Moving Checklist
I. Before You Start (Planning and Preparation)
General:
Actionable Item | Tick if Yes | Comment if any | |
|---|---|---|---|
Have you set a moving date? | |||
Have you determined your budget for the move? | |||
Have you decided whether you'll hire movers or DIY? | |||
Have you researched and gotten quotes from moving companies (if applicable)? | |||
Have you confirmed the availability of elevators/loading docks at both locations (if applicable)? | |||
Have you notified your landlord of your move-out date (if applicable)? | |||
Have you arranged for utilities to be disconnected at your old address and connected at your new address? | |||
Have you started decluttering and purging unwanted items? | |||
Have you created an inventory of your belongings? | |||
Have you arranged for transportation for yourself and your family/pets? | |||
Have you booked travel arrangements if moving long distance? | |||
Have you arranged for childcare or pet care on moving day? | |||
Have you taken photos/videos of valuable items for insurance purposes? |
Packing:
Actionable Item | Tick if Yes | Comment if any | |
|---|---|---|---|
Have you gathered packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers)? | |||
Have you started packing non-essential items? | |||
Are you labeling boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong in? | |||
Have you packed a "first night" box with essentials for your first night in the new home? | |||
Have you packed a separate box with important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)? | |||
Have you emptied and cleaned out your refrigerator and pantry? | |||
Have you emptied and cleaned out your garage and shed? | |||
Have you properly disposed of hazardous materials? |
Moving Company (if applicable):
Actionable Item | Tick if Yes | Comment if any | |
|---|---|---|---|
Have you confirmed the moving company's insurance coverage? | |||
Have you confirmed the moving day schedule with the company? | |||
Have you discussed payment terms with the company? | |||
Have you provided the moving company with your contact information? | |||
Have you confirmed the delivery address with the moving company? |
II. During the Move (Moving Day)
At the Old Address:
Actionable Item | Tick if Yes | Comment if any | |
|---|---|---|---|
Have you supervised the loading of your belongings (if using movers)? | |||
Have you done a final walkthrough of the old house/apartment? | |||
Have you ensured all utilities are turned off at the old address? | |||
Have you collected all keys and given them to the appropriate person (if applicable)? | |||
Have you left the old place clean (as per your lease agreement)? | |||
Have you double-checked that all belongings have been loaded onto the truck (if applicable)? |
At the New Address:
Actionable Item | Tick if Yes | Comment if any | |
|---|---|---|---|
Have you confirmed the delivery address with the movers (if applicable)? | |||
Have you supervised the unloading of your belongings (if using movers)? | |||
Have you checked your belongings for any damage during the move? | |||
Have you noted any damaged items on the moving company's paperwork (if applicable)? | |||
Have you started unpacking essential boxes? | |||
Have you located and set up your utilities at the new address? |
III. After the Move (Settling In)
Unpacking and Organizing:
Actionable Item | Tick if Yes | Comment if any | |
|---|---|---|---|
Have you unpacked all boxes and organized your belongings? | |||
Have you set up your furniture and appliances? | |||
Have you updated your address with relevant institutions (banks, post office, DMV, etc.)? | |||
Have you changed your locks (if applicable)? | |||
Have you met your neighbors? | |||
Have you explored your new neighborhood? | |||
Have you disposed of packing materials? |
Final Steps:
Actionable Item | Tick if Yes | Comment if any | |
|---|---|---|---|
Have you reviewed your moving expenses and budget? | |||
Have you filed any insurance claims for damaged items (if applicable)? | |||
Have you left a review for the moving company (if applicable)? | |||
Have you updated your address on all online accounts? |
Form Template Instructions
Form Template Instructions
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Strengths:
- Comprehensive Coverage: It addresses almost all crucial aspects of moving, including planning, packing, moving day logistics, and post-move settling. It doesn't just focus on the physical act of moving boxes, but also the administrative and logistical tasks.
- Categorization: Breaking the checklist into "Before You Start," "During the Move," and "After the Move" sections makes it easy to follow and ensures you're thinking about the right things at the right time.
- Detailed Questions: The questions are specific and actionable, prompting you to consider important details you might otherwise overlook (e.g., taking photos of valuables, confirming elevator availability, disposing of hazardous materials).
- Includes Both DIY and Professional Moves: The checklist acknowledges that some people hire movers while others do it themselves, and includes relevant questions for both scenarios.
- Focus on Important Documents: It rightly emphasizes the importance of keeping essential documents separate and secure.
- Post-Move Considerations: It doesn't just stop at unloading. It includes crucial steps like updating your address, filing insurance claims, and disposing of packing materials.
Potential Areas for Improvement:
- Timeline/Deadlines: While the checklist is great for tasks, it lacks a timeline element. Adding suggested timeframes for completing certain tasks (e.g., "8 weeks before move," "2 weeks before move," "1 week before move") would make it even more effective. This would help prevent tasks from being left to the last minute.
- Customization: While comprehensive, it could benefit from a section at the beginning where users can customize the checklist based on their specific needs (e.g., "Moving with children," "Moving with pets," "Long-distance move"). This could be a simple checkbox system or a space for notes.
- Prioritization: Not all tasks are equally urgent. It could be helpful to prioritize tasks within each section (e.g., using a numbering system or highlighting key tasks).
- Local Considerations: Depending on the location of the move, there might be specific local regulations or customs that should be included (e.g., parking permits for moving trucks, specific recycling guidelines).