A clear plan makes moving day easier to manage. Use this checklist as a starting point and adjust it for your home, building and booking arrangements. If your move is sooner, begin with the tasks that affect your date, access and safety.
Jump to: One month before · One week before · The day before · Moving day
One month before: make a plan
- Choose your date and request quotes. Share your addresses, item list and access details. Read the service, pricing, minimum hours, deposit and cancellation terms before reserving.
- Check your building rules. Ask about elevator reservations, loading areas, permitted moving hours and any paperwork. Confirm requirements at both addresses.
- Sort what you want to keep. Plan donations, sales and disposal early. Avoid packing items you no longer need.
- Arrange your address changes. Make a list of organizations to notify, such as your bank, insurer, employer and service providers. Arrange mail forwarding if needed.
- Gather packing supplies. Collect sturdy boxes, tape, labels and suitable protective materials. Ask your mover about packing help if you need it.
One week before: prepare the details
- Pack room by room. Start with items you rarely use. Label each box with its destination room and contents. Keep boxes manageable and protect fragile items.
- Confirm access and parking. Reconfirm elevator bookings and permitted parking. Tell your mover about stairs, long walks, narrow doors and heavy items.
- Plan utilities and internet. Confirm service arrangements for both homes so you know what will be available when you arrive.
- Agree on furniture preparation. Check what needs dismantling, who will do it and whether it is included. Label and secure any hardware you remove.
- Plan for children and pets. Arrange supervision or a quiet, safe space away from moving paths. Keep pet supplies and familiar items easy to reach.
The day before: finish and confirm
- Reconfirm the moving details. Check the arrival window, addresses, contact number, services and payment timing with your mover.
- Pack an essentials bag. Keep medication, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks and basic supplies with you.
- Keep important items separate. Carry your keys, identification, documents, jewellery and other small valuables yourself.
- Prepare appliances as agreed. Follow manufacturer instructions and confirm any disconnection needs. Arrange qualified help where required. Ask about fridge and freezer preparation in advance.
- Clear walkways. Remove obstacles from doors, hallways and stairs. Keep a safe path to the truck and protect areas as agreed with the crew.
Moving day: keep things organized
- Walk through with the crew. Point out fragile items, pieces that stay behind and access restrictions. Confirm the plan before loading begins.
- Keep your records handy. Have the agreement, quote and contact details accessible. Take photos of valuable items and note any existing damage.
- Check every room before leaving. Look in closets, cupboards, storage areas and outdoor spaces. Check windows, lights and doors, and follow your key handover arrangements.
- Show where items belong. Use room labels or a simple floor plan at the new home. Have one person available to answer questions.
- Check delivery and keep receipts. Review delivered items, document any concerns and follow the agreed reporting process. Complete payment according to your booking terms and retain your receipt.
Keep these with you
Keys, documents, medication, phone and charger, valuables, your moving agreement and the essentials you need for your first night.