Your Moving Day Checklist

## The Night Before Finish packing everything except your essentials box. Charge your phone and portable battery. Set your alarm — movers typically arrive between 8-9 AM. Confirm your reservation with the moving company (you should have received a confirmation call or text). Clear a path from each room to the front door. Disassemble any remaining furniture. Put pets in a secure room or arrange off-site care.

## Morning of the Move Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, cabinet, and storage space. Check the attic, basement, garage, and outdoor shed. Strip the beds and pack the sheets. Empty and defrost the refrigerator (ideally the night before). Take out the trash. Lay down floor protection in the entryway if your movers haven't arrived yet.

## When the Crew Arrives Walk the crew lead through the house. Point out fragile items, items that aren't going, and anything that requires special handling. Show them the path from the house to the truck — note any tight corners, stairs, or low doorframes. Confirm the inventory list and discuss the loading order (last loaded = first unloaded). Sign the Bill of Lading after reviewing it.

## During the Move Stay available to answer questions but let the crew work. Don't try to help carry items — it creates liability issues. Keep kids and pets away from the loading zone. Offer water and point out the bathroom. Monitor the inventory list as items are loaded. If anything needs special placement at the destination, tell the crew lead now.

## Before You Leave the Old Place Do one final walkthrough after everything is loaded. Check every room, closet, and drawer. Look behind doors and under sinks. Check the mailbox. Turn off all lights and fans. Lock all windows and doors. Set the thermostat to an appropriate hold temperature. Take meter readings if required by your utility company. Leave keys, garage remotes, and any HOA materials as agreed with the buyer or landlord.

## At the New Place Arrive before the truck if possible. Verify that utilities are on (electricity, water, gas). Lay down floor and door protection before unloading begins. Direct the crew on where each box and furniture piece goes — it's much easier to place things correctly now than to rearrange later. Check off items against the inventory as they come in. Inspect furniture for damage before the crew leaves. Sign the delivery receipt only after you're satisfied.

## After the Crew Leaves Open your essentials box first. Set up beds so you have a place to sleep. Install shower curtains and stock the bathroom. Plug in the refrigerator and let it cool before loading groceries. Test all locks on exterior doors. Locate the breaker panel and water shut-off valve. Take photos of any damage for your claim file (you typically have 9 months to file with an interstate mover).