Category: Quick Guide / Living on Your Own

⚡ Moving Day Checklist

Use this checklist to keep moving day organized from the moment you wake up until you are safely settled in your new home.

The Night Before

• Finish packing every box.
• Seal and label all boxes.
• Set aside your essentials bag.
• Set aside the Open First box.
• Charge your phone.
• Charge portable batteries.
• Confirm the moving company or rental vehicle.
• Confirm arrival times.
• Confirm both addresses.
• Confirm parking and elevator arrangements.
• Check the weather.
• Choose comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Get enough sleep.

Keep These Items With You

Do not place these items on the moving truck:

• Wallet
• Identification
• Keys
• Phone and charger
• Medication
• Medical devices
• Lease
• Moving contract
• Insurance information
• Financial information
• Birth certificates and passports
• Valuable jewelry
• Laptop or other sensitive electronics
• Emergency contacts
• Cash or payment method

Place everything in a secure bag that remains under your control.

Pack Your Moving-Day Essentials

• Water
• Snacks
• Simple meal
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Trash bags
• Cleaning cloths
• Basic cleaning products
• First-aid supplies
• Basic tools
• Scissors or box cutter
• Phone chargers
• Change of clothing
• Towels
• Bedding
• Pet or childcare supplies

Helpful Resources: Browse Packing Supplies for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Before the Movers or Helpers Arrive

• Wake up with enough time to prepare.
• Eat something.
• Drink water.
• Take required medication.
• Secure pets in a safe area.
• Keep children away from moving paths.
• Remove tripping hazards.
• Clear hallways and doorways.
• Protect floors and walls.
• Reserve a safe area for items that should not be loaded.
• Place labels on furniture and large items.
• Check that boxes are safely closed.
• Photograph valuable furniture and belongings.
• Record utility meter readings when appropriate.
• Keep your phone nearby.

Confirm the Moving Plan

With the movers or helpers:

• Confirm the destination address.
• Confirm the apartment or unit number.
• Review the expected price.
• Confirm the payment method.
• Identify fragile items.
• Identify items that must remain upright.
• Point out the Open First box.
• Explain which items are not being moved.
• Review parking and building rules.
• Confirm how you will communicate during the move.
• Exchange phone numbers with the driver or lead mover.

Do not sign incomplete documents or accept unexplained price changes.

During Loading

• Keep documents, medication, and valuables with you.
• Check boxes against your inventory.
• Watch for damaged boxes.
• Confirm that furniture is protected.
• Place heavy items at the bottom.
• Secure items so they cannot shift.
• Keep fragile boxes away from heavy furniture.
• Keep exits and walkways clear.
• Prevent doors from locking unexpectedly.
• Take regular breaks.
• Drink water.
• Use safe lifting techniques.
• Ask for help with heavy or awkward items.

Never stand beneath an item being carried on stairs.

Helpful Resources: Browse Protecting Your Belongings for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Safe Lifting Checklist

• Test the weight before lifting.
• Bend at your knees.
• Keep the item close to your body.
• Avoid twisting while carrying.
• Make sure you can see where you are going.
• Use a dolly or hand truck when appropriate.
• Ask another person to help.
• Stop if an item feels unsafe to move.

Final Check of the Old Home

Check every:

• Bedroom
• Closet
• Cabinet
• Drawer
• Bathroom
• Kitchen appliance
• Laundry area
• Storage area
• Basement or attic
• Balcony or patio
• Garage
• Mailbox
• Parking area

Look:

• Behind doors
• Under furniture
• Inside the oven
• Inside the refrigerator and freezer
• Inside the dishwasher
• Inside bathroom cabinets
• On high shelves
• Near outlets for forgotten chargers

Clean the Old Home

Complete the cleaning required by your agreement:

• Remove all trash.
• Wipe counters.
• Clean appliances.
• Clean sinks and toilets.
• Sweep or vacuum floors.
• Mop when necessary.
• Remove food from the refrigerator.
• Remove personal items.
• Repair approved minor damage.
• Follow specific move-out instructions.

Do not leave chemicals, paint, fuel, or other hazardous materials behind.

Document the Old Home

• Photograph every room.
• Photograph floors, walls, and appliances.
• Photograph cleaned areas.
• Record final meter readings when appropriate.
• Save the move-out inspection.
• Keep copies of repair and cleaning receipts.
• Record the date and time you left.

Keep these records until all final bills and deposit matters are resolved.

