Moving Checklist

For most moves, start six to eight weeks before moving day. Book the mover early, declutter, gather packing supplies, create a room-by-room plan, and confirm any building, parking, elevator, or HOA requirements.

Start with the decisions that affect everything else: move date, origin and destination, mover selection, move size, packing help, storage needs, building access, and any items that require special handling.

Pack seasonal items, decor, books, extra linens, rarely used kitchen items, storage closets, garage items, and items you will not need before moving day. Keep daily essentials and first-night items separate.

Include medications, toiletries, phone chargers, basic tools, cleaning supplies, paper goods, snacks, water, pet items, a change of clothes, important documents, and anything needed for the first night.

Reserve parking, clear walkways, label boxes by room, separate non-allowable items, keep pets safe, point out fragile items, and make sure the crew has accurate origin and destination access details.

Label each box with the destination room, a short contents note, and fragile or priority status where needed. Use labels on more than one side so they can be read while boxes are stacked.

Keep IDs, passports, medical records, school records, financial papers, legal documents, insurance information, closing or lease documents, mover paperwork, and valuables with you instead of loading them on the truck.

Schedule utilities and address changes before move week. Confirm electricity, water, internet, mail forwarding, insurance, subscriptions, school records, and any building access needs before pickup and delivery.

Reserve elevators, request certificates of insurance, confirm move hours, check loading dock or parking rules, notify building management, and share access instructions with the mover before move day.

Separate hazardous materials, flammables, perishables, plants, medications, valuables, important documents, and restricted items before packing. Ask the mover if you are unsure whether something can go on the truck.

Clear surfaces, empty furniture where instructed, remove loose parts, keep hardware in labeled bags, note fragile areas, and tell the mover about pieces that need disassembly or special protection.

Yes. Photograph furniture condition, electronics wiring, fragile pieces, valuable items, and packed boxes when useful. Photos help with organization, setup, and documentation if an issue appears later.

Unplug, clean, dry, and prepare appliances according to manufacturer and mover guidance. Refrigerators and freezers may need defrosting, and washers, dryers, or specialty appliances may need extra preparation.

Finish packing, clear walkways, separate personal essentials, confirm access and parking, charge phones, label last boxes, protect floors if needed, and review the arrival window with the moving team.

Create a safe separate space or arrange care if possible. Doors may stay open and crews will be carrying heavy items, so keeping children and pets away from traffic paths makes the move safer.

Plan earlier, keep essentials with you, understand delivery windows, review valuation options, confirm destination access, and separate anything you may need before the shipment arrives.

Start earlier than a domestic move. Documents, customs details, inventory accuracy, packing standards, destination coordination, storage timing, and shipment routing all need extra attention.

Assign owners for IT, furniture, files, employee communication, building access, downtime planning, vendors, phone/internet service, and post-move setup so the relocation does not become one person’s emergency.

Check delivered items against the inventory, note visible damage or missing items, set up utilities, unpack essentials first, confirm furniture placement, save paperwork, and contact your coordinator quickly if anything needs attention.

Forward Van Lines can review the checklist with your actual move details, including route, access, packing, storage, specialty items, timing, and crew needs, so the plan matches the real work required.