A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Factoria

Moving can actually be simple, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Western Van and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Factoria individuals and organizations since 1949. 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

Manage Your Important Papers

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Started a keep pile
• 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

• Select gently used things for charity
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Documenting Your Valuables

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Utility Arrangements

• 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
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Managing Banking and Storage

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• 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

Change of Address

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Time Off Work

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Planning Your New Space

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Valuables & Essentials

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Building Access & Keys

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• 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

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• 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

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Notifying Neighbors

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

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
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Essentials Box/Bag

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

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

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• 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
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Review Details for Move Day

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• 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

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• 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
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Have Spending Money Ready

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

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

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• 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

Prepare Refrigerator

• 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

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• 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
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• 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
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• 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
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Unpack Essentials First

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

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• 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

• 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
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Factoria Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Factoria, Western Van and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Dependability – Chosen by countless Factoria clients since 1949
• Experience – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Western Van and Storage to take care of every detail so you can start fresh. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Factoria Moving Quote or call (425) 642-0712 today!