moving checklist

Table of Contents

Key Points

Moving can feel like a whirlwind, even overwhelming. Between packing boxes, coordinating logistics, and saying goodbye to your old neighborhood and home, it is easy for crucial tasks to slip through the cracks.

That is why planning is essential. There are innumerable studies on why some people are “planners” and some are not. But the consensus is that planning can help alleviate stress and give a sense of autonomy and freedom.

At Smith Dray Line, we’re not psychologists, but we are experts on moving and can speak directly to how important planning is. That is why we have compiled the ultimate moving checklist to keep you organized and stress-free throughout your relocation journey. Let’s dive in for information on how to make your move go as smoothly as possible.

8+ Weeks Before Moving Day: Laying the Groundwork

This early stage is all about big-picture planning and setting the stage for a successful move.

  • Ruthlessly Declutter: Seize the opportunity you have before hitting crunch time and purge! Go through every room and decide what you truly want to take with you. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need. This will significantly reduce your packing load and potentially your moving costs (by saving on weight and required capacity).
  • Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on your move. This includes transportation, time off work, child or pet care during the move, insurance, supplies, and fees for moving services.
  • Create a Master Moving Binder or Digital Folder: This will be your central hub for all moving-related documents, quotes,  and contacts (as well as this ultimate moving checklist)!
  • Set Your Moving Date: Confirm the exact date you need to be out of your current residence and into your new one.
  • Research and Book Your Movers: If you are opting for professional help (and we highly recommend it!), start your research early. Look for reputable local companies with positive reviews and transparent pricing. Do not hesitate to ask for in-home estimates to get the most accurate quote. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is crucial to secure your preferred date and at a competitive price point.
  • Start Gathering Packing Supplies: Begin collecting boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. You can often find free boxes at grocery or liquor stores, though you might consider quality boxes that remain intact during the move.
  • Notify Important Parties: Inform your landlord or property manager of your moving date. Also, begin the process of transferring or canceling utilities at your current address.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day: Getting Down to Packing

This is when the actual packing begins! Tackle it room by room to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

  • Start Packing Non-Essential Items: Begin with items you do not use daily, such as seasonal decorations, books, and items stored in the attic or basement.
  • Create a Detailed Moving Packing List: As you pack each box, create a clear inventory of its contents. Number each box and keep a corresponding list in your moving binder or digitally. This will be invaluable when unpacking and ensuring nothing goes missing.
  • Pack One Room at a Time: Focus on completing one room before moving on to the next. This helps maintain a sense of progress and keeps things organized.
  • Label Boxes Clearly: Use clear and concise labels on all sides of each box, indicating the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents (for example: “Kitchen – Dishes,” “Bedroom – Linens”). Use different colored markers for each room for quick identification.
  • Pack Fragile Items Carefully: Use plenty of padding (bubble wrap, packing paper, blankets) for delicate items. Mark these boxes clearly as “FRAGILE.”
  • Pack an “Essentials Box”: This box should contain belongings you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Common items include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, basic tools, a change of clothes, and important documents. (Keep this box with you during the move.)
  • Confirm Travel Arrangements: If you are moving a long distance, finalize your travel plans, including flights, accommodation, and pet transportation.
  • Arrange Childcare or Pet Care for Moving Day: If possible, arrange for someone to look after children or pets on moving day to minimize stress for everyone.

2-3 Weeks Before Moving Day: Logistics and Final Preparations

With the bulk of the packing done, it is time to focus on the logistics of the move.

  • Confirm Details with Your Movers: Reconfirm your moving date, time, and any specific instructions with your chosen moving company. This includes the itinerary and services you have selected. (For instance, if you have added on comprehensive packing assistance or the need for moving valuables, like art, confirm those details and see if there are any final preparations you need to perform.)
  • Change Your Address: Officially change your address with the post office and update your information with banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, subscription services, and other important contacts.
  • Transfer Utilities: Schedule the disconnection of utilities at your old address and the connection of utilities at your new address. These include electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable.
  • Clean Your Current Home: If required by your lease or for your own peace of mind, start cleaning your current home.
  • Measure Furniture and Doorways at Your New Home: Ensure your furniture will fit through doorways and in the designated rooms at your new residence.
  • Plan Your New Home Layout: Sketch out a basic floor plan of your new home and decide where you want your furniture to go. This will help your movers place items efficiently.

1 Week Before Moving Day: The Final Countdown

The big day is almost here! Focus on tying up all loose ends.

  • Finish Packing: Complete packing of all remaining items, except for essentials you will need in the last few days.
  • Confirm Parking Arrangements for the Moving Truck: If you live in an area with parking restrictions, ensure there will be adequate space for the movers’ truck.
  • Defrost Your Refrigerator and Freezer: Allow ample time for this and clean them thoroughly, regardless of whether you are taking them or leaving them behind.
  • Gather Important Documents: Keep all essential documents (moving contracts, insurance papers, identification, etc.) in your “essentials box” or some other secure, easily accessible location.
  • Pack a Cooler with Drinks and Snacks: Have refreshments readily available for yourself and your movers on moving day.
  • Disassemble Furniture (If Necessary): If you are handling disassembly yourself, do it now and keep the hardware in labeled bags attached to the furniture.

Moving Day: Execution and Coordination

This is the day you have been preparing for! Stay calm and follow your plan.

  • Protect Floors and Doorways: Use old blankets or cardboard to protect floors and door frames at both your old and new homes.woman throwing packing peanuts
  • Be Present and Available: Be on hand to answer any questions the movers may have and provide clear instructions.
  • Do a Final Walk-Through of Your Home: Do a final check to ensure nothing has been left behind.
  • Direct the Movers: Guide the movers as they unload boxes and furniture into the correct rooms at your new home, referring to your labels and floor plan.
  • Inspect Your Belongings: Upon arrival, look for any damage during transit and note it on the moving company’s paperwork before they leave.
  • Pay Your Movers: Have the agreed-upon payment ready.
  • Thank Your Movers: A little appreciation goes a long way!

After Moving Day: Settling In

The move itself is over, but there are still a few important tasks to complete.

  • Unpack Essentials: First, focus on unpacking your “essentials box” and setting up beds, bathrooms, and the kitchen.
  • Start Unpacking Room by Room: Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Check Your Inventory: Ensure all items have arrived and cross-reference them with your moving packing list. Report any missing or damaged items to the moving company promptly.
  • Dispose of Packing Materials Responsibly: Break down boxes and recycle or dispose of them properly.
  • Update Your Address with Local Services: Update your address for local services like schools, doctors, and voter registration.
  • Explore Your New Neighborhood: Take some time to get acquainted with your surroundings and meet your new neighbors.

Your Stress-Free Move Starts Here!

Moving is a lot of work, but it does not have to be chaotic. By utilizing this ultimate moving checklist and partnering with reliable moving companies like us, you can ensure a smooth and organized transition to your new home.

Smith Dray Line is a full-service moving company serving Asheville, Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston, and Upstate South Carolina. Since our founding in 1911, we have prided ourselves on exemplary customer service and satisfaction. Reach out to us today for a free quote or further assistance in planning your move.