Moving Checklist: What to Do Before & After Moving Day
Moving comes with a lot of little details, and it’s easy for something to get overlooked. A little planning before moving day can make getting from one home to the next much easier.
Whether you're moving across town or relocating to Alabama's Gulf Coast, there are things to handle before the boxes ever make it onto the truck—and a few important tasks waiting for you once you arrive.
Use this guide as a starting point and adjust it for your particular move.
Quick Takeaways
Start planning several weeks before your move when possible.
Schedule movers or reserve a moving truck early.
Arrange utilities before moving day.
Change your address and update important accounts.
Keep essential documents and valuables with you.
Pack a separate box or bag for your first night.
Do a final check of your old home before leaving.
Take care of a few safety and maintenance items when you arrive.
A Few Weeks Before Moving
As soon as you know your moving date, start working through the things that require advance planning.
☐ Schedule Your Move
If you're hiring professional movers, get estimates and reserve your date.
If you're moving yourself, reserve your truck or trailer and make arrangements for anyone who will be helping.
☐ Start Decluttering
Moving is a great time to decide what you really want to take with you.
Go room by room and separate items you want to:
Keep.
Donate.
Sell.
Discard.
There's no reason to pack and move something you already know you don't want.
☐ Gather Packing Supplies
Depending on your move, you may need:
Boxes.
Packing tape.
Markers.
Packing paper or protective wrap.
Labels.
Furniture covers.
Labeling boxes by room and contents can make unpacking much easier.
One to Two Weeks Before Moving
Now it's time to take care of some of the details connected to the move.
☐ Arrange Utilities
Make sure services are scheduled appropriately for both your current and new home.
That may include:
Electricity.
Water and sewer.
Gas or propane.
Internet.
Garbage service.
Try to avoid having utilities disconnected at your old home before you're completely finished there.
☐ Begin Changing Your Address
Update your mailing address and begin notifying important organizations.
We'll give you a complete list in our Who Should I Notify When I Change My Address? guide.
☐ Confirm Your Moving Arrangements
Double-check the date, arrival time, address, and other details with your moving company or anyone helping with the move.
☐ Make a Plan for Children and Pets
Moving day can be hectic.
If possible, decide ahead of time where children and pets will be during the busiest part of the move and make sure anything they'll need is easily accessible.
Pack a First-Night Box
This is one of those small things you'll be very glad you did.
Pack a box, suitcase, or bag that doesn't go deep into the moving truck.
Consider including:
Toiletries.
Medications.
Change of clothes.
Phone chargers.
Toilet paper.
Paper towels.
Basic cleaning supplies.
Bedding.
Towels.
Snacks and bottled water.
Coffee supplies—because priorities. ☕
Basic tools.
Think about what you'll want that first evening and the following morning without having to open 15 boxes to find it.
Keep Important Items With You
Some things shouldn't go on the moving truck.
Keep important or difficult-to-replace items with you, such as:
Identification.
Closing documents.
Financial documents.
Medications.
Jewelry and valuables.
Important family documents.
Electronics you don't want transported with other belongings.
If there's something you'd be extremely worried about losing, keep it with you.
On Moving Day
Before leaving your old home for the last time, do one final walk-through.
☐ Check Every Room
Look inside:
Closets.
Cabinets.
Drawers.
Attic or storage spaces.
Garage.
Outdoor storage areas.
It's surprisingly easy to leave something behind.
☐ Remove Trash
Take care of any remaining trash and leave the property in the condition required by your sale, lease, or other agreement.
☐ Check Doors and Windows
Make sure windows and exterior doors are secured.
☐ Leave Items That Belong With the Property
Don't accidentally pack remotes, keys, manuals, or other items that are supposed to remain with the home.
If you're selling, follow the terms of your sales agreement regarding what stays with the property.
When You Arrive at Your New Home
Before unpacking every box, take care of a few basics.
☐ Locate Important Shutoffs
Find the:
Main water shutoff.
Electrical panel.
Water heater.
HVAC equipment.
☐ Consider Rekeying the Exterior Doors
You may not know how many copies of the home's keys have existed over the years.
Consider having exterior locks changed or rekeyed and updating garage-door codes, smart locks, or exterior keypads when applicable.
☐ Check Safety Equipment
Locate and check smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors where applicable, and make sure you know where your fire extinguisher is located.
☐ Check for Immediate Issues
Before everything is unpacked, take a quick look around for leaks, damage, or anything else that needs immediate attention.
During Your First Week
You don't have to completely unpack and organize your life on day one.
During that first week, start working through things such as:
Finishing your address changes.
Learning your garbage and recycling schedule.
Getting familiar with your home's systems.
Meeting neighbors.
Organizing important home documents.
Making a list of maintenance items you'd like to address.
Learning your new neighborhood and community.
And somewhere in there, take some time to enjoy your new home.
The Bottom Line
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this:
You don't have to do everything on moving day.
Handle the things that need to happen before the move, keep your essentials accessible, take care of the important safety items when you arrive, and then work through the rest a little at a time.
From Dana & John
We know how much goes into getting to closing day, and sometimes the actual move can feel like one more huge thing to tackle.
Our advice is to plan ahead where you can, but don't expect everything to be perfect the first night.
Get the important things handled, find the box with the coffee maker, and give yourself some time to settle in. Before long, all those boxes really will be gone.
Continue Learning
Getting settled involves more than unpacking boxes. These guides can help with some of the practical details that come next.
→ Who Should I Notify When I Change My Address?
→ What Utilities Do I Need to Set Up Before Moving?
→ What Should I Do After Closing on My New Home?
→ Home Maintenance Calendar: A Year-Round Guide for Homeowners
Have Questions?
Whether you're moving across town or relocating to Alabama's Gulf Coast, we're happy to help with questions that come up before, during, or after your move.
Dana & John Martin – Team Martin
Waters Edge Realty
318-504-9925 | 504-450-2714
ALGulfCoastAgents@gmail.com
