Starving Students Movers

Local Movers and Long Distance Moving Company

The Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist by Movers

  • Moving doesn’t have to be stressful, and it will be less so if you have a solid plan in place. At Starving Students Movers, we’ve quite literally helped millions of renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1973. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.
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8 Weeks Before Moving

Move-Out Notification & Procedures:

  • □ Schedule a walkthrough and key turnover.
  • □ Notify your landlord and/or property manager of your move-out date and ask about any move-out procedures or requirements.
  • □ Schedule a final walkthrough with your landlord or property manager to review the condition of your place.
  • □ Set up a time for key handover and ask about returning garage remotes, fobs, or parking passes.
  • □ Ask about getting your security deposit back and what cleaning or repairs are expected.
  • □ Make a checklist of any cleaning or repairs you need to finish before moving out.
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Move-In Requirements:
  • □ Review your new lease or purchase documents for any move-in requirements, like providing proof of insurance or scheduling a move-in time.
  • □ Check if you need to reserve parking, elevators, or loading docks for moving day.
  • □ Find out if your new building requires a certificate of insurance from the movers.
  • □ Ask about any building rules for moving (like allowed hours or required padding for elevators).
  • □ Make sure you have contact info for your new landlord, property manager, or building superintendent.
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Organizing Important Documents:

  • □ Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place.
  • □ Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract.
  • □ Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning.
  • □ Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers.
  • □ Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers.
Request a Quote →
Plan Your Move →
Packing →
Moving Day →
Unloading & Setup

Decluttering

  • □ Started a keep pile
    • □ Listed items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
    • □ Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles.
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 Donation Pickups:
  • □ Go through belongings and choose items to donate
  • □ Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
  • □ Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
  • □ Give items to family, friends, or neighbors 
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  •  Selling Unwanted Items:
  • □ List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
  • □ Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
  • □ Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
  • □ Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change
  • Important Documents:
  • □ Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
  • □ Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
  • □ Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
  • □ Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot
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7 Weeks Before Moving

Inventory and Special Care Items:
  • □ Make a detailed list of all belongings
  • □ Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
  • □ Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling
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Photos for Insurance:
  • □Take clear photos of high-value items
  • □Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
  • □ Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference
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Using Up Restricted Items:
  • □ Start eating any perishable food so it doesn’t go to waste.
  • □ Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can’t take.
  • □ Set aside anything you’re not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly.
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Utility Arrangements:
  • □ Look up which utility companies you’ll need for your new place and your current one.
  • □ 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.
  • □ Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything’s ready when you arrive.
  • □ Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case.
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Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit:
  • □ If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day.
  • □ Set date to empty or move storage unit 
  • □ Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility.
  • □ Figure out how you’ll safely move any valuables or important documents.
  • □ Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage.

6 Weeks Before Moving

Change of Address:
  • □ Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded.
  • □ Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have.
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Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers:
  • □ Tell your kids’ schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move.
  • □ Ask about transferring any records you’ll need at your new place.
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 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.
  • □ If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times.
  • □ Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address.
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Time Off Work:
  • □ Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you’ll need it.
  • □ Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence.
  • □ Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you’ll be unavailable.
  • □ Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off.
  • □ If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

☐ Local Services:

  • □ Look up grocery stores, pharmacies, and other important places near your new home so you know where to go when you arrive.
  • □ Find the nearest hospital, urgent care, and vet clinic in case of emergencies.
  • □ Locate the closest bank, post office, and gas station.
  • □ Check for local restaurants or takeout options for your first few days.
  • □ Save contact info for utility companies, internet providers, and local repair services.
  • □ If you have kids, look up nearby parks, playgrounds, and schools.
  • □ Join local community groups or social media pages to get tips from neighbors.

5 Weeks Before Moving

  •  Planning Your New Space:
    • □ Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go.
    • □ Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through.
    • □ Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don’t end up with furniture that’s too big or too small.
    • □ Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout.
    • □ Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone.
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    Valuables & Essentials:
    • □ Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don’t want packed by the movers.
    • □ Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member.
    • □ Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day.
    • □ If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself.
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    Building Access & Keys:
    • □ Reserve elevator time or loading dock access at both your old and new buildings if needed—check with building management about any rules or forms.
    • □ Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes.
    • □ Put all keys and access cards in a clearly labeled envelope so you can find them easily.

4 Weeks Before Moving

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements:
  • □  Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements.
  • □ Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers.
  • □ Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day.
  • □ Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time.
  • □ Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises
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  • Cleaning Arrangements:
  • □ Book a cleaning service for your old home after you move out, so it’s ready for the next person (and to help get your deposit back).
  • □ Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it’s fresh and ready for your things.
  • □ Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to.
  • □ If you’re cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done.
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Storage Access or Transfer:
  • □ If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day.
  • □ Decide if you’ll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it.
  • □ Make a list of what’s in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification.
  • □ If you’re moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours.
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  • Notifying Neighbors:
  • □ Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks.
  • □ Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected.
  • □ Post a friendly note in your building or on your door if you live in an apartment.
  • □ Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience.
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Parking Permits/Street Reservations:
  • □ Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location.
  • □ Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed.
  • □ Reserve a spot as close as possible to your entrance to make moving easier.
  • □ Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck.

