A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Virginia

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Virginia 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. 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
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Started a keep pile
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

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
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Photos for Insurance

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

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
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• 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

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• 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
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• 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
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

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

Planning for Work Absences

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Local Services

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• 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
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Building Access & Keys

• 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

4 Weeks Before Moving

Contact Bayshore

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
• 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

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• 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

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• 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

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or 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

• Make sure every utility is disconnected at your old home and connected at the new address
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• 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

• 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

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• 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

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• 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
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• 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

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

Final Declutter

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Have Spending Money Ready

• Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
• 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
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• 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

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• 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

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

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

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

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

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• 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
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• 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

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

• 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
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• 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

• 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

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• 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 Virginia Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Virginia, Bayshore Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Dependability – Trusted by Virginia families and businesses alike since 1920
• Experience – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Smart Savings – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Bayshore Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Virginia Moving Quote or give us a ring at 918-918-4940 today!