A checklist for moving house (made with AI)

Sure, you could write this yourself, but why not use the (AI) tools that are available.

We’re moving again, and although I’m feeling pretty on top of things (I’ve done this quite a bit), I thought I’d ask for help.

I was certainly underwhelmed at the AI tools available a year or two ago, but now I’m all in. I’ve been using AI tools consistently both in my daily work and increasingly more throughout the day, and you can count me a believer.

Anyway, at the moment I’m pretty impressed with Perplexity AI and am using that quite a bit along with Copilot (the iOS app is 🔥) for lots of other things, including the image at the top of this post.

Here is what I asked it today (you can see the full convo here).

I am moving house in the next month. Currently my family and I are in a four bedroom rental property and we are moving to a five bedroom house in the same town that we are purchasing. We’re scheduled to close on the house tomorrow, and move in exactly a months time.

Can you make me an exhaustive list of everything that I need to do for my move? I know there are lots of administrative tasks like updating my accounts with my new address, however, there are probably a lot of tasks I’m not thinking about too. I just thought that I need to check the furnace in the new house to ensure it has a clean filter, to give an example. I’d like a list of actions that I should/might need to take organized by categorey and in a format that I can copy easily and check-off as I complete them.

Take your time and let me know what information you might need to make this list as complete as possible.

Here is the list it came back with:

Pre-Move Tasks

Administrative

• [ ] Notify landlord of move-out date
• [ ] Schedule final walk-through of rental property
• [ ] Arrange for return of security deposit
• [ ] Update address with USPS (can be done online)
• [ ] Update address with DMV (driver’s license and vehicle registration)
• [ ] Update voter registration
• [ ] Notify employer of new address
• [ ] Update address for bank accounts and credit cards
• [ ] Update address for insurance policies (auto, life, health)
• [ ] Update address for subscriptions and memberships
• [ ] Transfer or cancel utilities at current home
• [ ] Set up utilities at new home (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable)
• [ ] Schedule internet/cable installation at new home
• [ ] Notify children’s schools of move and arrange for records transfer

Packing and Organization

• [ ] Create a moving budget
• [ ] Decide on moving method (DIY or professional movers)
• [ ] If using movers, get quotes and book services
• [ ] If DIY, rent a moving truck
• [ ] Purchase packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
• [ ] Start packing non-essential items
• [ ] Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room
• [ ] Create an inventory of valuable items
• [ ] Pack an essentials box for the first night in the new home
• [ ] Arrange for donation or disposal of unwanted items
• [ ] Plan for pet care during moving day

New Home Preparation

Cleaning and Maintenance

• [ ] Deep clean the entire house before moving in
• [ ] Check and clean air vents and replace HVAC filters
• [ ] Inspect the furnace and schedule professional maintenance if needed
• [ ] Clean or replace shower curtains and toilet seats
• [ ] Check all plumbing fixtures for leaks and proper function
• [ ] Test all electrical outlets and switches
• [ ] Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• [ ] Clean gutters and downspouts
• [ ] Inspect roof for any visible damage or leaks
• [ ] Check windows and doors for proper sealing
• [ ] Trim any overgrown trees or shrubs near the house

Security

• [ ] Change all exterior door locks
• [ ] Install or update home security system
• [ ] Consider adding motion-sensor exterior lighting
• [ ] Locate and test main water shut-off valve
• [ ] Locate electrical panel and label circuits if not already done

Improvements and Personalization

• [ ] Paint walls if desired (easier before furniture is moved in)
• [ ] Install window treatments
• [ ] Plan furniture layout for each room
• [ ] Measure spaces for any new furniture needed

Moving Day

Last-Minute Tasks at Old Home

• [ ] Take final meter readings for utilities
• [ ] Do a final clean of the rental property
• [ ] Check all closets, drawers, and cabinets for forgotten items
• [ ] Lock all windows and doors

At New Home

• [ ] Verify all utilities are functioning
• [ ] Direct movers or helpers where to place furniture and boxes
• [ ] Begin unpacking essentials (bedding, toiletries, basic kitchen items)
• [ ] Make beds and set up essential furniture

Post-Move Tasks

Settling In

• [ ] Unpack and organize room by room
• [ ] Break down and recycle moving boxes
• [ ] Arrange for professional carpet cleaning if needed
• [ ] Install any new appliances
• [ ] Set up home office if applicable
• [ ] Organize garage or storage areas

Community Integration

• [ ] Locate nearest hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency services
• [ ] Register with local general practitioner and dentist
• [ ] Introduce yourself to neighbors
• [ ] Explore local amenities (parks, libraries, community centers)
• [ ] Update GPS with new home address and frequently visited locations

Home Maintenance Planning

• [ ] Create a home maintenance schedule
• [ ] Schedule regular HVAC service
• [ ] Plan for seasonal tasks (gutter cleaning, winterizing, etc.)
• [ ] Consider home warranty options

