Relocating in Utah means navigating high-desert weather, mountain passes, HOA rules, and the quirks of homes built everywhere from downtown Salt Lake City to rural Cache Valley. A written plan turns all those moving parts into a clear sequence. Print or copy this 8 week checklist and tick off each box as you complete it. Every step is designed to help your Utah move go smoothly, save money, and avoid last-minute headaches.
Ready to make your move a success? Contact Red Barn Movers today for a free estimate and discover how a professional, locally trusted team can make your Utah relocation smooth from start to finish.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Research Professional Utah Movers and Request Quotes
Start your search by looking for the best professional movers in Utah. Ask about specialty moving experience for large items (pianos, gun safes, or fitness equipment). Choosing the right moving company early ensures you get your preferred move date and clear, upfront pricing. - Book Your Move with Red Barn Movers
Once you’ve found your best fit, reserve your move date. Booking early, especially in the busy summer months, guarantees truck and crew availability for your target day. Confirm whether you need packing help or just loading and unloading. Keep a written or digital confirmation with your move contract for easy reference. - Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder
Gather all your moving documents—quotes, contracts, receipts, school and medical records, and important contacts—into one place. This binder or folder will make it easy to find information when calling utilities or speaking with your Utah moving company. Digital folders (like Google Drive or Dropbox) let you share and access info from your phone anywhere. - Review Lease or Home Sale Agreements
If you’re renting, check your lease for notice periods and cleaning requirements. Homeowners should review closing or sale timelines to avoid overlaps or gaps in possession. - Set Your Moving Budget
List all anticipated costs: Utah professional movers, packing materials, utility deposits, cleaning fees, storage if needed, and a buffer for meals or emergencies. Don’t forget possible deposits for new utilities in Utah or additional insurance for high-value items. A written budget prevents overspending and helps prioritize essential services. - Notify Your Landlord or Realtor
Give your landlord official written notice according to your lease (usually 30–60 days). If you’re selling, keep your realtor updated about move-out dates for a smooth handoff to the new owner. Save all correspondence for your records. - Schedule School and Medical Transfers
Contact schools to transfer records for each child. Request medical, dental, and vaccination records, and find new providers in your future Utah neighborhood. Transferring pet vet records early makes new appointments easy. - List Specialty and High-Value Items
Walk each room and note items needing special care or handling, such as gun safes, treadmills, artwork, or antiques. Tell your Utah moving company about these in advance, so the correct crew and equipment are scheduled. High-value items may require additional insurance or paperwork.
7 Weeks Before
- Declutter Each Room (Attic, Basement, Garage, Closets)
Sort through storage areas where forgotten items accumulate. Create separate piles for keeping, donating, selling, or discarding. Fewer items mean lower moving costs and less to unpack at your new Utah home. This is the perfect time to lighten your load and help local charities. - Schedule Donation Pick-Ups or Drop-Offs
Contact local Utah thrift stores such as @jvathriftUT. Many organizations offer pick-up or convenient drop-off locations. Collect receipts for tax purposes and clear out bulky items early for easier packing. - Host a Yard Sale or List Items Online
Organize a neighborhood yard sale, post items on Utah classified sites, or use Facebook Marketplace. Selling unused items brings in extra cash for moving expenses. Plan your sale on a weekend and advertise in advance for best turnout. - Plan for Specialty Moving Services
Confirm arrangements for heavy or unique items with your moving company. Items like upright pianos, pool tables, or fitness equipment often need extra movers, tools, or a specific moving window. Professional movers in Utah are experienced in handling such pieces, but advance notice ensures a smooth process. - Decide on Storage Needs (If Any)
Consider if short-term storage is needed for seasonal or bulky items. Compare local Utah storage unit rates with the cost of moving everything in one go. Often, one well-planned move with professional help is more cost-effective than months of storage.
6 Weeks Before
- Photograph and Inventory Valuables
Take clear photos of jewelry, electronics, and collectibles, noting serial numbers where possible. This inventory is vital if you need to file an insurance claim for any reason. Save copies in your moving binder and consider emailing yourself a backup. - Back Up Digital Files and Important Contacts
Scan and save documents such as IDs, medical cards, home deeds, and insurance. Back up your phone and computer in case anything is lost in transit. Keep a paper list of essential phone numbers for utilities, movers, doctors, and your new Utah address. - Order Packing Supplies
Purchase sturdy boxes (small, medium, large, wardrobe), bubble wrap, tape, labels, stretch wrap, mattress bags, and packing paper. Many Utah movers offer discounted packing kits—ask Red Barn Movers if you want to simplify supply shopping. Having supplies on hand helps prevent last-minute dashes to the store. - Arrange Utility Transfers and Set-Up Dates
Schedule the shut-off at your old address and start-up at your new Utah home. Arrange for overlap by a few days to ensure you’re never without power, water, or internet. This is especially important in summer or winter, given Utah’s temperature swings.
5 Weeks Before
- Submit Change of Address
Update your address with USPS online or in person. Notify banks, credit cards, health insurance, your employer, and any Utah-based subscriptions or memberships. Start receiving mail at your new address before moving to avoid missing bills or important documents. - Arrange for Child and Pet Care on Moving Day
Book a babysitter, daycare, or family member to watch your kids and/or pets. Moving day is chaotic and safest when little ones and animals are cared for away from the heavy lifting. - Use Up Pantry and Freezer Items
Plan meals to finish perishable food and minimize waste. Non-perishable, unopened food can be donated to the Utah Food Bank or similar local charities. - Start Packing Non-Essentials
Pack items you rarely use: out-of-season clothing, holiday decor, seldom-read books, and extra linens. Label each box by room and content for easy sorting during unpacking.
