A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Decatur

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Lambert Moving Systems, our team has assisted countless Decatur customers with moving since 1925. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Started a keep pile
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Important Documents

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• 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

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• 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

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

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Planning for Work Absences

• 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
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• 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
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Valuables & Essentials

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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
• 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
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• 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

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• 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

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• 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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• 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

Prepare an Essentials Box

• 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 Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• 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

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

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Last-Minute Purge

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• 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

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

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

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• 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

Arrange Help at Your New Home

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

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• 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
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

At Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

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

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

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

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

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

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
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• 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

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• 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

Unpack Essentials First

• 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

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• 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

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• 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
• 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
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Decatur Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Decatur, Lambert Moving Systems sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Chosen by countless Decatur clients since 1925
• Expertise – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Affordable Results – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Lambert Moving Systems to take care of every detail so you can start fresh. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Decatur Moving Quote or call 256-973-9601 to get started!