Moving House Checklist
Streamline your relocation with our comprehensive Moving House Checklist, covering everything from early planning and packing to utility transfers and moving day logistics.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Relocating involves more than just moving boxes; it is a complex project management task that spans several months. This checklist breaks down the process into manageable phases: Planning, Decluttering, Packing, Administration, and Moving Day. Most users find that a successful move requires approximately 40-60 hours of active labor, excluding the actual transit time.
Using this guide will help you maintain a budget, protect your valuables through proper packing techniques, and ensure that your legal and financial obligations are met at both your old and new addresses.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | Success Criteria | If Not Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set moving budget | Required | DIY | 2 hrs | Budget spreadsheet finalized | Risk of overspending |
| Hire professional movers | Recommended | Professional | 3 hrs | Contract signed; deposit paid | Limited availability/higher cost |
| Declutter and donate items | Required | DIY | 10-20 hrs | Unwanted items removed from home | Higher moving costs for junk |
| Order packing supplies | Required | DIY | 1 hr | Supplies delivered or picked up | Packing delays |
| Notify landlord (if renting) | Required | DIY | 30 min | Written notice confirmed | Loss of security deposit |
| Transfer school records | Required | DIY | 2 hrs | Records sent to new district | Delayed enrollment |
| Request medical records | Recommended | DIY | 1 hr | Digital or physical copies obtained | Difficulty finding new doctors |
| Begin packing non-essentials | Required | DIY | 15 hrs | Off-season items boxed and labeled | Last-minute packing stress |
| Change address with USPS | Required | DIY | 15 min | Confirmation email received | Missed mail/identity risk |
| Schedule utility shut-off | Required | DIY | 1 hr | Confirmation for old address dates | Paying for services not used |
| Schedule utility connection | Required | DIY | 1 hr | Confirmation for new address dates | No power/water on move-in |
| Update insurance policies | Required | DIY | 1 hr | Home/Auto policies updated | Lapse in coverage |
| Pack 'Essentials Box' | Required | DIY | 2 hrs | Box with 48hrs of supplies ready | Stressful first night |
| Defrost refrigerator/freezer | Required | DIY | 24 hrs | Unit dry and mold-free | Water damage/smells in truck |
| Confirm mover arrival time | Required | DIY | 15 min | Verbal or email confirmation | No-show or timing confusion |
| Disassemble large furniture | Recommended | Either | 4 hrs | Items ready for loading | Loading delays/extra fees |
| Final walkthrough of old home | Required | DIY | 1 hr | All rooms, closets, attic empty | Items left behind |
| Clean old residence | Required | Either | 5-8 hrs | Surfaces wiped; floors vacuumed | Cleaning fees/deposit loss |
| Hand over keys | Required | DIY | 15 min | Keys/remotes returned to owner | Legal/financial liability |
| Inspect new home for damage | Required | DIY | 1 hr | Photos taken of existing issues | Blamed for previous damage |
Use this table to track your progress starting 8 weeks before your move date. Check off items as they are completed and pay close attention to the 'Success Criteria' to ensure tasks are handled thoroughly.
If you are moving yourself, replace the 'Hire professional movers' row with 'Reserve rental truck' and ensure you have a crew of reliable helpers scheduled for the same date.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Success in moving is found in the details. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
- Pitfall: Overpacking boxes. Keep boxes under 50lbs to prevent bottom failure and injury.
- Tip: Take photos of the back of your electronics/TVs so you know where the wires go.
- Tip: Use suitcases for heavy items like books since they have wheels.
- Pitfall: Forgetting to measure doorways at the new house before bringing large sofas.
- Tip: Pack a 'Parts Bag' for screws and bolts from disassembled furniture; tape it to the furniture piece.
- Tip: Color-code your boxes by room so movers know exactly where to place them.
- Pitfall: Not checking the weather. Have tarps or plastic wrap ready for rainy move days.
- Tip: Update your 'Auto-fill' settings on browsers and shopping sites immediately.
- Browse similar checklists in Home Maintenance and Paperwork.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
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