Muchita

Moving house checklist

Moving day and your first week in the new place, covered in one list. Tick off what you already have, raise or lower the box counts to match how much you own, and check prices on the gear you still need.

Ready-made list. It saves when you change something.
0/28 done
  • Packing supplies

    0/11
  • Moving boxes (small)Use small boxes for books and other heavy items.10
  • Moving boxes (medium)The everyday size for kitchen items, toys and decor.15
  • Moving boxes (large)Keep these for light, bulky things like bedding and pillows.8
  • Wardrobe boxesLets clothes travel on their hangers.2
  • Dish box with dividersFor plates and glasses; wrap each piece first.1
  • Packing tapeSeal the bottom and top of every box.6
  • Packing tape dispenserMakes sealing lots of boxes faster and neater.1
  • Bubble wrap rollFor breakables, electronics and framed pictures.1
  • Packing paperWrap dishes and fill gaps so items do not shift.1
  • Permanent markersWrite contents and room on the top and one side.3
  • Box labelsMark the room and flag boxes to open first.1
  • Moving day kit

    0/5
  • Furniture dollyLook for rubber wheels and a carpeted deck so floors and furniture stay unscratched.1
  • Moving blanketsWrap furniture to prevent scratches and dents.6
  • Box cutterFor opening cartons on arrival; keep one with you.2
  • Zip-top bags for hardwareBag and label screws from furniture you take apart.1
  • Carpet protection filmSelf-adhesive roll; lay it along hallways and stairs where movers walk most.1
  • Cleaning the new place

    0/3
  • All-purpose cleanerWipe counters, switches and doorknobs before unpacking.1
  • Cleaning glovesProtect your hands and never mix cleaning products.2
  • Sponges and clothsFor scrubbing surfaces with soap and water.1
  • First night box

    0/5
  • Sheet set for each bedPack in the first box so beds are ready on night one.1
  • Bath towelsKeep one per person in the first night box.2
  • Toilet paperPack a few rolls where you can find them fast.1
  • Hand soapFor the kitchen and bathroom on the first day.1
  • Phone chargersKeep them with you, not in a sealed box.1
  • Tools and small hardware

    0/4
  • Furniture anchor kitsAnchor dressers, bookcases and TVs to the wall.2
  • Stud finderHelps you find a solid spot for wall anchors.1
  • Cordless drill and bitsGet a set with wood and masonry bits so you can fit anchor brackets in most walls.1
  • Screwdriver setFor putting furniture back together and fitting anchors.1

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Printable checklist (28 items)

Get boxes and tape before you start, then pack one room at a time: heavy things in small boxes, each breakable wrapped on its own, every box labeled with contents and room. In the new place, anchor tall furniture and TVs to the wall before the rooms fill up, and keep your first night box within reach.

Before you shop

Match box size to weight

Put books and other heavy items in small boxes so they stay easy to carry, and save large boxes for light, bulky things like pillows. Add a layer of cushioning at the bottom of each box and keep every carton to a weight you can lift safely.

Label the top and one side

Write what is inside and which room it belongs to on the top and on one side of every box, so you can still read it when boxes are stacked. Mark fragile boxes and the ones you want to open first.

Anchor furniture right away

Dressers, bookcases and TVs can tip over, so anchor them to the wall as soon as they are in place. You need anchor kits, a drill, a screwdriver and a stud finder. Tug on the straps afterward to check they hold.

Clean before you unpack

Wipe counters, light switches and doorknobs with soap or a household cleaner while the rooms are still empty. Open windows for fresh air, wear gloves, follow the label directions and never mix cleaning products.

Questions about this list

How many moving boxes do I need?

It depends on how much you own, so the quantities here are only a starting point. Go room by room, count shelves, closets and cupboards, add a few spare boxes and update the list as you pack. Using small boxes for heavy items keeps each one easier to carry.

What goes in a first night box?

Pack what you will need before everything else is unpacked: sheets for each bed, towels, toilet paper, hand soap, phone chargers and any daily medicines. Label it to open first and keep it with you instead of in the truck.

Should I buy or rent a furniture dolly?

If you move rarely, renting or borrowing a dolly may be enough. If you expect to move heavy furniture again, compare the same model across stores before you buy. Mark your choice on the list as need, rent or borrow.

Sources

Updated:

  • Uline - Moving Checklist
    US packaging supplier checklist lists moving supplies: boxes in small to extra large and specialty sizes, carton sealing tape and tape dispensers, bubble wrap, newsprint sheets, packing peanuts, moving blankets, carpet protection tape, labels, markers and knives for opening cartons. It does not cover first night essentials, cleaning, utilities or how many boxes a home needs.
    Checked: 2026-10-03
  • Uline - Moving Tips
    US packaging supplier guidance supports wrapping items individually, cushioning the bottom of each box, putting heavy items in small boxes, limiting carton weight, using wardrobe and dish boxes, wrapping furniture in moving blankets, using dollies for heavy furniture, keeping furniture hardware in labeled reclosable bags, labeling each box on the top and side with contents and room, and marking cartons to unpack first. It does not set quantities, compare products or list what to put in a first box.
    Checked: 2026-10-03
  • CPSC Anchor It! - Prevent Furniture and TV Tip-Overs
    US product safety campaign supports anchoring furniture with drawers, doors and shelves, and TVs, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, lists an anchoring kit, drill and bit, screwdriver and stud finder as the tools needed, and advises tugging on the straps to check they are secure. It does not rate specific kits or replace the furniture maker's instructions.
    Checked: 2026-10-03
  • CDC - When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home
    US public health guidance supports cleaning high-touch surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs and countertops with soap, detergent or household cleaners, wearing gloves, using good ventilation, never mixing products and following label directions. It does not address moving or recommend specific products.
    Checked: 2026-10-03