An island move takes longer to plan than a mainland one. Your belongings, car and pets each run on their own schedule. Starting early, ideally several months out, gives you room to make good decisions instead of rushed ones.

The big milestones

1. Decide what goes: sell, donate or ship, room by room.
2. Get written estimates from licensed movers, or book a container.
3. Plan for pets early. Airline and destination rules take time to meet.
4. Book the car with an ocean carrier, if you’re shipping it.
5. Handle housing: give lease notice or list your home.
6. Close out Hawaii: utilities, mail, records, school transfers.

Guides in this section

• The master “moving off the island” checklist, 12 months to move day
• The best time of year to move out of Hawaii
• Sell vs. ship: what’s worth taking across the ocean
• Selling your Hawaii home before you move
• Moving with kids, retiring off-island, and working remotely after you leave

When you’re ready to book, go to Moving Off the Island.