A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Alexandria

Moving can actually be simple, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Alexandria renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1920. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, 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

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• 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

Decluttering

• Started a keep pile
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• 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

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• 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
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Documenting Your Valuables

• 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
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Setting Up Your Utilities

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• 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
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• 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

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Valuables & Essentials

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Building Access & Keys

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

4 Weeks Before Moving

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
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Book a cleaning service for your old home after you move out, so it's ready for the next person (and to help get your deposit back)
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

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
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• 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

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in 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

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

Returning Borrowed Items

• 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

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Get Suitcases Packed

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Final Declutter

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Ask a friend or family member to be at your new home to accept deliveries or let in utility technicians if you can't be there yourself
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Safely Empty and Clean Out the 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
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• 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
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• 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
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• 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

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• 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

Unpack Essentials First

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• 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

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• 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
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Alexandria Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Alexandria, Shoreview Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Alexandria customers for since 1920
• Experience – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Affordable Results – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Don't stress about your upcoming move – trust the moving team from Shoreview Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Alexandria Moving Quote or call 703-215-3107 right now!