Secure the Old Home

• Turn off lights.
• Turn off appliances.
• Close windows.
• Lock windows.
• Lock exterior doors.
• Follow heating or cooling instructions.
• Remove your name from the mailbox if appropriate.
• Return keys.
• Return parking permits and access cards.
• Obtain proof that keys were returned.
• Provide your forwarding address.

Before Traveling to the New Home

• Confirm that everything has been loaded.
• Confirm that valuables are with you.
• Verify the destination address again.
• Check the travel route.
• Check traffic and weather.
• Make sure your phone is charged.
• Keep the driver’s contact information available.
• Secure children and pets properly.
• Do not leave valuables visible in an unattended vehicle.

Before Entering the New Home

• Confirm that you have the correct keys.
• Confirm the apartment number.
• Check the exterior for immediate hazards.
• Make sure entrances are accessible.
• Confirm where the moving vehicle can park.
• Obtain required elevator or building access.
• Verify that utilities are active.

Inspect the New Home Before Unloading

Photograph and inspect:

• Front door and locks
• Windows
• Walls and ceilings
• Floors
• Closets
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Appliances
• Storage areas
• Balcony or outdoor space
• Parking area

Document:

• Scratches
• Holes
• Stains
• Water damage
• Mold or mildew
• Broken fixtures
• Missing items
• Pest evidence
• Other existing damage

Report existing damage through the required process and keep proof.

Test Essential Features

• Front door closes and locks.
• Windows close and lock.
• Electricity works.
• Lights and switches work.
• Water runs.
• Hot water is available.
• Toilet flushes.
• Heating or cooling works when needed.
• Refrigerator is operating.
• Stove and oven are functional.
• Smoke alarms are present.
• Carbon-monoxide alarms are present where needed.
• Emergency exits are clear.

Report urgent safety or utility problems immediately.

Prepare for Unloading

• Protect floors and walls.
• Prop doors safely when permitted.
• Keep building entrances secure.
• Identify each room.
• Place room labels near doorways.
• Clear walking paths.
• Decide where large furniture will go.
• Keep children and pets in a safe area.
• Locate the essentials bag and Open First box.

During Unloading

• Direct each box to its labeled room.
• Check boxes against the inventory.
• Inspect boxes for damage.
• Inspect furniture before movers leave.
• Photograph damaged items.
• Keep heavy boxes on the floor.
• Avoid unstable stacks.
• Keep exits and walkways clear.
• Assemble essential furniture first.
• Place fragile items somewhere safe.
• Confirm that all truck compartments are empty.

Do not discard damaged packaging until the problem has been documented and reported.

Before Movers Leave

• Confirm that every item was delivered.
• Review the inventory.
• Identify missing items.
• Document damaged belongings.
• Document property damage.
• Note problems on the appropriate paperwork.
• Review the final charge.
• Ask about unexplained fees.
• Obtain a receipt.
• Save all documents.
• Confirm the process for filing a damage claim.

Do not sign a statement saying everything arrived safely if you know that items are missing or damaged.

Set Up First-Night Essentials

Bedroom

• Assemble the bed.
• Put on clean bedding.
• Locate sleepwear.
• Set up required medical equipment.
• Place a phone charger nearby.

Bathroom

• Install the shower curtain if needed.
• Put out toilet paper.
• Set out soap and towels.
• Locate toiletries.
• Check for leaks.

Kitchen

• Put refrigerated food away.
• Confirm that the refrigerator is cold.
• Set out drinking water.
• Locate basic dishes and utensils.
• Prepare an easy meal.
• Set out trash bags.

Secure the New Home

Before going to sleep:

• Lock every exterior door.
• Lock accessible windows.
• Check sliding-door locks.
• Confirm that alarms are present.
• Keep exits clear.
• Locate fire exits.
• Locate the electrical panel.
• Locate the water shutoff if accessible.
• Save emergency maintenance information.
• Keep keys, phone, and medication easy to reach.

Ask the landlord when locks were last changed or rekeyed if this has not already been confirmed.

End-of-Day Checklist

• Medication is accessible.
• Important documents are secure.
• Valuables are accounted for.
• Utilities are working.
• Existing damage is documented.
• Missing or damaged items are reported.
• Refrigerator food is stored.
• Bed and bathroom are ready.
• Doors and windows are locked.
• Moving paperwork is saved.
• Phone is charging.
• Tomorrow’s clothing and necessities are available.
• You have eaten, hydrated, and rested.

Remember

Moving day does not have to end with every box unpacked. Focus on safety, documentation, essential services, medication, food, the bathroom, and a place to sleep. Everything else can wait.