How to Create the Perfect Moving Checklist

If you have never used a moving checklist before, know that it will be life-changing! There’s just something about having a plan and being organized that saves so much time and energy. It practically makes moving, dare I say, easy. This post is going to give you the best tips and tricks I have for making your move as smooth as butter! 

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What Does a Moving Checklist Actually Do?

A moving checklist is something that doesn’t have to be complicated at all. It’s really like the study guide to a test. It touches on all the main details that are going to be essential during the move. Things like specific services needing to be called, or items that you need to purchase for the move. It can be whatever you want. 

In my opinion, it makes the most sense to use the checklist as an overview. The moving checklist can be like the table of contents and then you can create sub-lists after that.

What Does Your Moving Checklist Look Like?

To create the checklist, simply start with the essentials. Create categories and then move on from there. Examples of categories are:

• Phone Calls to Make/Services to Cancel
• Things to Purchase
• Things to Get/Obtain (Medical records, dental records, etc.)
• Things to Research (What’s in the area, do they have your bank, etc.)
• Orders/PCS Paperwork
• Packing Essentials

How to Personalize Your Moving Checklist …

Once you have your main categories on your moving checklist, expand it! Now is the time to make it more personal. You can get as detailed as possible, this is YOUR list! 

Below are some examples of what I would include on my Moving Checklist for a Permanent Change in Station (PCS) move.

Category 1 – Phone Calls, Services, and Memberships

• Services to Cancel
  • Lawn Care Services
  • Bug/Spider Services 
  • Snow Removal 
  • Utility Services (Gas, Electric, Water, Trash Removal, Recycling)
  • Internet Services
  • If living on base
    • You have to call the housing company and schedule a “1st walk-through” at least two weeks in advance.
    • You also need to schedule your final walk-through as well.

(The base housing walk-throughs are done by the housing companies. They go through and inspect the entire house and determine things you need to fix and or pay for.)

• Online Updates/Memberships
  • Update Mailing Address with Post Office
    • Don’t forget to get your mail forwarded to your new address!
  • Gym Memberships
  • Monthly Subscription Boxes
    • Boxes like HelloFresh, Butcher Box, Thrive Market, etc.
• Phone Calls to Make
  • Notify any doctors.
  • Inform Babysitters/Child Care Services.
  • Notify Friends and Family.

Category 2 – Things to Purchase

• Moving Boxes
  • Highly recommend it as a military family you use reusable boxes. Check out these on Amazon!
• Packing Tape (A lot of packing tape!)
• Bubble Wrap
• Labels
  • Check out these labels on Amazon, trust me they make life so much easier! You can organize using your own QR codes now!
• Binder/Notebook
  • This is great to keep all of your important moving information in one easily accessible place

(Comment below and let me know if you would be interested in a PCS/Moving binder… I will share mine!)

Category 3 – Items to Obtain

• Request copies of all medical records.
• Request copies of all dental records.
• Request copies of all vision records.
• Request copies of all veterinarian records. 
• Gather any vehicle records of services that were done to your vehicle.
• Gather any DMV records, registrations, inspections, etc.
• Gather any school transcripts for kids or yourself.
• Update your passports and licenses if needed.
• Gather all personally identifying information and documents (SSN cards, Birth Certificates, Marriage licenses, etc.)

(For any important records and documents, I highly recommend creating PDF versions and making copies in case anything gets lost in the move!)

Category 4 – Things to Research

• Research the new area you are moving to.
• Do they have your bank or compatible banks?
• Car Registrations and DMV information (Driver’s License, Vehicle tags, etc.)
• Look into Schools and School Registrations for kids.
• Look up Voters Registration for your new County.
• Research Pharmacies/How to Transfer Prescriptions.
  • If you are a Military Family and use Express Scripts, make sure you update your information with them and check that they will ship to your new home.
• Research New Doctors/PCMs.
• Look up State regulations and Laws for necessary personal items for your new place.
• If you are driving to your new destination…
  • Research the route you are driving (Rest Stop Areas, Gas Stations, etc.) 
  • If you are planning to stop, research hotels and pet-friendly places if needed.
• Research food places near your new home… 
  • This will be so nice when you get there to have a plan and not have to worry about finding something easy or quick to eat. 
• Research new utilities (internet providers, gas, electric, water, trash services, etc.)
  • If you are moving on base the only one you have to worry about setting up on your own is the internet. 

Category 5 – Military Things and Paperwork

• Contact Tricare and update your personal information.
• Make copies of all Military Moving Paperwork…
  • I highly recommend having them both in PDF form and physical form in case anything happens!
• SAVE ALL RECEIPTS if you are doing a military move so you can be properly reimbursed!
• Make sure you have the correct and necessary military orders and that the orders contain everyone that should be on them!
• If you are a military family and had the military movers move your belongings, make sure you have the mover’s information and the documentation they provided you when they took your stuff. 

Category 6 – Packing Must Dos

• Take photos of all items before packing.
  • ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE USING A MOVING COMPANY!
  • MAKE SURE ALL PHOTOS ARE DATED AND TIMESTAMPED!
• Label all boxes by room and create a list of all contents in each box.
  • This will save you a lot of time in the long run!
• Create a list in your binder/notebook of all boxes.
  • Keep it organized and categorize it by room and label
  • Use some sort of system that makes sense to you that allows you to know which box belongs where, and what is inside the box!  
• If you are moving everything yourself, pack the boxes that you will need first, last. 
  • This will make the boxes easily accessible when you get to your destination! 

Additional Tips to Use along with your Moving Checklist…

• Have essential tools on hand.
  • Create yourself a handy toolbox with screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, utility knives, etc. 
• Have multiple sharpies or markers for labeling.
  • Trust me you will forget where you left the last one so have more than one! 
• Have plenty of extra tape.
  • You can never have enough tape! 
• If you are driving create a snack box and pack a cooler for the car ride!
  • Nothing is worse than driving for hours without something to snack on… plus you never know how many stops there will be!
• Don’t pack the important documents away… make sure they are with you and easily accessible at all times!
• Make copies of all important documents (Birth Certificates, SSN Cards, Marriage licenses, Military Orders, etc.) 
  • As I said before, have a PDF form and a second copy on you.
  • Also, it would be a good idea to leave a copy with a trusted family member in case yours get misplaced or damaged as an extra backup! 

Final Thoughts…

I hope this post was helpful to you and that you have a safe and easy move! Comment below and let me know if you would like more details on the PCS/Moving binder! Let me know if you have any tips that I haven’t tried, I’d love to read what you have to say! Until next time… 

If you liked this post, check out some of my others…

11 Tips on Packing for a Military Move

5 Things to know about On Base Housing

5 Tips on Navigating Military Life