Moving Day Checklist - Complete Guide

📦 Week Before Moving

• ○
  Confirm moving company date, time, and costs
• ○
  Pack "Open First" boxes (essentials, labeled clearly)
• ○
  Drain and defrost refrigerator (48 hours before)
• ○
  Dispose of items movers won't take (propane, paint, etc.)
• ○
  Disassemble furniture (save hardware in labeled bags)
• ○
  Take photos of electronics setup for reconnection
• ○
  Pick up moving truck if self-moving
• ○
  Confirm elevator reservation if apartment building
• ○
  Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day

🏠 Day Before

• ○
  Final walk-through of old home
• ○
  Check all closets, cabinets, storage areas
• ○
  Pack overnight bag (next 24-48 hours of necessities)
• ○
  Charge all devices fully
• ○
  Withdraw cash for movers' tips ($20-50 per mover)
• ○
  Pack cleaning supplies separately for access
• ○
  Confirm new address with GPS (check for multiple routes)
• ○
  Set aside valuables and important documents to transport yourself

🌅 Moving Day Morning

• ○
  Strip beds, pack linens in clearly labeled bags
• ○
  Do a final clean of fridge (wipe dry, leave door ajar)
• ○
  Pack last-minute toiletries
• ○
  Verify utilities are on at new place
• ○
  Greet movers, do walk-through, point out fragile items
• ○
  Keep important documents, meds, and valuables with you
• ○
  Supervise loading, note any damages
• ○
  Offer movers water/snacks

🏡 At New Home - Arrival

• ○
  Do walk-through before unloading (note any issues)
• ○
  Verify utilities work (water, electric, gas, internet)
• ○
  Direct movers on box placement by room
• ○
  Check inventory against moving manifest
• ○
  Note any damaged items immediately (photo document)
• ○
  Reassemble beds first (you'll need sleep!)
• ○
  Test all appliances
• ○
  Change locks or get new keys

🧹 Old Home Checkout

• ○
  Final walkthrough of empty home
• ○
  Check all closets, attic, basement, garage
• ○
  Clean as needed per lease/agreement
• ○
  Patch small nail holes
• ○
  Touch up paint if required
• ○
  Leave all keys, garage openers, and codes
• ○
  Forward mail (USPS change of address)
• ○
  Cancel utilities effective date
• ○
  Take final meter readings

🌙 First Night Essentials Box

• ○
  Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets)
• ○
  Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, toilet paper!)
• ○
  Phone chargers
• ○
  Snacks and bottled water
• ○
  Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils
• ○
  Coffee maker or kettle (and coffee/tea!)
• ○
  Towels
• ○
  Change of clothes
• ○
  Medications
• ○
  Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer)
• ○
  Flashlight
• ○
  Trash bags

📋 First Week Tasks

• ○
  Update address: DMV, bank, employer, subscriptions
• ○
  Register to vote at new address
• ○
  Locate nearest hospital/urgent care
• ○
  Find new doctors, dentists if moved far
• ○
  Update car registration/insurance
• ○
  Meet neighbors
• ○
  Learn trash/recycling pickup days
• ○
  Unpack room by room, starting with most-used

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