A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Greenwood

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Carey Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Greenwood customers with moving since 1907. 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.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Decluttering

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Select gently used things for charity
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• 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

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

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
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Planning for Work Absences

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• 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

Getting to Know Your New Area

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• 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
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Building Access & Keys

• 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

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Cleaning Arrangements

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Utility Arrangements

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Arranging Medications for Your Move

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

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

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
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Get Suitcases Packed

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Final Declutter

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• 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
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

At Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

At Your New Home

• 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

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• 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

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• 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

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Greenwood Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Greenwood, Carey Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Chosen by countless Greenwood clients since 1907
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Affordable Results – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Carey Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Greenwood Moving Quote or give us a ring at 864-528-0208 today!