Let’s be honest– no one enjoys moving. There are so many details to think about and the whole process can feel overwhelming. Working with a trusted moving company will relieve this stress, but having a checklist to guide you through the day will help, too!
Below you’ll find a helpful moving day checklist to make your moving experience as easy (and stress-free) as possible.
Download and print the PDF version of this list and keep it handy throughout the day!
Before the Movers Arrive
Gather Important Supplies
Once your movers arrive, things will start happening pretty fast. So set aside a few of the items you’ll need during the day so they don’t accidentally get loaded up prematurely.
- Moving Supplies– Set aside a roll of tape, marker, and pair of scissors for any last-minute packing material.
- Cleaning Supplies– You’ll likely have some cleaning to do after the house is cleared out. Put together a bucket of cleaning supplies to help you tidy up
- Snacks– Plan to have a few easy snacks available to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Pack A Bag
Unpacking can take time– don’t underestimate how difficult it may be to find a specific item as soon as you get into your new home. Instead, put together a bag of essential items you’ll need during the first few days in your new home.
- Clothes, Toiletries, and Medications– Grab the clothes, toiletries, and medications you and your family will need in the coming days. This includes a few rolls of toilet paper, bath towels, and even your shower curtain.
- Kitchen Items– Hold onto a few sets of silverware and plates, as well as a dish scrubber, and some paper towels. Even if you plan on getting takeout for a few days, having some kitchen items on hand will be helpful.
- Important Child and Pet Supplies– If you have kids, make sure you have some toys set aside to keep them occupied. For your pets, check that you have enough food on hand for a few days, as well as any necessary kennels or carriers.
- Phone Charger– Keep your phone charger on hand and any other important electronic supplies you’ll need access to in the coming days.
Make sure your movers know not to load these important supplies into the moving truck. Or, if you do want the movers to haul these items, ask them to load them last so you know exactly where they are.
Drop Your Pets Off
There are a number of steps you can take to prepare your pets for a move. However, the most important thing is ensuring their safety.
Plan to board your pets for the day to minimize their chances of getting loose, tripping up movers, or accidentally being stepped on. You could also find a friend or family member who is willing to watch your furry friends.
Drop your pets off first thing in the morning so you can focus on the day without having to worry about their safety.
Clear a Walkway
Take a few minutes to clear a path in and out of your house to make the loading process easier.
Here are a few specific steps you can take:
- Remove door and floor mats
- Take down any low-hanging items, such as hanging plants or wind chimes
- Move potted plants away from the front porch or outdoor walkways
- Set up door stoppers so you can easily keep doors propped open
- Make sure the movers have a place to park the moving truck
Clean Out Your Fridge and Freezer
Grab a trash can and a big cooler with ice and sort through your fridge and freezer. Toss out anything that may go bad in the next few days, and secure the rest in your cooler. If the movers won’t be taking the fridge in the truck, you can save this step for a bit later in the moving day.
After the Movers Arrive
Review Details with Your Movers
Once your movers arrive, take some time to discuss and confirm key details. This includes:
- Confirming the date and time your belongings will be delivered to your new house
- Ensuring the movers have your new address and the correct phone number (and that you have the number of the driver, too)
- Giving the mover a spare key to your new house (if they will be arriving at the house before you)
- Pointing out any boxes or items that should not be loaded into the truck
- Identifying any items needing special care and attention
If you are confused about any detail or paperwork provided by your moving company, make sure to ask! A professional moving company will be happy to provide clarification and make sure you understand and are confident about the entire process.
Keep an Eye on Your Bedding Box
If there’s one thing you’ll definitely want during the first night in your new home, it’s your bed. A Pacific Northwest moving company like ANC Movers will assemble your bed in your new home at no extra charge. However, you’ll need to know where your bedding materials are located so you can actually use it!
Clearly, label the box with your bedding supplies and have the movers load it into the truck last. This way, you’ll know exactly where your bed linens, pillows, and comforters are and can unpack them right away when you get into your new home.
Make Sure All Items Have Labels
Now that the movers are here, you can sit back and relax! Find a place where you can observe the work and answer any questions that might come up. You should also watch to make sure that every box loaded into the truck is correctly labeled with the new room you want it to be taken to.
Do a Final Walkthrough
Once the movers have loaded up your items, it’s time to finish cleaning, look for any leftover items, and shut down and say goodbye to your old house. Keep this checklist close so you don’t forget anything during this final walkthrough.
Look for left behind items in all these places:
- Closets
- Drawers
- Shelves
- Fridge
- Cupboard
- Garage
- Attic
- Crawlspace
- Shed
- Under the stairs
Final checklist before leaving the house:
- House is clean
- Windows are locked
- All lights are turned off (indoor and outdoor)
- All fans are off
- Heat is off
- Hot water is off
- Doors are locked
Ready for Moving Day?
Even if you decide to handle all the packing yourself, working with a moving company to load, transport, and unload your items will make your move much easier.
At ANC Movers, our goal is to make the customer experience as simple as possible. All our employees are fully licensed and carefully trained. We’ve packed and unpacked thousands of boxes in the Portland and Vancouver area and would love to help make your move a success.
Contact us today for your free moving quote.
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