A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Lacey

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Western Van and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Lacey individuals and organizations since 1949. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• 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
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• 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
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Photos for Insurance

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• 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
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• 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
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

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
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• 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

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• 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

Getting to Know Your New Area

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
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• 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
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• 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
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• 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

Packing Personal Items

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

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
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

At Your Old Home

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• 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

• 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

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

At Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• 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

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Start with Must-Have Items

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

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

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• 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

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

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

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• 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

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Lacey Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Lacey, Western Van and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Dependability – Trusted by Lacey families and businesses alike since 1949
• Expertise – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Affordable Results – 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. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Lacey Moving Quote or call (360) 454-9644 right now!