How do I plan a local move?

A smooth local move comes from doing things in the right order: decide what goes, book the right help, pack so the crew can work fast, and handle the address changes. Start four to eight weeks ahead if you can. A one-bedroom move with flexible dates can be planned in less, but the order stays the same.

Six to eight weeks out: decide what goes

Walk every room, the attic, the basement, the garage and the shed, and sort into keep, sell, donate and discard. Everything you clear now is something you do not pay to move or pack. Book a junk removal crew or your locality's bulk pickup for the large pieces; see how to get rid of an old couch and what to ask a junk removal company before booking.

Measure the big furniture and the doors, stairways and elevators at the new place. A sofa that will not fit is cheaper to sell now than to move and sell later.

Four to six weeks out: book the movers

Write one inventory: rooms, large items, an approximate box count, and anything heavy or fragile. Send the same list to two or three movers, describe both buildings (stairs, elevators, parking, long walks), and ask for written estimates.

Check each company's standing. Virginia law makes it unlawful to operate, offer, advertise or arrange to transport property for compensation within Virginia as a motor carrier without a DMV permit or certificate of fitness,^[3] though some small and in-town moves are exempt. See whether movers need a license in Virginia and how much local movers cost.

If you are moving yourself, book the truck and any loading help now, and line up friends for the day.

Two to four weeks out: pack

Start with the rooms and seasons you use least: guest rooms, books, off-season clothes, holiday decorations. Pack heavy things like books in small boxes and light things like linens in large ones, so no box is too heavy to carry. Fill gaps with paper so boxes do not crush when stacked.

Keep each box to one room and label it on the side, not only the top, with the room and a short list of contents. Number the boxes and keep a list; it makes a missing box obvious.

Treat batteries with care. Put loose lithium-ion batteries in separate plastic bags or tape their terminals,^[4] and keep them out of sealed boxes where you cannot see them. EPA notes that even used batteries can have enough energy to injure or start fires.^[4] Ask your mover what it will not carry; fuel, propane tanks, paint and other chemicals are often on that list.

One to two weeks out: addresses and access

File your mail forwarding. USPS says to allow at least 7 to 10 business days for it to take effect.^[1] When we checked on October 27, 2026, USPS charged a $1.25 identity verification fee for an online change of address.^[1] Forwarding does not catch everything: USPS also says government agencies and financial institutions do not allow forwarding of sensitive documents such as driver's licenses, voter registration, credit cards and bank statements.^[1] And a USPS change of address changes your address only with the Post Office,^[1] so contact your bank, insurer, employer and other senders directly.

Schedule utilities and internet to start at the new place the day before you arrive. Reserve the elevator or loading dock if either building has one, and ask your building, HOA or locality whether a truck needs a parking reservation or notice.

Check outdoor things before they travel. Spotted lanternfly spreads mainly by hitchhiking, laying egg masses on vehicles and outdoor materials,^[5] and VDACS asks residents to check vehicles and outdoor items before leaving infested areas.^[5] Look over patio furniture, grills, planters and bikes.

The last few days

Pack an essentials box that rides with you: medicines, documents, chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools, toilet paper, soap, snacks and bedding for the first night. Empty dressers of heavy and loose items, take down wall art and mirrors, and defrost and dry the freezer if it is moving. Clear a wide path to the door and protect floors and door frames; see how to protect floors and walls on moving day.

Moving day

Be there when the crew arrives, walk them through, and point out fragile items and anything that is not going. Before the truck leaves, check every room, closet and cabinet.

At the new place, have someone direct boxes to rooms and check furniture as it comes off. Write any damage on the delivery paperwork before signing. Virginia law limits the release in a household goods delivery acknowledgement to a statement that the goods arrived in apparent good condition except as noted on the shipping documents,^[6] so the notes count. If something is broken, see what to do if movers damage your furniture.

After the move

Virginia law requires you to notify DMV of a new address within 30 days of moving if you hold a Virginia driver's licence or ID card,^[2] and DMV may charge a $5 fee if you fail to do so.^[2] Update your vehicle registration and voter registration at the same time.

Stop and call a pro if

• A piano, safe, pool table or hot tub is moving. Hire a specialty mover with the right equipment rather than asking friends.
• A washer, dryer or refrigerator needs a gas, water or electrical connection at the new place. Leave gas and electrical hookups to a licensed tradesperson.
• Furniture has to come down a narrow stair or over a railing. Let an experienced crew judge it before anyone gets hurt.

Get help on Loclis

On Loclis you describe the move once and local businesses quote. Browse more junk removal and moving answers, see local moving companies, or describe your move and get quotes.