Moving can be complicated. You have to pack, organize, handle utilities, and complete paperwork. It’s hard to manage it all alone.

A clear plan helps. A checklist keeps you organized, so nothing gets missed. Move and Care provides an online checklist in Google Sheets. You can copy it, store it online, and adjust it for your needs. This way, you can plan step-by-step and stay on track.

Why Use a Moving Checklist?

A moving checklist saves time and keeps you organized. It ensures you don’t forget anything. Our checklist is editable and shareable in Google Sheets. You can access it on any device, make changes, and keep all your tasks in one place.

How to Use the Move and Care Checklist

The checklist is easy to use. Here’s how:

  1. Access the Checklist
    Click here to open the checklist in Google Sheets.
  2. Make a Copy
    Go to File > Make a copy to save your version.
  3. Edit as Needed
    Adjust the checklist for your move. Add tasks, set deadlines, and keep notes.
  4. Access Anywhere
    Since it’s online, you can use it on any device at any time.

This tool helps keep your move organized and flexible.

📄 If you don't want to use the online version, you can easily print our checklist. After editing, go to File > Download > PDF document (.pdf). You can print the saved file.

Your Moving Checklist

8 Weeks Before

  • Declutter. Decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
  • Research moving companies and book early.
  • Notify your landlord if you rent.
  • Use up perishable food and household items.

6 Weeks Before

  • Get packing supplies: boxes, bubble wrap, tape, markers.
  • Pack non-essentials like seasonal clothes, decor, and books.
  • Contact insurance companies to update your policies.

4 Weeks Before

  • Confirm details with the movers.
  • Pack important documents in one folder.
  • Notify utility companies and other services about your move.
  • Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day.

2 Weeks Before

  • Pack items you use frequently.
  • Update your address with the post office, banks, and subscriptions.
  • Dispose of hazardous materials safely.
  • Prepare a “first-day essentials” box with toiletries, basic kitchen items, and clothes.

Moving Week

  • Finish packing and label boxes by room.
  • Defrost the freezer and clean the fridge.
  • Confirm plans with the movers.
  • Keep moving-day essentials easy to access.

Moving Day

  • Be present when movers arrive. Give them instructions.
  • Do a final walkthrough to check for forgotten items.
  • Turn off utilities before leaving.

Download Your Checklist

To start, click here to open the checklist. Make a copy and customize it for your move. Add tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress—all in one place.

Post-Move Checklist: What to Do After Moving

Use this after moving checklist for the first 24–72 hours in your new home. These moving tasks help you confirm the home is safe, keep essential services working, and unpack the rooms you need first.

Quick answer: After moving, check utilities, secure the home, inspect delivered items, update important addresses, unpack first-night essentials, and set up the bathroom, bedroom, and basic kitchen before opening every box.

First 24 Hours After Moving

  1. Check utilities and internet. Confirm electricity, water, heat or AC, gas, and Wi-Fi are working.
  2. Find shut-off points. Locate the main water valve, breaker panel, gas shut-off if applicable, and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
  3. Secure the home. Check doors, windows, garage access, mailbox keys, entry codes, and spare keys. If you rent, ask your landlord before changing locks.
  4. Inspect boxes and furniture. Note missing items, damage, or misplaced boxes before breaking down packing materials.
  5. Open the essentials box. Keep medications, chargers, toilet paper, toiletries, towels, sleepwear, snacks, pet supplies, and basic tools easy to reach.

First Week Moving Tasks

  1. Finish address changes. Update USPS/mail forwarding, banks, credit cards, employer or payroll, insurance, subscriptions, driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, IRS, Social Security, benefit providers, healthcare, schools, and pet records when relevant.
  2. Set up trash and recycling. Break down boxes, separate packing paper, and check local rules before putting out plastic wrap or foam.
  3. Update insurance records. Confirm renters or homeowners insurance reflects the new address and correct move-in date.
  4. Clean high-use areas. Prioritize kitchen counters and cabinets, bathrooms, floors, and appliance interiors.
  5. Unpack room by room. Start with the bathroom, bedroom, and basic kitchen. Save decor, storage boxes, and low-use items for later.

Example: Keep one “first week” bin with scissors, box cutter, towels, bedding, medications, chargers, paper towels, trash bags, basic cookware, snacks, and pet supplies. It prevents digging through boxes after a long moving day.

Optional After-Moving Tasks That Are Easy to Forget

  • When forwarded mail arrives, update that sender directly. Mail forwarding helps with the transition, but it does not replace every bank, tax, license, healthcare, benefit, or subscription update.

  • Photograph damaged furniture, broken items, box labels, and any visible damage before you throw away the packaging. This makes follow-up with movers, insurance, or building management easier.

  • Save photos or notes for breaker labels, the main water shut-off, appliance model numbers, meter locations, trash pickup days, parking rules, and building access instructions.

After Moving FAQ

After moving, check utilities, secure the home, inspect delivered belongings, update address records, unpack essentials, and set up the bathroom, bedroom, and basic kitchen first. Handle safety, documents, and daily-use items before low-priority decorating.

Update USPS/mail forwarding, banks, credit cards, employer or payroll, insurance, subscriptions, driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, IRS, Social Security, healthcare providers, schools, and benefit providers when relevant. Also update pet microchip or veterinary records if you have pets.

Unpack the essentials box first: medications, toiletries, toilet paper, towels, chargers, bedding, a change of clothes, basic tools, cleaning supplies, pet or child items, and simple kitchen items. Then set up the bathroom, bedroom, and basic kitchen before unpacking storage or decor.