About the moving checklist
What is a moving checklist?
A moving checklist is a dated list of everything you need to do before, during and after a move: notify the right people, book movers, pack, transfer utilities, clean and settle in. Moving involves dozens of small tasks, many with deadlines set by other organisations, such as notice periods and appointment waiting times. Writing them all down and counting back from moving day turns a stressful scramble into a steady series of small steps.
This free moving checklist lets you name your move and set the moving day. You choose between moving home or moving an office and apply a starter checklist. Due dates are counted from your moving day. Edit, add or delete tasks, assign owners, change dates and tick tasks off; overdue ones are flagged. Print the list, download CSV or export due dates to your calendar. It runs in your browser with no account.
How to use it
- Name your move and set the moving day.
- Choose “Moving home” or “Moving an office” and apply the starter checklist.
- Edit tasks to match your situation. Delete what does not apply and add anything specific.
- Assign owners and adjust due dates.
- Tick tasks off. Overdue tasks are flagged so nothing slips.
- Print, export to your calendar or download CSV.
A timeline for moving home
- Several weeks before: decide your moving method, get quotes from movers, start decluttering, order boxes and give notice where needed.
- Two weeks before: tell your bank, employer, doctor and other organisations your new address, arrange redirected post and book time off.
- The week before: pack non-essentials, arrange utilities, defrost the freezer and confirm times with movers.
- Moving day: take meter readings, check every room, hand over keys and keep essentials with you.
- After the move: unpack priority rooms, update remaining accounts, register at local services and explore the area.
Moving an office
An office move has extra tasks: informing customers and suppliers, moving IT and phone lines, arranging parking and access, updating the address on websites, documents and listings and coordinating staff communication. Assign an owner to each task, since a move often involves several people. The project plan template and project timeline maker can help if the move is large and has many dependencies.
Packing tips
- Pack one room at a time and label each box with its room and contents.
- Keep an “open first” box with essentials: kettle, chargers, toiletries, bedding and basic tools.
- Use towels and clothes as padding for fragile items.
- Take photos of how electronics are connected before unplugging them.
- Keep important documents, medication and valuables with you rather than in the van.
Budgeting for a move
Moves cost more than people expect: movers or van hire, packing materials, deposits, cleaning, utilities set-up and extra rent overlap. Use the budget calculator to estimate the total, the savings goal calculator to plan how to save for it and the free budget planner to track what you spend. Keep a contingency for surprises.
Dealing with the people side of a move
Moving affects everyone in the household. Involve children early, let them pack a box of their own and show them the new home or photographs of it if possible. For pets, plan a quiet space on moving day and check that identification details are up to date. For elderly relatives, arrange extra help with lifting and logistics. Taking a little time to plan for each person usually makes moving day calmer for everyone, and a checklist with named owners spreads the load fairly.
Print, CSV and calendar export
Print the checklist for the fridge or a clipboard. Download CSV to share with a partner or a mover. Export an ICS file and each task’s due date appears in Google, Apple or Outlook calendar, with reminders. Everything is processed in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to Just Plann, which matters because the list may include your new address and plans.
Utilities, address changes and paperwork
Set aside a short session to list every organisation that needs your new address: banks, insurers, employer, tax and benefits offices, doctor and dentist, schools, subscriptions, delivery services and the vehicle registration authority. Put each as a task with a date and tick it as you confirm. Arrange meter readings and utility transfers for moving day, and keep confirmations somewhere safe. This administrative work takes surprisingly long, which is why it deserves its own tasks.
Related tools
The weekly planner helps schedule packing and errands in the final weeks. The event planning checklist suits a housewarming party afterwards, and the goal planner can help you set up the first month in your new home.
Moving checklist FAQ
How far ahead should I start? Six to eight weeks is comfortable for most home moves, though shorter timelines are possible with a focused list.
Can I save my progress? Tick “Remember on this device” and your list stays in this browser.
What if my moving day changes? Update the date and adjust the due dates as needed.
Set your moving day
Enter the date, apply the starter checklist and start with the tasks due soonest. Each tick brings moving day closer.