A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Lakewood

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Western Van and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Lakewood renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1949. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, 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

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• 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
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• 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
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Photos for Insurance

• 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

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• 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

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• 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
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• 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

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Child & Pet Care

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Time Off Work

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• 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
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Getting to Know Your New Area

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Building Access & Keys

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• 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

• Contact building management in advance for rule details
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• 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
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• 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
• 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

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Borrowed Items

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• 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

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• 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

Get Suitcases Packed

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• 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

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

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

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

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

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• 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

• 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

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• 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
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

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

Need Help With Your Lakewood Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Lakewood, Western Van and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Lakewood customers for since 1949
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Affordable Results – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Western Van and Storage manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Lakewood Moving Quote or call (253) 884-8232 right now!