4 Weeks Before
- Continue Packing by Room
Pack up guest rooms, storage closets, and spare bathrooms. Use soft goods like towels and blankets as padding for fragile items. Keep boxes under 50 pounds each to avoid injuries for you and your moving crew. - Clearly Label and Color-Code Boxes
Write the room and contents on at least two sides of every box. Use colored tape or stickers for each room: blue for bedrooms, red for kitchen, green for bathrooms, etc. This color-coding helps expert movers in Utah quickly sort boxes into the right rooms. - Mark Boxes with “Fragile” as Needed
Identify boxes containing breakable items with bold, visible “FRAGILE” labels. Alert your movers about these boxes on moving day for special handling. - Confirm Details with Red Barn Movers
Check your booking, arrival time, address, parking instructions, and any unique challenges (stairs, long carries, narrow streets). Notify your Salt Lake City movers of any updates or new requests as soon as possible. - Arrange Appliance Disconnection
Schedule professionals to disconnect water lines, gas appliances, and complex electronics. Most reputable Utah moving companies do not disconnect appliances—this must be done before moving day. - Prepare for Elevator or Parking Permits
If moving from or to an apartment or condo, arrange for elevator reservations and city parking permits. Salt Lake City and other Utah cities often require permits for moving trucks.
3 Weeks Before
- Secure and Pack Important Documents
Place birth certificates, passports, wills, insurance policies, medical records, and other irreplaceable paperwork in a secure box or bag. Plan to keep these items with you, not in the moving truck. - Check and Update All Insurance
Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy, moving insurance, and any high-value coverage for specialty items. Notify your insurance agent of your move and new address to avoid gaps in coverage. - Confirm All Details for Specialty Items
Check that arrangements are in place for moving large, heavy, or delicate items (pool tables, hot tubs, safes, antiques). Share all details with your Utah moving company for proper planning and equipment. - Plan Your Moving Day Route
Map your trip and plan for Utah road conditions, seasonal closures, or construction (I-15, I-80, and canyons can get busy or icy). Allow extra time for truck speed limits and rest stops. - Touch Base with Your Utah Movers
Call to confirm your appointment, special needs, and to ask for any last-minute advice. Open communication with Red Barn Movers ensures there are no surprises.
2 Weeks Before
- Pack an “Open First” Essentials Box
Include basic kitchenware, paper towels, toilet paper, toiletries, shower curtain, towels, bedsheets, chargers, snacks, and a tool kit. Keep this box separate so you have everything needed for the first night in your new Utah home. - Pack Suitcases for Each Family Member
Set aside clothes, pajamas, medications, and favorite items for two or three days. This is especially helpful if your move is delayed or takes more than a day. - Take Down Wall Fixtures and Curtains
Remove curtains, rods, artwork, mirrors, and any wall-mounted items. Patch and touch up holes, if required by your lease or contract. - Arrange Move-Out Cleaning
Book a cleaning service or plan for a deep clean of your old home. If your lease requires it, schedule a professional carpet cleaning as well.
1 Week Before
- Defrost and Clean Refrigerator/Freezer
Unplug, empty, and prop open doors at least 48 hours before moving day. This prevents leaks, mold, and odors during the move. - Finish Packing Every Room
Pack up kitchen, bathrooms, daily-use items, and double-check closets, cabinets, and the attic. Keep out just enough for your last two days at the old home. - Pack Cleaning Supplies for Move-In
Include sponges, spray cleaner, trash bags, paper towels, gloves, and a broom for a quick clean at your new place before unpacking. - Take Out Final Trash and Recycling
Clear bins and dispose of hazardous materials at appropriate facilities.
Moving Day
- Protect Floors and Doorways
Lay down mats, cardboard, or towels to shield floors from scratches and dirt. This is vital in snowy, muddy, or rainy seasons common in Utah. - Walk Through Home with Movers
Point out fragile items, rooms, and anything requiring special care. A brief tour helps your Red Barn Movers crew work efficiently and safely. - Supervise Loading and Check Off Inventory (Optional)
Check boxes and furniture as they go onto the truck. Use your inventory sheet to track that everything is accounted for. - Do a Final Walkthrough of Your Home
Check every closet, drawer, and storage space for forgotten items. Take photos for your records or deposit return.
At Your New Utah Home
- Confirm the moving truck has safe parking and easy access
- Review inventory with movers and check for any missing boxes or items
- Inspect furniture and boxes for visible damage during unloading
- Note any damage or issues on the moving paperwork before signing
- Keep copies of signed paperwork and receipts from Red Barn Movers
- Direct movers using color codes or room labels on each box
- Place all boxes in their designated rooms for easier unpacking
- Unpack and assemble beds so everyone can rest the first night
- Unpack your “Open First” box (essentials: toiletries, chargers, basic cookware)
- Set up bathrooms with shower curtains, towels, and toilet paper
- Arrange large furniture (sofas, tables, dressers) before unpacking smaller items
- Break down empty moving boxes and stack for recycling or donation
- Collect all moving supplies and packing materials for later recycling
- Do a final walk-through with movers before they leave to check all areas
- Leave a review of your moving experience with Red Barn Movers
Putting It All Together
Moving to Utah is easier when you have a proven plan and a dependable team by your side. Red Barn Movers takes the stress out of relocation with careful planning, secure handling, and unmatched local experience. Trust your move to professional movers in Salt Lake City who value accountability, integrity, and hard work on every job. Call Red Barn Movers at (801) 419-1945 to book your move and enjoy peace of mind from the first box to the last.