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Moving out of California checklist
8–12 weeks before
- Choose your destination city and visit if you can.
- Set a moving budget, including travel, temporary housing and deposits.
- Request written estimates from at least three licensed interstate movers.
- Verify each mover's USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website.
- Start decluttering — everything you move is priced by weight or volume.
- Gather school and medical records.
4–8 weeks before
- Book your mover and get the estimate type (binding or non-binding) in writing.
- Arrange car shipping if you are not driving every vehicle.
- Give notice to your landlord or list your home.
- Schedule utility shut-off in California and start-up at your new home.
- Order packing supplies or schedule professional packing.
1–4 weeks before
- File a change of address with USPS.
- Update your address with banks, employers, insurers and subscriptions.
- Use up perishable food and plan for plants and hazardous items movers can't carry.
- Pack a first-night box with essentials, documents and medications.
- Confirm pickup dates, delivery window and contact info with your mover.
Moving day
- Be present for the inventory and review it before signing.
- Read the bill of lading carefully — it is your contract.
- Keep valuables, cash and important papers with you.
- Take photos of your empty home for your deposit.
After you arrive
- Inspect items at delivery and note any damage on the paperwork before signing.
- Get a new driver's license and register vehicles within your new state's deadline.
- Register to vote in your new state.
- Close California-specific accounts and keep records showing your move date — they matter for your final California tax return.