The Ultimate Moving Checklist

4 - min read

Social Share

Everything For Your Big Move

Moving to a new house is a big job! Choosing the right day to move, getting all your things sorted, packed, stored, moved, and unpacked, and trying to do all this without losing, breaking, or otherwise damaging your belongings, is a tall order.

At Peachtree Movers we understand the struggle—we specialized shipping container or discard/recycle them and obtain a new version at your destination. (Short trips may be exempt from this, depending on the item.)

Packing Tips

Appliances: Disconnect, defrost, and ensure all appliances are empty of loose items (including racks in ovens).
Artwork, mirrors, and other large items: Removed and set aside for movers. Some items may need to be crated—you will be informed of this in advance.
Barbecue Grills: Ensure they’re clean and empty. Remember, propane cannot be transported.
Beds: Remove all linens and mattress pads from beds. The moving team will disassemble and reassemble the bed.
Boxes should be strong enough to withstand stacking. Peachtree Movers can provide these if they’re needed. Heavy items should go on the bottom of boxes, and they should never be filled past the tops.
Brooms: Brooms and other long-handled items should be taped together.
China: Pack these in dish boxes. Plates and dishes should be vertical. 3″ of paper on the bottom and 2″ between layers is highly recommended.
Clothing: Hang clothes in wardrobe boxes, or pack into normal boxes. Never use trash bags for clothes, linens, pillows, or similar items.
Clocks: Pendulums and weights should be removed and packed separately. Grandfather clocks should be tuned after the move.
Drawers: Typically, empty. Sturdy furniture may allow clothes to be kept inside.
File Cabinets: Empty all of these.
Gas Powered Equipment: Empty or Drain all tanks, and allow them to air out. Supervisors can refuse to move items that haven’t had this done.
High Value Items: These should be labeled and identified. Items should be pointed out to the supervisor, and checked against the High Value Inventory Form.
Labels: All cartons should be labeled on top and two adjacent sides, with a note on the room to go into. This is especially important for fragile items.
Lamps and Shades: Remove shades, bulbs, and globes, and pack them into boxes with lots of extra padding.
Packing Materials: Paper and/or bubblewrap should be used for fragile items. Try to avoid newsprint, as the ink may blemish items.
Plants: Move these in your own car—they may die in a moving vehicle.
Rugs: Moving crews will handle these.
Tape: Tops and bottoms should be secured with at least two strips. Use moving/packing tape, not masking tape.
Televisions/Computers: Pack into original boxes if available. Special moving equipment is available.

30-Day Moving Checklist

4 WEEKS AHEAD

Discard things you won’t need at your new home.
Start packing what you’ll keep, and space it out over the next 30 days.
Notify relevant organizations (Post Office, etc.) that you’ll be moving.
Start notifying businesses, relatives and friends of your move.

3 WEEKS AHEAD

Hold a garage sale.
Arrange for disconnection and reconnection of gas, electricity, etc.
Arrange to have phone service disconnected halfway through the move day.
Make plans for childcare on move day.

2 WEEKS AHEAD

Decide where you want the movers to place furniture in your new home.
Begin using up what food you can.

1 WEEK AHEAD

Arrange for delivery services to be stopped.
Handle any affairs at banks.
Discard flammable items. Drain fuel from tools.
Return borrowed items to neighbors.

3 DAYS AHEAD

Remove everything from drawers.
Have an ice chest for cold foods on move day.
Keep all medications in a safe, accessible spot during packing.
Set aside valuable items you are taking with you.

2 DAYS AHEAD

Create a box of things that will be needed immediately at your new home. Write “Load Last—Unload First” on the box.
Stop watering plants.

1 DAY AHEAD

Verify final move arrangements.
Pack all personal belongings.
Arrange to have pets out of the way on move day.
(Questions about moving with pets? Read our blog post 10 Tips For Moving With Your Pets)

Moving Day Tips

Make sure you are completely ready when your movers arrive. Every box should be packed, labeled, and ready to go.
Arrange to be at home for the entire move. If you are unable to be there, ensure that someone else is present who can answer any questions the movers may have.
Write down any special instructions and give them to the supervisor.
Walk through your house after the movers are done and make sure no items were left behind.
Know how you want the larger furniture items arranged at your destination.
Meet the movers at the new house to supervise unloading.
Payment is generally due at the end of moves—have a check, card, or other payment method ready.
Adding a gratuity is your choice, and should not be recommended by the crew.

By following this moving checklist, you’ll be ready for the most hassle-free move possible.

Download the Ultimate Moving Checklist

For more moving tips, check out our other helpful blogs!

Are you looking for reliable movers in the Atlanta, GA area? At Peachtree Movers, we can help you with all your moving needs.

We offer: