Free moving checklist: 128 tasks from 8 weeks out to move-in day
The only checklist with built-in tools to compare ISPs, pre-fill IRS forms, and transfer utilities — all without leaving the page. Free forever.
- ✓Complete tasks inside the checklist — compare ISPs, generate IRS forms, look up utility providers
- ✓Saves your progress — log in anytime, from any device, pick up where you left off
- ✓Sends gentle reminders timed to your move date
- ✓Covers USPS, utilities, insurance, government, healthcare, schools, and more
- ✓Free forever — no trial, no paywall, no strings
Your moving checklist is ready
Join 250,000+ movers who stayed organized
Start my checklist →Free forever. No credit card. Takes 30 seconds.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms. Already have an account? Access my checklist
128
tasks tracked
14
categories
5
built-in tools
250K+
movers served
Why this isn't just another moving checklist
Most moving checklists are static PDFs you lose in a drawer. Don't Forget™ is an interactive tool that tracks your progress, syncs across devices, and tells you exactly what to do each week until you're fully settled.
Access anywhere
Phone, tablet, computer. Your progress syncs automatically across all devices.
Personalized timeline
Tasks organized by your actual move date — 8 weeks out to move-in day.
Two views
See tasks by timeline (when to do them) or by category (what type they are).
Optional reminders
Get email nudges so nothing falls through the cracks. Turn on or off anytime.
Download PDF
Want a printout too? Download your checklist as a PDF anytime.
Always free
No credit card. No hidden fees. No catch. Ever.
Your complete moving checklist: every task, week by week
Here's everything you need to do when moving, organized by when to do it. Tasks with 🔧 can be completed right inside the checklist.
8 weeks before
The critical planning phase. Start here to give yourself enough runway.
+
8 weeks before
The critical planning phase. Start here to give yourself enough runway.
- Research and hire a moving company — get at least 3 estimates
- Create a moving budget with 10–15% contingency
- Start decluttering room by room
- Organize important documents into one folder
- Take inventory of valuables for insurance
- Research your new area — hospitals, pharmacies, schools
6 weeks before
Notifications and packing begin.
+
6 weeks before
Notifications and packing begin.
- Notify your employer and HR/payroll
- Research schools in your new area
- Get packing supplies — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers
- Schedule pet health exams and get vet records
- Request time off work for moving day
- Begin packing non-essentials — seasonal items, books, decorations
4 weeks before
Critical notification phase. This is when the real address-change work begins.
+
4 weeks before
Critical notification phase. This is when the real address-change work begins.
- File USPS change of address ($1.10 online or free at post office)
- Update all bank and credit card accounts
- Schedule electric, gas, water transfers — 🔧 Provider Lookup
- Compare ISPs at new address — 🔧 ISP Comparison
- Update auto, home, health, and life insurance
- Update DMV — driver's license and vehicle registration
- Notify the IRS — 🔧 Form 8822 Helper
- Update Social Security Administration
- Notify healthcare providers and transfer prescriptions
- Send moving announcements — 🔧 Heads Up™
2 weeks before
Confirm details and tie up loose ends.
+
2 weeks before
Confirm details and tie up loose ends.
- Confirm moving company dates, times, addresses
- Update remaining online accounts — maps, ride-share, delivery apps
- Begin using up perishable food
- Take photos of electronics setups before disconnecting
- Pack valuables separately — move these yourself
1 week before
Final preparations.
+
1 week before
Final preparations.
- Pack a moving-day essentials box — toiletries, chargers, snacks, meds
- Clean and defrost refrigerator (24 hours before)
- Disassemble furniture — bag and label hardware
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
- Withdraw cash for tipping movers ($20–50 per mover)
Moving day
The big day. Stay organized.
+
Moving day
The big day. Stay organized.
- Final walkthrough of every room — closets, cabinets, garage, attic, mailbox
- Read and sign all moving paperwork — get copies
- Take meter readings at old and new home
- Document condition of both homes with photos
- Supervise loading and unloading — note any damage immediately
After move-in
First week in your new home.
+
After move-in
First week in your new home.
- Verify USPS mail forwarding is working (7–10 business days)
- Test all utilities — faucets, outlets, HVAC, internet
- Change locks on your new home
- Update address on remaining accounts — loyalty programs, alumni
- Register to vote at new address
- Get new driver's license if new state (30 days in most states)
- Meet your neighbors
Want to track your progress automatically?