Sources

[1] A Step-by-Step Change of Address Checklist for Businesses https://www.davincivirtual.com/blog/change-of-address-checklist-for-businesses
[2] How to Change Your Address and Utilities When Moving https://www.movercircle.com/preparing-for-a-move-changing-your-address-and-utilities
[3] Change of Address Checklist – Sterling Lexicon https://www.sterlinglexicon.com/resources/change-of-address-checklist
[4] Home maintenance list for first time home owners – Bogleheads.org https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=400613
[5] The Complete Checklist Before Moving Into a New Home https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/moving-into-new-house
[6] 10 Important Things to Do When Moving into a New Home https://www.moving.com/tips/10-important-things-to-do-when-moving-into-a-new-home/
[7] Change of Address Checklist: Your Essential Guide for a Smooth … https://nmbnow.com/change-of-address-checklist-your-essential-guide-for-a-smooth-move/
[8] Essential Post-Move Home Maintenance Checklist for New … https://pinkzebramoving.com/blog/2024/04/09/essential-post-move-home-maintenance-checklist-for-new-homeowners/
[9] The Ultimate First Home Essentials Checklist – Angie’s List https://www.angi.com/articles/first-home-essential-checklist.htm
[10] 8 Things To Do Before Moving Into Your New House – Solterra Texas https://solterratexas.com/8-things-to-do-before-moving-into-your-new-house/
[11] The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Into a New Home https://mustang-moving.com/the-ultimate-checklist-for-moving-into-a-new-home/
[12] Home Care 101: Your New Home Maintenance Checklist – Lowe’s https://www.lowes.com/n/ideas-inspiration/new-home-maintenance-checklist
[13] First-Time Home Buyer’s Checklist: Essential Repairs Before Moving In https://www.bosscathome.com/resources/the-essential-first-time-home-buyers-checklist-must-do-repairs-before-moving-in
[14] Changing Your Address When You Move: A Complete Guide https://nelsonwesterberg.com/blog/where-to-change-address-when-you-move/
[15] Change of Address Checklist: 36 Key Tasks to Stay Organized https://checklist.com/change-of-address-checklist
[16] How to Transfer Utilities When Moving | Constellation https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/moving/how-to-switch-utilities-when-moving.html
[17] The Ultimate Guide to Address Changes During a Move – Neighbor https://www.neighbor.com/storage-blog/change-of-address-checklist/
[18] Change of Address Checklist: Who To Notify and When – Synchrony https://www.synchrony.com/blog/home/who-to-notify-change-of-address
[19] How to Set Up Utilities in Your New Home – Moving.com https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-set-up-utilities-in-your-new-home/
[20] Change of address checklist — who to notify when moving https://www.meatheadmovers.com/blog/change-of-address-checklist-who-to-notify-when-moving/
[21] Change of Address Checklist: Who To Notify When You Move https://sparefoot.com/blog/change-of-address-checklist/
[22] How to Transfer Utilities and Change Your Address Efficiently https://www.riverviewatnyack.com/Portal/Home/BlogPost/c5fac38b-d38d-46ad-b2a1-29b30b70b989
[23] I’m in the process of moving. What possible things could require me … https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/1b3sk3o/im_in_the_process_of_moving_what_possible_things/
[24] Change of Address Checklist: Who To Notify When Moving & When … https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/moving/change-of-address-checklist.html
[25] How to Transfer Utilities When Moving https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-transfer-your-utilities-when-moving/
[26] What are the first things you should do when you move into your … https://www.reddit.com/r/homeowners/comments/igd0pp/what_are_the_first_things_you_should_do_when_you/
[27] Home Maintenance Tasks to Remember When Moving to a New … https://www.h2horganizing.com/blog/2023/9/29/home-maintenance-tasks-to-remember-when-moving-to-a-new-house
[28] Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners | Essential Checklist https://www.homesforheroes.com/blog/home-maintenance-tips-for-new-homeowners-checklist/
[29] The Ultimate New Home Checklist – Moving.com https://www.moving.com/tips/the-ultimate-new-home-checklist/
[30] Home Maintenance Tasks to Do Before You Move | Mayflower® https://www.mayflower.com/moving-tips/blog/home-maintenance-tasks-to-do-before-you-move
[31] New Homeowner Checklist: 6 Must-Dos Before Moving https://www.unitedvanlines.com/moving-tips/moving-checklists/first-time-homeowner-checklist
[32] The Ultimate New House Checklist – Updater https://updater.com/moving-tips/the-ultimate-new-home-checklist/
[33] 19 Things to Complete Before Moving Into Your New Home [2025 … https://www.cgprealestateconsulting.com/post/things-to-do-before-moving-new-house-checklist
[34] The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/home-maintenance-checklist/
[35] 53 Things To Buy For A New House: The Essential Move-In Checklist https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/things-you-need-for-your-first-house
[36] New Home Checklist: Everything To Do Before And After Moving Day https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/what-to-do-when-you-move-into-a-new-home
[37] For those interested – Here’s a home maintenance checklist, from an … https://www.reddit.com/r/homeowners/comments/m7uuy0/for_those_interested_heres_a_home_maintenance/
[38] How to change your address | USAGov https://www.usa.gov/change-address
[39] The Ultimate Checklist: Change of Address : u/virtualpostmail – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/user/virtualpostmail/comments/e1a7d0/the_ultimate_checklist_change_of_address/
[40] How to Transfer Utilities When Moving to a New Apartment – RentCafe https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/apartment-search-2/moving-resources/transfer-utilities-when-moving-new-apartment/

I especially like the “Community Integration” section towards the end. Nice job AI!