Moving Checklist: How to Prepare For A Move

Whether you’re long-distance moving out of state or playing the role of local movers, there are lots of steps.

You may be using professional movers. Or maybe you’re loading the moving truck yourself. You might be moving out of an apartment or a house. Either way, moving day can be an exciting but anxious time.

From gathering packing supplies to updating your mailing address with all your delivery services, the local moving checklist and the moving-out-of-state checklist share many steps.

To ensure the moving process goes as smoothly as possible, we suggest forming a plan early and starting at least 2 months before your moving day.

This handy moving checklist will explain how to prepare for a move. We’ll also explain how SelfStorage.com can help save you some time and money while you’re planning out your move.

How to Prepare for Your Move

First things first: Make a moving checklist! Try to think of everything you will need to do before, during, and after your move.

Whether you’re using a full-service moving company or doing it yourself, a moving timeline will help you keep track of your progress and ensure nothing is forgotten. 

Some people make a one-page moving legend, while others fill a moving binder with information.

Pro tip: Most mobile phones have reminder apps, but if you want a customizable app that you can also share with your family, check out Todoist.

2 Months Before You Move

• Get rid of your extra stuff: Declutter your living space by going through your belongings and getting rid of anything you no longer need or use. You can donate it to a charity service or throw a garage sale. This will make packing easier and save you money on moving costs. Many people choose to sell their stuff, or simply throw out their old “junk,” but consider donating any old belongings that are still in good condition.
• Decide on how you’re going to move: Consider whether you want to move yourself or hire professional moving services.
  • Moving yourself can save money, but it’s a lot of work. We suggest scheduling your moving truck at this time so you’re not cutting it too close.
  • If you’re hiring a moving company, research your different options and get at least 2 or 3 quotes, so you know you’re getting a good deal hiring a moving company.
• Make an inventory form: Start making a list of all your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and personal items. This will help you keep track of your items during the move, and make unpacking easier once you’re in your new space.
  • We suggest making a box-by-box inventory sheet while you’re packing and comparing the two to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
  • We also recommend a second high-value inventory form of all your most expensive or irreplaceable items., You may want to pack and move these yourself, even if you’re hiring a moving service.

1 Month Before You Move

• Purchase packing materials and moving supplies: Buy moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, color-coded labels to label boxes, and any other packing supplies you’ll need for packing boxes, employing a labeling system, and loading the boxes onto the truck.
  • Check Facebook Marketplace, and you might find some of the materials you need for free. 
  • Unless you’re hiring full-service professional packers, you’ll need these supplies even if pro movers are loading and transporting your packed boxes. 
• If you’re moving with the assistance of a moving company, sometimes these supplies are provided or offered for an extra charge. Coordinate with your moving company to see what they’ll supply, and what you’ll need to buy on your own.
• Start the change of address process: There are more services we need to notify of our address change than we often remember. It’s crucial to conduct a change of address with the:
  • postal office
  • public library card
  • driver’s license
  • natural gas/propane
  • homeowners or renters insurance providers
  • voter registration
  • car insurance
  • personal vehicle registration and car titles
  • water and sewage treatment
  • internet and cable services
  • bank and credit cards
  • electrical utility companies
  • trash and recycling pickup

Since you’re starting a month ahead of time, you’ll probably want ot keep your lights on and your internet functional. If you’re moving to a new neighborhood locally, you’ll probably be able to keep the same utility companies and internet service provider. You’ll simply give them your new address and the move-in date, and they’ll schedule what’s called a transfer of services.

If you’re moving out of state or to a new city, however, you may need to cancel services with your current provider and find a new service provider for the new home. In this scenario, you’ll give the current provider your move-out date, and they’ll schedule the disconnection.

Then, you’ll give your new service provider the date you’re moving into the new house, and they’ll schedule a connection date. This may require installation and deposits, since, from the perspective of the new providers, you’re a new customer.

2 Weeks Before You Move

• Pack non-essentials: Start packing items that you won’t need for the next few weeks, such as books, decorative items, and some clothing. We
• Use a Storage Unit To Stage Your Items: Booking a storage unit size that lets you stack boxes and stage broken-down furniture and fragile items, little by little, lets you get a head start. It also gives you a visual cue you can use to formulate your truck-packing strategy.
  • If you’re moving yourself, the storage facility may sell a moving and packing kit to tenants at a discounted price. They may also have a moving truck on the premises that you can use to load your unit at a discounted price, or even for free.
  • And if you’re using professional movers and moving locally, you can book a storage unit halfway between your new place and your old place. Stage everything in the unit ahead of time, and have them pick it up from the unit on moving day, and they’re already halfway there.
  • You can keep your storage unit via a short-term or long-term lease, and then unpack at your leisure. 

1 Week Before You Move

• Pack the rest: Pack everything you can,  including your remaining clothes, toiletries, and kitchen items. Keep two pairs of clothes and an overnight toiletries bag in its own container so you can still use them, but also quickly throw them in the moving truck. 
• Confirm with the movers: If you’ve hired a moving company or reserved a moving truck, confirm the date, time, and any special requirements.

2 to 3 Days Before You Move

• Create an essentials bag/box: Pack a bag or box with essential items you’ll need for the first few days in your new home, such as toiletries, bedding, and a change of clothes.
• Double-check your inventory: Check your inventory one last time to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

How To Prepare For a Move: SelfStorage.com Can Help

The moving process can be complex. But by staying organized, making necessary repairs, and leaving the space clean, you can set yourself up for a smooth transition. 

By following this moving checklist, you can help ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. With the proper preparation, you can make a typically stressful situation go well, and before you know it, you’ll be happily settled into your new space.

That said, even with all the prep in the world, some movers find that they need additional space or a place to store things between moves. As we mentioned earlier, a self-storage unit lets you pack a little every day, starting weeks in advance.

And whether you’re moving yourself or hiring a professional moving service, having all your belongings packed, organized, and staged in your storage unit on moving day saves time and money. 

That said, not all storage units are created equal. You’ll probably want climate control, for example, so your belongings don’t sit in humidity until it’s time to move. We also suggest looking for a smaller-sized unit close to the size of the truck you plan on renting, so you’re not paying for the extra square footage you won’t use. 

But how do you find a storage unit that has exactly what you need and is also close to your house? 

Don’t fret, we’re here to help. Just punch your zip code into our Signature SelfStorage.com Search Tool to search for storage units in your area based on parameters you set using our special amenity filter. 

And if your pending change of address has you changing zip codes, find a storage unit between your old address and your new one. 

We know what you’re thinking – you’re already saving up for a move and aren’t trying to foot the extra bill, especially until you’re sure you’re getting your security deposit back. 

Good news, our SelfStorage.com storage unit locator service is totally free– no credit card required! Moving can be stressful, but finding extra space doesn’t have to be. Whether you need temporary storage between moves or just a little more room to organize your belongings, Self Storage can help you compare units and find the perfect fit at the best price.