than scrambling for a carrier the week you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start planning a long-distance move?

Start at least two months before your move date. This gives you enough time to research your new area, budget properly, hire movers, and arrange details like school transfers and car shipping without feeling rushed.

When should I book car shipping for a long-distance move?

Book three to four weeks before your desired pickup date. Carrier schedules fill up quickly, especially during summer months and around holidays, so booking early gives you more choice over your pickup window.

What is the difference between open and enclosed auto transport?

Open transport carries your vehicle on a multi-car open trailer and is the standard, widely used option for everyday vehicles. Enclosed transport carries your vehicle in a covered trailer, shielding it from weather and road debris, and is typically chosen for classic, exotic, or high-value cars.

Does door to door car shipping mean the carrier comes to my exact address?

In most cases, yes, though very large carrier trucks sometimes cannot access narrow streets or tight communities. When that happens, the driver will arrange a nearby accessible meeting point, such as a large parking lot, which is still far more convenient than driving to a terminal.

Should I ship my car or drive it myself during a relocation?

It depends on distance, timing, and whether you have more than one vehicle. Shipping makes sense when you are flying to your new city, moving a second car, want to avoid extra mileage and wear, or simply prefer not to spend days behind the wheel during an already stressful week.

How do I get an accurate car shipping quote?

Provide your vehicle’s year, make, and model, along with your pickup and delivery locations and your preferred timing. ABC Auto Shipping offers a free online quote that takes just a few minutes, giving you a clear picture of your options before you commit to a booking.