A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Virginia

Moving can actually be simple, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Virginia individuals and organizations since 1920. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Select gently used things for charity
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Selling Unwanted Items

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Important Documents

• Find all your essential documents early
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Photos for Insurance

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• 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
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Informing Schools and Medical 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

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Time Off Work

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Planning Your New Space

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

4 Weeks Before Moving

Contact Bayshore

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

• 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
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• 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
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• 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
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Packing Personal Items

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

Returning Borrowed Items

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Prescription Transfers

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• 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

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• 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

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Withdraw enough cash for tips and on-the-go purchases

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• 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

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• 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

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Start with Must-Have Items

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• 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

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• 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

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Virginia Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Virginia, Bayshore Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Dependability – Trusted by Virginia families and businesses alike since 1920
• Expertise – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Best Value – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Bayshore Moving and Storage to take care of every detail so you can start fresh. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Virginia Moving Quote or phone our team at 682-398-0420 today!