Moving
Checklist.
A practical step-by-step checklist to help you organize your Bay Area move, prepare your home, confirm access and avoid last-minute surprises.
One move.
A lot of small details.
A moving checklist helps turn one large project into manageable steps. You don't need to complete everything at once. Start with the decisions that affect scheduling and logistics, then work toward packing and final confirmations.
For Bay Area moves, pay particular attention to parking, elevators, building requirements and property access. Those details are easier to solve early than on moving day.
Start with
the plan.
Set the foundation of the move before packing takes over.
Choose your target moving date
Identify your preferred date and any flexibility you have around it.
Define the approximate move size
Consider bedrooms, furniture, boxes, storage areas, garage contents and unusually large items.
Request your moving quote
Provide origin, destination, date, move size and any known access details.
Check both properties
Identify stairs, elevators, gates, loading areas, long carries or difficult truck access.
Contact building management
If applicable, ask about moving hours, elevator reservations, loading procedures and other requirements.
Begin sorting
Decide what will move with you and what can be donated, sold, recycled or discarded.
If either location is an apartment, condo or high-rise, building access should be one of the first things you confirm.
Turn planning
into preparation.
Now focus on packing, access and practical moving-day details.
Pack non-essential items
Start with décor, books, seasonal items and anything you will not need before the move.
Label boxes clearly
Use room names and mark fragile contents where appropriate.
Identify specialty items
Tell your mover about unusually heavy, large, delicate or valuable items that may require special planning.
Confirm parking and loading
Review where the moving truck can load and unload at both addresses.
Plan for children and pets
Consider a safe arrangement that keeps them away from active moving paths.
Prepare address and service changes
Update relevant mail, utilities, subscriptions and service providers as needed.
Confirm the
important details.
Confirm moving date and contact information
Make sure the mover has the correct addresses and best phone number for moving day.
Confirm elevator reservations
Double-check reserved time windows and building instructions where applicable.
Finish most packing
Aim to have ordinary household items boxed and ready unless packing service is included.
Create an essentials bag
Keep documents, medications, chargers, toiletries, keys and immediate necessities with you.
Communicate changes
Tell your moving company if the inventory, access, destination or other important details have changed.
Get the property
move-ready.
Finish remaining packing
Close and label boxes and separate anything that should not go on the moving truck.
Clear walkways
Make entrances, halls and paths as accessible as reasonably possible.
Charge your phone
Keep communication available throughout moving day.
Keep important items with you
Set aside IDs, documents, keys, medications, valuables and other personal essentials.
Ready when
the crew arrives.
Keep the day simple: be reachable, point out important items and access details, and make sure nothing essential gets packed by mistake.
Be Available
Keep your phone nearby and make sure the crew knows who to contact.
Walk Through
Point out fragile, specialty or non-moving items before work begins.
Check Rooms
Before leaving, inspect closets, cabinets, storage spaces and other areas.
Final Check
At destination, confirm placement and check that the move is complete.
Put your move
on the calendar.
Tell us your moving date, origin, destination and approximate move size. Add any stairs, elevators, parking or specialty-item details you already know.