The moving checklist — with pets in mind.

Before the move

• Set a moving budget and pick your moving date
• Get quotes from a few moving companies, or reserve a truck
• Declutter room by room — donate, sell, or recycle
• Gather school, medical, and veterinary records
• Measure large furniture against your new home's doorways

4 weeks before

• Order boxes, tape, and labels
• Start packing rarely used items
• Schedule utility shut-off and start dates
• Arrange time off work for moving day
• Book a pet sitter, boarding, or a quiet room plan for moving day

1 week before

• Confirm details with your movers
• Refill prescriptions — for people and pets
• Pack an essentials bag for each family member
• Clean out the fridge and freezer
• Label boxes by room and contents

Moving day

• Secure pets away from open doors before movers arrive
• Do a final walk-through of every room, closet, and cabinet
• Take meter readings and photos
• Keep valuables and documents with you
• Leave keys, garage openers, and manuals for the new owners

First night in your new home

• Make the beds first
• Set up a quiet, familiar space for pets
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Locate the main water shut-off and electrical panel
• Order takeout — you've earned it

Moving with dogs

• Keep walks and meals on their usual schedule
• Walk the new neighborhood on-leash before giving yard time
• Check fencing and gates for gaps before letting them out
• Bring their bed and toys unwashed — familiar smells help

Moving with cats

• Get them used to the carrier in the days before
• Start them in one closed room with litter, food, and water
• Keep cats indoors while they adjust to the new home
• Offer hiding spots — boxes count

Pet safety during a move

• Update tags and microchip with your new address and phone
• Keep cleaning supplies and small items out of reach while unpacking
• Never leave pets in a parked vehicle
• Find a new veterinarian and the nearest emergency clinic

Change of address checklist

• USPS mail forwarding
• Banks and credit cards
• Employer and payroll
• Insurance providers
• Subscriptions and online shopping accounts
• Doctors, dentists, and veterinarian
• Friends and family

Utilities & services

• Electric and gas / heating fuel
• Water and sewer (town or well/septic info)
• Internet, TV, and phone
• Trash and recycling
• Homeowner's insurance

Packing essentials

• Sturdy boxes in several sizes
• Packing tape and a marker
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Furniture pads and stretch wrap
• A small toolkit and box cutter
• Zip bags for hardware and screws

Keep with you — not on the truck

If you'd need it in the first 24 hours, carry it.

• Important documents and closing paperwork
• Medications for people and pets
• Phone chargers and laptops
• Jewelry and valuables
• Pet food, bowls, leash, litter, and bedding
• A change of clothes and toiletries
• Keys to your new home