A clear, neutral guide to what comes next—before, during, and after moving, buying a home or car, getting a pet, starting a business, and more.

Big life changes don’t have to feel like free fall. With a simple plan, smart decisions, and a few protection checks, you can move forward calmly and confidently. Use this playbook as your baseline for any major life event, then plug in the mini checklists for your specific situation.

The LifeEventGuide Framework

• Map: Define the goal, scope, timeline, and budget.
• Decide: Make the key choices early; schedule when each decision gets made.
• Protect: Identify risks and coverage needs; put safeguards in place.
• Execute: Follow a clear sequence; track tasks and documents.
• Review: Confirm completion, fix gaps, and note lessons for next time.

Core Checklist (Works for Any Major Transition)

Before (2–8 weeks out, or as early as possible)

• Clarify the outcome: What does “success” look like? Deadline? Budget?
• List dependencies: People to notify, approvals needed, legal steps, key dates.
• Build a timeline: Major milestones, decision deadlines, and buffers.
• Create a simple budget: One-time costs, recurring costs, contingencies (10–15%).
• Assemble documents: IDs, contracts, warranties, titles, licenses, policies.
• Vet vendors and tools: Compare at least three options; read contracts before signing.
• Plan protection: Insurance, warranties, return policies, emergency funds, data backups.
• Communicate: Share the plan with anyone affected; confirm roles and expectations.

During (Execution week(s))

• Follow the sequence: Do high-impact, prerequisite tasks first.
• Track progress daily: Use a single checklist; mark blockers immediately.
• Verify as you go: Keep receipts, document numbers, and photos of key handoffs.
• Protect the basics: Security, privacy, health/safety, and payment integrity.

After (First 30 days)

• Reconcile finances: Confirm charges, deposits, refunds, and final invoices.
• Update records: Addresses, titles, licenses, subscriptions, beneficiaries, accounts.
• Test systems: Does everything work as intended? Note defects and warranty windows.
• Back up and file: Store contracts, serial numbers, and policy details in one place.
• Review and improve: What worked, what didn’t, and what to adjust next time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague timelines: “Soon” and “later” invite stress—assign exact dates.
• Decision drift: Leaving key choices open increases costs; set decision cutoffs.
• Single-point failure: Relying on one vendor or one plan—always have a Plan B.
• Paper scatter: Contracts, receipts, and titles spread across emails and drawers—centralize.
• Coverage gaps: Assuming you’re protected without reading policy/warranty details.

Smart Decisions That Pay Off

• Pre-commit to calendar blocks for your top three milestones.
• Add a 10–15% contingency line to your budget—protects against surprise costs.
• Use checklists with ownership (who) and due dates (when)—not just tasks.
• Capture a “handover photo” or confirmation for every critical step.
• Schedule a 30-day review on day one—ensures loose ends get tied.

Protection, Planning, and Coverage Considerations

• Contracts and warranties: Note what’s covered, claim windows, exclusions, and transferability.
• Insurance: Identify if you need renters/home/auto, liability, pet, business, or specialized riders.
• Titles, licenses, registrations: Confirm the exact steps, fees, and deadlines to stay compliant.
• Data and privacy: Back up important files; sanitize old devices; secure sensitive paperwork.
• Emergency planning: Keep a small cash reserve, key contacts, and a basic contingency plan.

Plug-in Mini Checklists by Event

Moving

• Before: Compare movers vs. DIY; verify insurance; update utilities overlap by 3–5 days; change address, voter registration, and delivery services.
• During: Photograph condition of old and new spaces; label essentials box (first 48 hours).
• After: Test smoke detectors; update renter/home policy with new address and inventory.

Buying a Home

• Before: Get pre-approved; price inspections; budget closing costs (2–5%+); review HOA/CC&R rules.
• During: Read every clause—contingencies, appraisal gaps, repair credits; lock rate timing.
• After: Update title and homeowners insurance; set up maintenance calendar and emergency fund.

Purchasing a Car

• Before: Total cost of ownership (loan, insurance, maintenance, fuel); check vehicle history.
• During: Review purchase agreement line by line; avoid add-ons you don’t need; confirm title transfer.
• After: Bind auto insurance before driving off; store VIN, policy, and service schedule.

Getting a Pet

• Before: Budget for food, vet, grooming, training, boarding; review local licensing rules.
• During: Arrange first vet check; microchip and ID tag; safe space at home.
• After: Consider pet insurance; set vaccination reminders; plan for travel/boarding.

Starting a Business

• Before: Choose structure (sole prop/LLC/corp); register name; check permits/licenses; open business banking.
• During: Secure domain, brand assets, bookkeeping system; draft client contracts.
• After: Obtain insurance (general liability/professional/cyber as applicable); calendar tax deadlines.

Timeline Snapshot

• 60–30 days out: Define outcome, budget, and milestone dates; comparison-shop vendors.
• 30–7 days out: Lock decisions; confirm coverage; assemble documents; set backups.
• 72–24 hours out: Prepare essentials; verify payments and access; confirm contacts.
• Day 0–7: Execute; document handoffs; track issues daily.
• Day 8–30: Reconcile, update records, test systems, complete review.

Quick Copy-Paste Checklist

• Goal, date, budget set
• Milestones and decision deadlines scheduled
• Vendors compared and contracts reviewed
• Coverage verified and gaps closed
• Documents centralized and backed up
• Payments, deposits, refunds tracked
• Records updated post-event
• 30-day review scheduled

Which life event are you facing next—move, home, car, pet, or business? Tell me, and I’ll adapt this framework into a detailed, step-by-step checklist tailored to your situation and location.