MOVE / A THOL WORKING CHECKLIST

The 54-Point
Migration Checklist

A practical starting point for leaving one home and settling into the other. Work through it in the weeks before your move, then keep the version that fits your homes.

Adapt every item to your home, equipment, climate and insurance requirements. Mark items that don’t apply in your notes. For system-specific settings, use your contractor’s and manufacturer’s instructions.

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Home / travel dates / items that don’t apply

A week or two before you go

01. Confirm your departure date and who will check the home while you’re away.02. Read your home insurance policy’s absence and inspection requirements; ask your agent about anything unclear.03. Book any service visits that need to happen before departure.04. Confirm how your local helper and a backup can get inside.05. Put current plumber, HVAC, electrician and home-watch contacts in one shared place.06. Arrange mail forwarding or a hold; check the dates.07. Pause or redirect recurring deliveries, prescriptions and meal boxes.08. Check the arrival home’s utilities, internet and any scheduled work.09. Review travel reservations, vehicle plans and the things that must travel with you.

Water, plumbing and appliances

10. Decide on the water plan for this home using plumber and appliance guidance; account for systems that need a supply.11. Find and label the appropriate water shutoffs; make sure your helper knows where they are.12. Test leak sensors and confirm alerts reach the people who will respond.13. If fitted, test the automatic water shutoff using the manufacturer’s instructions.14. Check under sinks and around toilets, the water heater and laundry for signs of leaks.15. Inspect accessible supply hoses and arrange replacement if worn or suspect.16. Set the water heater’s away mode, or follow the manufacturer’s guidance for an extended absence.17. Prepare the ice maker and other water-fed appliances for your chosen water plan.18. Have irrigation, outdoor taps, pool equipment and freeze-prone plumbing prepared for the expected weather.

Indoor conditions and the house itself

19. Set heating and cooling for the home, climate and absence; follow local professional guidance.20. Test temperature and humidity alerts and check who receives them.21. Check HVAC filters and arrange service if due.22. Check accessible condensate drains and any overflow alerts with your HVAC provider.23. Test the sump pump and backup system if the home has them.24. Confirm dehumidifiers drain safely and are set up for unattended use.25. Check smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace batteries as needed.26. Clear perishable food, empty trash and recycling, and leave appliances clean and dry as appropriate.27. Walk the exterior for drainage, gutter or weather-exposure issues that need attention.

Security, access and local help

28. Check that doors, windows and garage doors close and lock properly.29. Test alarm, camera and smart-lock access for the people who need it.30. Replace low batteries in monitoring and access devices.31. Confirm internet and monitoring services will stay active while you’re away.32. Agree on the home-check schedule and what each visit should cover.33. Give your local helper clear instructions for a leak, power outage, storm or loss of cooling.34. Check that your helper has a backup way in if a smart lock or internet connection fails.35. Secure outdoor furniture and loose items for likely weather; arrange seasonal care.36. Let a trusted neighbor know your plans and how to reach the right person.

The final walk-through

37. Run through your water plan and note which valves were changed.38. Confirm thermostat and humidity settings in the home and in the app.39. Turn off or unplug nonessential appliances where appropriate; leave required systems powered.40. Check lights, timers, blinds and shades for your away plan.41. Check laundry, dishwasher and other appliances are left in the state recommended for your absence.42. Prepare the vehicle staying behind according to its manufacturer’s storage guidance.43. Pack medications, identification, keys, essential records and the chargers you need en route.44. Photograph key settings and leave a dated departure note for your helper.45. Lock up, set the alarm if used, and confirm your helper knows you’ve left.

Arrival and the first day

46. Walk through before unpacking; look and smell for signs of water, pests or equipment trouble.47. Restore the water supply using your home-specific procedure and check for leaks.48. Check heating, cooling, hot water and other essential systems.49. Test monitoring, internet and access devices at the arrival home.50. Check food supplies and replace anything spoiled or out of date.51. Confirm mail and deliveries are going to the right home.52. Tell local helpers at both homes where you are and confirm the next away-home visit.53. Put maintenance needs and anything discovered on arrival into your shared home notes.54. Update this checklist while the forgotten items are still fresh.

Your home-specific additions

Things you want on next season’s list

Two Homes, One Life · twohomesonelife.net · November 2026

The 54-PointMigration Checklist