moving checklist

Selecting a moving company involves more than just comparing prices. It's about ensuring your belongings are handled with care by a fully insured, experienced team.

• Are you fully licensed and insured? Ensure the company complies with all state and federal regulations for moving services.
• Will my items be insured during the move? Confirm what level of protection is offered for your belongings.
• Do you offer storage options? Ask about short-term and long-term storage availability if needed.
• Can you dispose of unwanted items? Find out if they can help with furniture or items you won't be taking to your new location.
• Do you provide packing materials, like plastic bins or boxes? Learn what supplies are included or available for rent.
• Is the pricing truly all-inclusive? Clarify whether the quoted price covers everything or if there are additional fees.
• Are your movers trained professionals? Ensure the team is experienced, vetted, and equipped to handle your belongings with care.
• Will I have a dedicated point of contact? Confirm that you'll have a single customer service representative to guide you through the process and answer your questions.

With countless moving companies available, it's important to know that not all are created equal. Our team prioritizes professionalism, experience, and customer satisfaction.

• Ensure the quote includes a detailed breakdown of all charges, including potential additional fees.
• Clarify any terms and conditions with our team.
• Ask questions about additional services or charges.

Once you've agreed to move forward and have received your confirmed quote and agreed upon services, it's time to tackle the next steps to ensure a smooth transition.

• Finalize Travel Arrangements: Book flights, transfers, or any transportation needed for your move.
• Notify Schools and Transfer Records: If you have children, inform their current school and arrange for record transfers to the new one.
• Request Time Off Work: Apply for leave to be fully available on moving day.
• Plan for Pet Relocation: For long-distance or international moves, make arrangements for transporting pets safely and comfortably.
• Organize Care for Kids or Pets on Moving Day: Having a trusted caretaker watch over children or pets will free up your attention for coordinating with the movers.
• Inform Friends and Family: Let your loved ones know about your moving day, and don't hesitate to ask for their help if needed.
• Start packing non-essential items.
• Gather packing supplies, like boxes, tape, and padding.
• Notify landlords or building managers of your move date.

Packing always takes longer than expected, so plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to avoid last-minute stress. Aim to complete packing well before moving day so you can focus on final details and enjoy a smooth transition.

• Gather Packing Supplies: Purchase boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect your belongings.
• Consider Renting Plastic Bins: Eco-friendly and sturdy, plastic bins are a great alternative to cardboard boxes.
• Prepare Fragile Items: Identify delicate items that may need extra care or custom crating for safe transport.
• Organize Valuables: Plan how to pack and carry important documents, jewelry, and other valuables that should stay with you.
• Sort and Label Items for Sale or Donation: Use labels or signs to separate items you plan to sell, donate, or dispose of.
• Pack Essentials for Moving Day: Set aside items you'll need for the final night in your old home and the first night in your new one.
• Ask for Help If Needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional packers if you feel overwhelmed or pressed for time.
• Pack room by room, labeling boxes clearly.
• Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger ones for lighter items like linens.

As moving day approaches, it's time to confirm all plans and finalize the details to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here's how to prepare in the final week before your move:

• Finish Packing: Ensure all boxes are sealed and ready for loading. Do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Update Your Information: Notify financial institutions, utility companies, insurance providers, and subscription services (like Amazon) of your change of address.
• Address Licensing and Registration Changes: Check your new state's requirements for updating your license, registration, and ID, and plan accordingly.
• Confirm Key Access to Your New Home: Double-check with your realtor or property manager to ensure you'll have the keys or access code to your new home at the expected time.
• Stay available to answer any questions from the movers.
• Confirm all details with your moving company.
• Pack a moving essentials bag (clothes, toiletries, snacks, etc.).
• Clean your current space and leave it ready for the next occupant.

Moving day has arrived! Stay calm, organized, and prepared to ensure everything goes smoothly as you transition to your new home.

• Start Early: Wake up with plenty of time to get organized and stay ahead of schedule.
• Arrange Child and Pet Care: Have young children or pets stay with a neighbor, family member, or sitter to avoid distractions during the loading process.
• Pack Last-Minute Essentials: Place final items in your suitcase and store them securely where they won't get packed with other belongings.
• Clean as You Go: Tidy up and remove any remaining trash or clutter from your home. Focus on areas that need a final sweep or mop.
• Stay Connected: Keep your phone fully charged and on hand to communicate with your moving team as needed.
• Prepare for Gratuities: If you plan to tip your movers, make sure funds are ready in advance.
• Meet and Greet Your Movers: Walk your moving team through the home, sharing any special instructions or requests for handling specific items.
• Verify the Inventory and Loading Plan: Do a final walkthrough of the inventory list to ensure all items are accounted for before loading begins.
• Address Any Issues: Remain available for troubleshooting or to answer any questions from the movers during the process.
• Check for Damage: Look for any unnoticed damage or scuff marks as furniture is moved, and document anything of concern.
• Take Final Photos: Snap pictures of your empty home for your records, especially if you're leaving a rental property.
• Secure the Property: Double-check that doors and windows are locked, and leave your keys as instructed by your landlord or property manager.
• Stay Accessible on the Move: Keep your phone handy for updates or any potential delays while traveling to your new location.

Arriving at your new home is an exciting moment, but there are still important tasks to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here's how to settle in with ease:

• Coordinate Access: Call ahead to confirm anyone facilitating entry to your new home, such as a realtor or building manager, is on time.
• Meet the Movers: Greet your moving team at the front entrance and guide them on where to place items.
• Check Utilities: Ensure essential utilities like electricity, water, and Wi-Fi are functioning properly.
• Document the Space: Take photos of your new home for your records before unpacking begins, especially if you're renting.
• Supervise Furniture Placement: Direct movers on where to place large furniture items and communicate any adjustments to the unpacking plan.
• Show Gratitude: Thank your movers for their hard work and tip them if you're satisfied with the service.
• Secure the Property: Lock access points and secure windows, especially if young children or pets will be arriving soon.
• Clean Key Areas: Wipe down surfaces in the kitchen and bathrooms to make them immediately usable.
• Unpack Essentials First: Start with your moving day suitcase—plug in chargers, unpack toiletries, and settle in for the night.
• Prioritize Bedrooms: Set up beds first to ensure a comfortable place to rest after a long day. Boxes can wait!
• Assist Family Members: Help children or other family members adjust to the new environment.
• Add Privacy: Use temporary sheets or curtains on windows if you haven't yet installed blinds or drapes.
• Celebrate the Day: Order some takeout, relax, and enjoy your new home—celebrating this fresh start!

Congratulations on completing your move! While the heavy lifting is done, there are a few final steps to help you settle in and tie up any loose ends.