The Complete Moving Day Checklist

Moving day does not have to be chaotic. With the right preparation, the day can run smoothly and efficiently. This checklist is organized by the order in which tasks should be completed — from the night before your move through the moment you settle into your new home.

The Night Before Your Move

• Confirm your moving company appointment, start time, and phone number
• Charge all electronics — your phone, laptop, and portable chargers
• Set aside an “essentials bag” with items you need immediate access to: phone charger, toiletries, change of clothes, medications, important documents, and snacks
• Defrost your refrigerator and freezer if you are taking them
• Disassemble furniture that needs to be broken down (bed frames, dining table legs, etc.)
• Place all packed boxes near the front door or loading area to speed up loading
• Get cash for tipping the movers if you plan to tip
• Confirm parking arrangements at both locations (reserve truck parking if needed)

Morning of the Move

While the Movers Are Working

• Stay out of the movers’ path while actively loading but be available to answer questions
• Supervise fragile and high-value items — point them out specifically to the crew lead
• Do not let movers stack heavy boxes on top of fragile ones in the truck if you notice it happening
• Keep children and pets secured in a separate room or out of the home during loading
• Do a rolling walkthrough of each room as it is emptied to catch anything left behind

At the New Home

• Walk through the new home and photograph existing damage before anything is moved in
• Direct movers to place boxes in the correct rooms — this saves you from moving everything yourself later
• Set up your bed first — you will thank yourself that night
• Check that all boxes and furniture arrived — do a count against your inventory if you made one
• Note any damage to items during transport and photograph it before the crew leaves
• Sign the Bill of Lading and keep your copy

Within the First 24 Hours

• Update your address with the USPS (usps.com/move) to forward mail
• Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance providers, and subscriptions
• Transfer or set up new utilities if not done in advance (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Locate the circuit breaker panel, main water shutoff, and HVAC thermostat
• Change the locks or re-key the doors if you are renting and the property was previously occupied
• Register your vehicle and update your driver’s license if you moved to a new state
• Submit a review for your movers if you had a good experience — it helps small businesses