Free Resource
Relocation Checklist
A complete timeline for selling your current home FSBO, buying FSBO in your new city, and coordinating your entire move — without paying agent commissions.
Ready to get pre-approved? Compare mortgage rates before you start your search.
Compare Rates on LendingTreePhase 1
6–12 Months Before Your Move
- Research destination states and cities using our state guides
- Estimate your home equity and expected sale proceeds
- Get a ballpark mortgage pre-qualification for your new home
- Calculate total moving costs: truck, labor, storage, travel
- Decide whether to buy first or sell first (bridge loan vs. contingency offer)
- Research cost-of-living differences between your current city and destination
- Visit the destination city in person if possible — at least one long weekend
Phase 2
3–6 Months Before Your Move
- Order a pre-listing home inspection on your current home
- Make any repairs that could kill a deal or reduce your sale price
- Research comparable sales (comps) in your neighborhood to price your home
- Photograph your home professionally or use a FSBO listing service
- List your home on Zillow For Sale By Owner and Facebook Marketplace
- Get a formal mortgage pre-approval for your new city (use LendingTree to compare rates)
- Start searching FSBO listings in your destination market
- Research neighborhoods, school districts, and commute times
Phase 3
1–3 Months Before Your Move
- Negotiate and accept a purchase offer on your current home
- Open escrow and order title insurance with a local title company
- Make or accept an offer on a FSBO home in your new city
- Schedule a home inspection on the home you are buying
- Lock in your mortgage rate through your chosen lender
- Hire moving labor or rent a moving truck (book HireAHelper or PODS early)
- Notify employer, school, and government agencies of your address change
- Begin decluttering — sell, donate, or trash what you will not move
Phase 4
2–4 Weeks Before Your Move
- Confirm your move-out and move-in dates align with both closings
- Transfer or cancel utilities at your current address
- Set up utilities at your new address before arrival
- Forward your mail via USPS (set up 6–12 months)
- Pack non-essentials first — books, seasonal items, decor
- Confirm moving truck or container delivery window
- Prepare an essentials bag for the first night in your new home
- Do a final walkthrough of your current home before closing
Phase 5
Closing Day and After
- Sign closing documents on your sold home — receive net proceeds
- Sign closing documents on your purchased home — receive keys
- Record both deeds with the county recorder (your title company handles this)
- Update your driver's license and vehicle registration in your new state
- Register to vote in your new state
- Find a local CPA to handle any capital gains questions from your home sale
- Set up homeowner's insurance in your new state before closing if possible
- Schedule any repairs or improvements identified in the inspection
Moving Partners
HireAHelper
Moving Labor
Book vetted local movers for loading, unloading, or full-service moves across all 50 states.
PODS
Portable Storage
Portable containers delivered to your door — pack on your schedule and ship when you're ready.
Angi
Home Services
Find local pros for pre-sale repairs, inspections, and post-move projects at your new home.
LendingTree
Mortgage
Compare purchase mortgage rates from multiple lenders in minutes — get pre-approved before you search.