A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Tri Cities

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Carey Moving and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Tri Cities renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1907. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Started a keep pile
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Photos for Insurance

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Child & Pet Care

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Notifying Neighbors

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Packing Personal Items

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Borrowed Items

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Last-Minute Purge

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• If you've moved to a new state or city, register your car as required by local laws
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Tri Cities Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Tri Cities, Carey Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Dependability – Relied on by countless Tri Cities customers for since 1907
• Expertise – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Relax and take the stress out of your move – trust the moving team from Carey Moving and Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Tri Cities Moving Quote or give us a ring at 423-830-4856 today!