Checklist for Moving Day

Moving day is that final moment when everything you have been planning and working toward for weeks finally comes to a climax. Make sure you’re ready by using these tips from VA Movers.

Your Old Home

In the house you are leaving, make a last minute check of:

• Drawers, cabinets and built-in shelves for any overlooked items. Use a flashlight to check in dark corners. Don’t forget basements, attics, garage and outdoor areas, as well.

• Defrost, unplug and clean refrigerators, ovens and other appliances that are staying.
• Be sure you have filed change of address forms at the post office and sent them to businesses, friends, magazines and anyone else you want to keep receiving mail from. The post office does not automatically forward your mail.
• Use up as much food as possible before you move and arrange for a donation to a local food bank for anything you don’t want to move or can’t use.
• Gather up keys and have them ready to hand over to your realtor, landlord or attorney.
• If you have children or pets, consider leaving them with a babysitter on moving day.
• Check with your driver at VA Movers for last minute details about pick-up and driver contact information.

For the Road

Traveling and arriving at your new place without some of the basics of life is best avoided. VA Movers suggests getting a few extra small boxes, or packing an extra suitcase and taking it with you, rather than sending it with the movers. Pack things you are likely to need right away when you arrive, like:

• Plates and utensils you can use before you get your new kitchen set-up. Moving is always a good excuse for ordering take-out!
• A shower curtain and hooks,
• Towels, bedding and pillows,
• Pet supplies,
• Toiletries,
• Laptop and phone chargers,
• Spare last minute packing supplies like scissors, packing tape and marking pens,
• Prescription medications,
• Valuable documents,
• Anything else that makes you feel at home and comfortable, like a favorite book, family albums and other small and meaningful personal items.

At Your New Home

At least a week before VA Movers comes to pick up your load, visit your new location and make note of these details from the perspective of your moving company:

Are the streets narrow where you are going? Are there a lot of stair, an elevator, narrow doorways or awkward corners? Is traffic heavy in the neighborhood at certain times of day? If so, the movers should know these details ahead of time. They may need a smaller truck to make the delivery, or other special equipment to handle the situation.

Be sure you have keys to your new place and any documents like rental and sale agreements with you when you arrive, along with contact information for your VA Mover delivery driver.

For a few more helpful moving day tips, check out this video.