Moving Checklist

When life gets a little hectic, nothing helps you get organized like a checklist. Read our most helpful moving checklist.

Attention! You can download a handy printable version of this Moving House Checklist at the bottom of the page.

If you’re looking for moving house packing tips one month out, look no further—this checklist gets cracking on packing!

One month out and living in your new home may still seem far off. But here’s a big moving tip: laying the groundwork now will make your timetable flow smoothly and efficiently. The last thing you want is to be scrambling around on moving day!

☐ Make an inventory of everything to be moved.
☐ Sort out and donate any unwanted clothing or furniture.
☐ Have a garage sale to get rid of items you no longer need.
☐ Start collecting moving supplies like boxes and newspaper for packing.
☐ Submit a change of address form to your post office.
☐ Choose your moving company and confirm arrangements.
☐ Research items that can’t be moved by your moving company.
☐ Arrange for storage in your new community (if necessary).

☐ Start packing up your home by boxing up items you rarely use.
☐ Have rugs and draperies cleaned and leave wrapped when returned.
☐ Obtain written appraisal of antique items to verify value.
☐ Book the moving elevator and confirm parking access for truck, if applicable.
☐ Contact your insurance company to transfer policies as needed.
☐ Prepare a list of people and companies to notify of your move.
☐ Arrange to be off work on moving day.
☐ Address minor home repairs before moving out, especially if you’re moving from an apartment.

☐ Start actively packing the rest of your home room by room.
☐ Box up whatever you can. All boxes should be taped shut and stackable.
☐ Clean your home or arrange for a cleaning company to come in.
☐ Check furniture for dents and scratches.
☐ Label items you need to access easily.
☐ Clean out the refrigerator/plan to defrost and dry day before move.
☐ Drain equipment: water hoses, propane tank, gas/oil lawnmowers.
☐ Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
☐ Arrange for the cut-off/activation dates for your cable, gas, electricity, water, and garbage.
☐ Disassemble unused bedroom sets to save time.
☐ Bundle appliance manuals & warranties in one place for the new occupants.
☐ Take photos of electronics before unplugging for easy re-assembly.
☐ Pack a lock box with your jewelry, cash, and other valuables to take in your car.

☐ Clear a path out of the house.
☐ Determine which boxes and items should be loaded last, and let your movers know.
☐ Ensure loose items are packed in boxes.
☐ All boxes are labeled with their destination room in your new home on the top and sides of each box.
☐ No contents are in your appliances.
☐ All items are removed from the top of furniture, cupboards, etc.
☐ Linens are removed from beds.
☐ All rooms, closets, cabinets have been checked for misplaced/remaining items.
☐ Disassemble the remaining bedroom sets.
☐ Be at your new location to direct movers as to where items should be placed.

☐ Toilet Paper
☐ Phone Chargers
☐ Snacks/Coffee
☐ Scissors
☐ Garbage Bags
☐ Paper Towels
☐ Change of Clothes
☐ Dish Soap and Towel
☐ Pet Food and Dish
☐ Portable Tool Kit
☐ Minimal Cleaning Supplies
☐ Mug/Plate/Cutlery

☐ Water shut off.
☐ Lights shut off.
☐ All windows closed and locked.
☐ Surrender house keys.
☐ Check one more time for any left-behind items.
☐ Choose your moving company and confirm arrangements.
☐ Turn down thermostat.