The moving house checklist

A move is several projects happening at once: decisions, paperwork, packing, transportation, utilities, cleaning, and the first days in a new place. One dated master list keeps them from competing in your head.

Six to four weeks before

• Confirm the moving date, access windows, measurements, and mover or vehicle arrangements.
• Sort belongings into move, donate, sell, recycle, and dispose categories.
• Start address changes and schedule utilities without disconnecting the current home too early.
• Collect records, valuables, medication, and important documents into a personally managed group.

Three weeks before: pack by destination

Label every box with the destination room, a brief contents note, and a priority number. Pack low-use items first. Photograph cable setups and valuable items. Keep a running count of boxes by room so missing pieces are easier to spot.

Moving day and the first night

Photograph meter readings and the condition of both homes where appropriate. Confirm all spaces are empty, handoffs are complete, and doors are secured. At the new home, set up sleep, bathroom, medication, charging, and food before unpacking decorative or low-priority boxes.