Create a free account to check off tasks, get timed reminders, sync across devices, and download a printable PDF.
Start my free checklist →Complete tasks without leaving the checklist
Every other checklist tells you what to do. Ours lets you do it — right here.
ISP comparison & setup
Compare speeds, prices, contracts at your new address
IRS Form 8822 generator
Pre-filled PDF, correct mailing address by state
Utility transfer
Gas, electric, water — provider lookup + paired tracking
Trash service
Auto-detects municipal vs private hauler
Moving announcements
Free e-cards via Gmail & Outlook — powered by Heads Up™
Who to notify when you move: the complete list
Filing a USPS change of address only forwards your mail for up to 12 months — it doesn't actually update your address with banks, insurance, the DMV, or anyone else. Here's the notification list by urgency.
Before move
USPS, utilities, banks, credit cards, insurance, employer, DMV
Within 2 weeks
IRS (Form 8822), Social Security, healthcare, schools, voter registration, subscriptions
After settling
Online retailers, memberships, loyalty programs, friends & family, pet microchip
USPS mail forwarding vs. actually updating your address
USPS forwarding redirects physical mail for up to 12 months. But your bank, insurance company, the DMV, the IRS — they all still have your old address on file. After forwarding expires, critical documents go to your old home. Don't Forget™ tracks every notification you need to make so nothing slips through.
14 categories. 128 tasks. Every detail covered.
Tasks are only part of the equation
Don't Forget™ tracks every task. But your move has more moving parts. MoveReady gives you three free tools — one account, everything covered.
Moving checklist FAQ
Who do I need to notify when I move?+
You need to notify USPS (mail forwarding), the DMV (driver's license and vehicle registration), the IRS (Form 8822), Social Security Administration, all banks and credit cards, insurance companies, utility providers, your employer, healthcare providers, schools, subscription services, and voter registration. Our free checklist tracks all 128 notification tasks across 14 categories.
Can I complete moving tasks inside the checklist?+
Yes. Don't Forget™ is the only moving checklist with built-in execution tools — compare ISPs at your new address, pre-fill IRS Form 8822, look up utility providers, and send moving announcements via Heads Up™. Tasks mark themselves complete when you finish.
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?+
Permanent USPS mail forwarding lasts 12 months. Temporary forwarding lasts 185 days. After expiration, undeliverable mail is returned to sender. First-class and priority mail forward, but most magazines stop after just 60 days.
What's the difference between USPS forwarding and updating my address?+
USPS forwarding redirects physical mail for up to 12 months but doesn't notify any organization. Banks, insurance, the DMV, utilities — they all still have your old address. You need to update each one separately. Don't Forget™ tracks every notification you need to make.
What happens if I forget to change my address?+
Missed bills and late fees, insurance coverage gaps, lost tax refunds, identity theft from mail at your old address, expired vehicle registration, and inability to vote. Most states legally require DMV updates within 30 days.
Is there a free printable moving checklist?+
Yes. Don't Forget™ has 128 tasks across 14 categories, free forever. Use the interactive version with progress tracking, timed reminders, and built-in tools — or download a printable PDF. No credit card required.
What should I do when moving to a new state?+
Update your driver's license and vehicle registration (required within 30 days in most states), register to vote, verify healthcare providers are in-network, update auto and home insurance (rates vary by state), and file IRS Form 8822. Our checklist's built-in IRS form helper pre-fills and generates the PDF for you.
How do I set up internet at a new address?+
Inside our checklist, the ISP Comparison tool shows every provider available at your new address with speeds, prices, and contract terms side by side. Choose a provider and the checklist guides you through setup — plus tracks cancellation of your old service as a paired task.
How do I notify the IRS when I move?+
File IRS Form 8822 (Change of Address). Inside our checklist, the form pre-fills with your name, both addresses, and move date. You add your SSN (browser-only, never stored), then download a ready-to-mail PDF with the correct IRS address for your state.
Go from overwhelmed to in control
Your free moving checklist is ready. 128 tasks, 14 categories, 5 built-in tools — and zero things forgotten.
Need to notify people about your move too? Heads Up™ sends beautiful announcements in 5 minutes — free for every account.
100% free. No credit card. No catch.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms.
Questions? Email us