Moving Checklist Generator

Please choose your moving date.

How to use this checklist

Choose your moving date, say whether you own or rent and whether you are moving with pets or children, then press Generate. You get a checklist split into time slots with a date for each one. Tick items as you finish them and print the list if you like.

Moving timeline

Start about eight weeks before the move. Book movers four weeks ahead, pack most things two weeks ahead and keep a box of essentials for the first night. After the move, update your address and registrations during the first week.

How to follow your moving checklist week by week

Your checklist counts back from your moving date and groups tasks into time slots. Each slot has a date, so you can see what should be done by when. The goal is to spread the work out so moving week is about final details, not packing in a panic.

A sample timeline

Say you move on June 30. Starting about eight weeks out means beginning around May 5. You would book movers by about June 2, four weeks ahead. Most packing should be done by about June 16, two weeks ahead. In the first week after the move, you update your address and registrations.

What changes your checklist

  • Owners: Tasks include working with your closing date, setting up home insurance on the new place, and transferring utilities into your name. Leave manuals and spare keys for the buyer.
  • Renters: Tasks include giving written notice as your lease requires, scheduling a move-out inspection, and cleaning to get your deposit back.
  • Pets: Tasks include getting vet records, updating microchip details and planning a quiet room on moving day.
  • Children: Tasks include school records and transfers, finding new doctors, and packing a separate bag of favorite items.

Practical tips

  • Declutter before you pack. Every item you sell or donate is one less to box, carry and pay to move.
  • Label boxes with the room and a short list of contents on two sides.
  • Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and light items in large ones.
  • Photograph electronics wiring before unplugging.
  • Keep valuables, documents and medicine with you, not on the truck.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting to book movers until the last month in summer, when dates fill fast.
  • Forgetting to schedule internet installation at the new home.
  • Packing the essentials box too early and losing it among other boxes.
  • Not checking parking or elevator rules at either building.

Planning the budget

Set a moving budget at the same time you start the checklist. Get at least three written quotes, and add costs that are easy to overlook, such as boxes, tape, cleaning, and time off work. Our moving cost calculator can help you add these up.

Print the list and keep it in a folder with your quotes, lease or closing papers, and receipts. Check off tasks as you go so everyone in the household can see what is left.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start planning a move?
About eight weeks before your moving date. This gives you time to compare movers, declutter and give notice.
How far ahead should I book movers?
Book at least four weeks ahead. Book earlier for summer, month-end or weekend moves.
What should go in an essentials box?
Toiletries, chargers, important documents, medicine, basic tools, snacks, bedding and a change of clothes.
Who should I tell about my new address?
The post office, bank, insurance, employer, doctor, schools, subscriptions and your driving license office.
What should I do on moving day?
Walk through the old home, take meter readings and photos, check the inventory and hand over the keys.
What should I do the week before moving?
Confirm the moving date and time with your movers or truck rental. Finish packing everything except daily essentials. Defrost and clean the fridge, use up perishable food and set aside cash for tips. Pack your essentials box and a bag of documents, medicine and chargers that rides with you.
Should I transfer or cancel my utilities when I move?
It depends on whether the same company serves your new address. If it does, ask to transfer service. If not, schedule a shutoff at the old home for the day after you leave and a start date at the new home a day before you arrive. Ask about deposits and connection fees.
How do I declutter before a move?
Start with rooms you use least, such as the garage, attic and spare closets. Sort items into keep, sell, donate and toss. A simple rule is to let go of anything you have not used in a year. Book donation pickups early, since they often fill up near the end of the month.