housing
Emergency Move Checklist
A fast, practical checklist for packing, timing, and leaving safely.
housingemergency move
SAFETY PLANNING
Emergency Move Checklist
What to Pack Quickly
- Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
- Bank cards, some cash, prepaid cards if available
- Phone and charger, any backup phone
- Keys (home, car, work, storage, mailbox)
- Medications (at least a few days’ supply)
- Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and supplies
- Small bag with basic clothes and underwear
- Basic hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant)
- Essential items for children (diapers, formula, one comfort item, clothes)
- Essential items for pets (leash, small food supply, medication)
- Spare phone SIM, list of important phone numbers on paper
- Any safety devices you use (spare phone, whistle, tracker you control)
Important Documents to Take
- Identification for you and children:
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Passports or immigration documents
- Birth certificates
- Social Security or national insurance numbers (cards or copies)
- Legal papers:
- Protective or restraining orders
- Court orders for custody, visitation, child support
- Marriage certificate, divorce documents, separation agreements
- Any police reports you have copies of
- Financial and housing:
- Bank account details, checkbook
- Credit card details
- Lease, rental agreement, mortgage papers
- Recent utility bills (showing proof of address)
- Insurance cards and policies (health, auto, home, life)
- Health and care:
- Health insurance cards
- Medical records or summaries (you and children)
- Vaccination records
- Prescription copies or photos of labels
- Work and school:
- Work ID, recent pay stubs
- Work permit or visa if applicable
- School records, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), report cards
- Childcare or custody agreements in writing
- Evidence and reference items:
- List of important phone numbers and emails
- Any evidence you have gathered (copies, photos, notes)
- USB drive, secure cloud access details if you use them
If you cannot safely take originals, options include taking photos, making digital copies, or storing images in secure cloud storage you control.
Choosing Safe Timing
- Consider leaving when:
- The person is at work, away, or on a predictable routine
- There is a normal reason for you to be out (work, errands, school runs)
- Traffic or public places make movements less noticeable
- Avoid if possible:
- Times of known conflict or arguments
- Times when the person has been drinking or using substances
- Leaving directly after a visible confrontation if that raises risk
- Plan small steps before the move:
- Gradually move non-essential items out if it is safe to do so
- Keep go-bag and key documents in a hidden but easy-to-grab place
- Charge your phone and keep some battery backup if possible
- Consider who notices your movements:
- Neighbors, building staff, coworkers
- Shared tracking apps, shared calendars, shared bank alerts
- GPS or tracking in vehicles and devices
Backup Transportation Options
- Primary plan:
- Your own car with enough fuel and a spare key
- Public transit route mapped in advance
- Pre-booked ride (taxi, rideshare) if safe
- Backup options if the first plan is not safe:
- Alternate route (different streets, station, or stop)
- Different pick-up spot away from home or work
- Trusted person who can provide a ride without advance notice
- Walking to a busier public area before arranging a ride
- Practical transport checks:
- Keep fuel in the car when possible
- Store a spare car key somewhere safe but accessible
- Know how to disable shared car location if it is safe and allowed
- Keep a small amount of emergency cash separate from your wallet
- If technology is monitored:
- Consider using a payphone, workplace phone, or trusted person’s phone
- Be aware of ride receipts or location history appearing in shared accounts
- Consider logging out of shared apps on your device when safe
Planning a Safer Destination
- Destination options:
- Trusted friend or family member’s home (who understands privacy needs)
- Short-term hotel or motel under a name and payment method you control
- Confidential shelter or short-stay program in your area
- Workplace, place of worship, or community center as an initial stop
- Privacy and safety steps:
- Ask hosts not to share your location or details with anyone
- Consider using a different address for mail and deliveries
- Review social media settings and avoid posting your location
- Consider changing routines (commute, shops, schedules) if needed
- Children and dependents:
- Plan how to pick up children in a way that feels lower risk
- Share essential information with schools or childcare when appropriate
- Plan for pets (some shelters or friends may not allow animals)
- Ongoing planning:
- Think about access to work, school, and healthcare from the new location
- Identify local support organizations and legal information services
- Store important numbers and addresses in your phone and on paper
Additional tools and professional supports can also be found through resources listed at DV.Support.
Quick Pre-Move Review
- Go-bag location confirmed and reachable
- Key documents and cards placed together
- Transport plan and backup noted
- Destination chosen and contact informed if appropriate
- Phone charged; essential numbers written down
- Any tracking or shared devices reviewed if it is safe to do so