Ultimate Moving Checklist: Your Printable PDF Moving Guide
This comprehensive moving house checklist will keep your move organized and stress-free. Get your printable moving checklist today and plan every step of your move with ease!
Don’t want to go through the pain of packing and moving yourself?
Why You Need This Moving Checklist
Moving can be overwhelming, but staying organized is the key to success. Here’s how this moving checklist pdf checklist helps:
- Room-by-room organization: Track progress as you pack and plan for every room in your home.
- Step-by-step guidance: Includes tasks from 8 weeks before moving day to settling into your new home.
- Perfect for any move: Whether it’s local or long-distance, this checklist has you covered.
8 weeks Before Moving
☐ Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder:
- Include contracts, estimates, and important notes.
- Use apps like Google Drive or Dropbox for digital access.
☐ Research and Choose a Preferred Moving Company:
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Do they offer specialty services (e.g., storage services, special packaging)?
- What is their cancellation policy?
- Are packing and unpacking services available?
- Verify reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
☐ Declutter Your Home:
- Start with storage areas (attics, basements, closets).
- Sort items into “Keep”, “Donate“, and ‘Trash.’
☐ Plan a Yard Sale or Post Items Online:
- Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji.
☐ Gather Important Documents:
- Birth certificates, passports, medical records and financial records.
- Store them in a secure, easily accessible container.
☐ Start Creating a Detailed Inventory List:
- Begin recording all items being moved, with photos and serial numbers for valuable items.
☐ Obtain Written Appraisals for Antiques or High-Value Items:
- Document their value for insurance purposes in the event of mishaps.
6 Weeks Before Moving
☐ Order Packing Supplies:
- Estimate box sizes
- small boxes for books, kitchen appliances, or heavy items
- medium boxes for kitchenware
- large boxes for linens, clothes or beddings
- Packing tape, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and wrapping film
☐ Start Packing Non-Essential Items:
- Seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and rarely used kitchen gadgets.
- Start packing and organizing items room by room
☐ Clean Specialty Items:
- Have rugs, draperies, and upholstery cleaned. Keep them wrapped for protection during the move.
☐ Measure Difficult-to-Move Items:
- Check dimensions of large furniture and appliances to ensure they fit through doorways, staircases, or elevators in your new home.
- Identify any items requiring specialty moving services.
4 Weeks Before Moving
☐ Confirm Moving Date with Your Movers:
- Double-check timing, services, and costs.
*especially during winter, prepare for unpredicted weather changes
☐ Arrange Utilities in Your New Home:
- Contact providers for electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash services.
☐ Schedule Utility Disconnections for Your Current Home:
- Include electricity, water, gas, and internet.
☐ Pack Less Frequently Used Items:
- Books, extra bedding, and off-season equipment.
☐ Prepare a List of People and Businesses to Notify:
- Include banks, brokerage firms, any subscription services, and utility companies.
☐ Complete Minor Home Repairs:
- Patch holes, fix leaks, and ensure the property is in good condition for the next occupants.
2 Weeks Before Moving
☐ Dispose of Hazardous Materials:
- Paint, propane tanks, aerosols, and cleaning chemicals.
*Follow local disposal guidelines.
☐ Reserve Elevators and Parking Spaces:
- Book the moving elevator in your apartment or condo.
- Confirm timing with building management.
- Arrange parking for the moving truck, obtaining prior permissions if needed.
☐ Contact Insurance Providers to Transfer Policies:
- Notify your insurance company to transfer or update life, homeowners, or tenants insurance to your new address.
☐ Plan for Pets and Plants:
- Research pet-friendly hotels for long-distance moves.
- Arrange for pet sitters or secure transport crates.
- Water plants thoroughly before moving day.
1 Week Before Moving
☐ Prepare a Moving Day Essentials Box:
- Include kitchenware (a few plates, utensils, frying pan), non-perishable snacks, bottled water, cleaning supplies, basic tools, toiletries, medications, chargers, light bulbs, and batteries.
☐ Pack an Essentials Bag for Kids or Toddlers:
- Include clothes, diapers, snacks, favorite toys, and other necessities for your toddler.
☐ Return Borrowed Items:
- Return any borrowed items such as tools, books, or other items to friends and family.
☐ Defrost and Clean Appliances:
- Empty the freezer and fridge. Leave doors open to dry.
☐ Label Boxes Clearly:
- Use color-coded labels for each room. Mark ‘FRAGILE‘ for delicate items.
☐ Pack a duffle bag for Immediate Needs:
- Include clothing, toiletries, and electronics for the first few days.
☐ Take Photos of Your Current Home:
- Document walls, floors, and appliances for your landlord or buyer.
- Document for any moving accidents that occur during the moving process
☐ Schedule Final Utility Meter Readings:
- Confirm disconnection dates with service providers.
☐ Gather Keys, Remotes, and Manuals:
- Leave these for the next occupants.
☐ Finish Packing All Items
Ensure packing all items by 24 hours before move date.
On Moving Day
☐ 24 Hours Before Moving Day:
- Double check all rooms, drawers, and closets for any overlooked items.
☐ Do a Final Walkthrough:
- Check closets, drawers, cabinets, and basements for forgotten items.
☐ Supervise Loading and Unloading:
- Ensure items are handled with care and check your inventory list.
☐ Keep Valuables with You:
- Examples include jewelry, important documents, and electronics.
☐ Provide Instructions to Movers:
- Confirm which rooms boxes belong to in the new home.
After Moving
☐ Unpack Essentials First:
- Set up the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom essentials.
☐ Inspect Belongings for Damage:
- Report issues to your moving company immediately.
☐ Recycle or Donate Moving Supplies:
- Drop off boxes at recycling centers or donate to local charities.
☐ Leave a Google Review for Your Moving Company:
- Share your experience to help others choose a reliable service.
☐ Explore Your New Neighborhood:
- Introduce yourself to neighbors and familiarize yourself with local amenities.
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