Most moving-day stress comes from things that could have been handled a week earlier. This checklist is based on what makes a move go quickly when our crew arrives, and what slows it down. Follow it roughly in order and moving day becomes mostly lifting and driving.
Four Weeks Before Your Move
- Book your movers and confirm the date. End-of-month dates fill up first because many leases turn over then.
- Walk through each room and decide what is not coming with you.
- Schedule junk removal or donation pickups for furniture and clutter you are leaving behind.
- Collect boxes, tape, markers and packing paper.
- If you rent, check your lease for move-out cleaning and notice requirements.
Two Weeks Before
- Start packing rooms you use least: guest rooms, closets, the garage and storage areas.
- Label every box with the room it goes to and a short note about contents.
- Measure large furniture and the doorways and stairwells at the new home.
- Reserve elevators or loading areas if either building requires it.
- Arrange utility and internet transfers.
The Week of the Move
- Pack everything except daily essentials.
- Empty dresser drawers and desks. Full drawers add weight and can damage furniture.
- Take apart anything simple you are comfortable handling, and bag the hardware with a label.
- Confirm the arrival time and both addresses with your movers.
- Plan for kids and pets so hallways stay clear on moving day.
The Night Before
- Pack an essentials box: phone chargers, medications, toiletries, sheets, a change of clothes and basic tools.
- Put valuables, cash, jewelry and important documents in a bag that rides with you.
- Defrost and dry the refrigerator if it is moving.
- Make sure there is parking for the truck as close to the door as allowed.
On Moving Day
- Walk the crew through the home and point out anything fragile or staying behind.
- Stay reachable so the crew can ask quick questions.
- Do a final walk-through of every room, closet and cabinet before the truck leaves.
- At the new home, tell the crew where each room is and where large furniture should go.
- Check that beds and tables are reassembled before the crew leaves.
Our local moves include quilted pads and plastic wrap for furniture, disassembly and reassembly, and placement in the rooms you choose.
What Not to Put on the Moving Truck
Keep medications, important documents, cash, jewelry and sentimental items with you. Ask your movers ahead of time about paint, fuel, cleaning chemicals and other hazardous materials, since they usually cannot ride on a truck with furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack first when moving?
Start with rooms and items you use least, such as guest rooms, seasonal clothing, books, decor and the garage. Leave kitchen basics and daily essentials for last.
Should I empty dressers before movers arrive?
Yes. Empty drawers make dressers lighter, safer to carry and less likely to crack or come apart in transit.
How long does a local move take?
It depends on the amount of furniture, the crew size, stairs and the distance between homes. Your mover can give you a better idea once they know your inventory.
Need help on moving day? See our local moving services, or request a free quote and we will get back to you quickly.