3 Weeks Before Moving

Utility Arrangements:
    • □ Double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash) are scheduled to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one.
    • □ Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you’re not left without service.
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     Packing Personal Items:
    • □ Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents.
    • □ Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot.
    • □ Clearly label these boxes or bags as “Do Not Move” so the movers know to leave them with you.
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    Essentials Box/Bag:
    • □ Pack a box or bag with things you’ll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days’ worth of clothes.
    • □ Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move.

     

    Returning Borrowed Items:
    • □ Gather up anything you’ve borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library.
    • □ Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don’t own before moving day.
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    Prescription Transfers:
    • □ Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home.
    • □ Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Unplug and Clean Appliances:
  • □ Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer.
  • □ Empty all food and contents from these appliances.
  • □ Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors.
  • □ Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move.
  • □ Dry the appliances completely before moving day. 
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  • Finish Packing Non-Essentials:
  • □ 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.
Confirm Moving Day Details:
  • □ Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time.
  • □ Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers.
  • □ Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day.
Remind Building Management and Neighbors:
  • □ Send a friendly reminder to your building manager or landlord about your moving date.
  • □ Inform neighbors about the move to minimize inconvenience.
  • □ Post notices in common areas if required by your building rules.
  • □ Thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.
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Prepare Moving Day Folder:
  • □ Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists).
  • □ Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes.
  • □ Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts.
  • □ Organize everything in a folder or envelope that’s easy to carry and access on moving day.

1 Weeks Before Moving

Pack Suitcases with Essentials:
  • □ Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days.
  • □ Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you’ll want right away at your new place.
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Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables:
  • □ Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents.
  • □ Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables.
  • Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers.
 
Final Declutter:
  • □ Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need.
  • □ Toss, donate, or recycle items you don’t want to bring to the new place.
  • □ Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things.
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Prepare Cash for Moving Day:
  • □ Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies.
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Confirm Child or Pet Care:
  • □ Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day.
  • □ Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver.
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Clean Out Bins and Containers:
  • □ Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers.
  • □ Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident.
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  • Arrange Help at Your New Home:
  • □ Ask a friend or family member to be at your new home to accept deliveries or let in utility technicians if you can’t be there yourself.
  • □ Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations.

Moving Day

At Your New Home:

Be Present for the Movers:
  • □ Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work.
  • □ Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved.
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Walk Through with Movers:
  • □ Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings.
  • □ Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list.
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Check Boxes and Loading:
  • □ Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms.
  • □ Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind.
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Secure the House:
  • □ Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked.
  • □ Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave.
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Final Walkthrough:
  • □ Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten.
  • □ Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items.
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Leave Keys and Instructions:
  • □ Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants.
  • □ Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house).

At Your New Home:

Arrive Early:
  • □ Get to your new home before the movers so you’re ready to greet them and unlock the door.
  • □ Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading.
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Direct the Movers:
  • Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box.
  • Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster.
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Check Items as They Arrive:
  • □ As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list.
  • □ Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items.
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Note Issues Before Signing:
  • □ If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything.
  • □ Take photos of any damaged items for your records.
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Test Utilities and Appliances:
  • □ Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working.
  • □ Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they’re running properly.
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Record Utility Meter Readings:
  • □ Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in.
  • □ Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later.
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  • Change Locks (If Desired):
    • □ 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.

After the move:

Be Present for the Movers:
Unpack Essentials First:
  • □ Start by unpacking the things you’ll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items.
  • □ Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night.
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Arrange Unpacking Help:
  • □ If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with.
  • □ Give clear instructions on where you’d like things put away.
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Dispose of Packing Materials:
  • □ Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap.
  • □ Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally.
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Update Important Registrations:
  • □ 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.
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Meet Your New Neighbors:
  • □ Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors.
  • □ A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community.
  • □ Leave Feedback for Your Movers:
  • □ Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did.
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Keep Moving Documents:
  • □ Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place.
  • □ Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes.
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Extra Tips:
Keep Essentials Accessible:
  • □ Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move.
  • □ Keep this kit with you-not in the moving truck-to stay comfortable and prepared.
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Photograph Electronics Setup:
  • □ Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup.
  • □ Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home.
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Prepare a “First Night” Bag:
  • □ Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member.
  • □ Include anything you’ll want for a comfortable first night-like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids.
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Set Up Mail Forwarding:
  • □ Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don’t miss important letters or packages.
  • □ Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions.
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List Local Emergency Contacts:
    • □ Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area-local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy.
    • □ Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home.

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