Moving Checklist for a Last-Minute Move

Whether you’ve let moving procrastination get the best of you or something unexpected has left you preparing for a last-minute move, this simple starter checklist is for you. 

At All My Sons Moving & Storage we understand that moving is a stressful time. The best defense against your mounting moving anxiety is a little extra planning and forethought, which is why we have prepared these moving checklists to help get you going.

• Provide Notice of Your Move

If you are a renter, you will need to advise your landlord or rental property owners of your intent to move. Your rental agreement likely gives a timeframe for how soon before your move you need to provide notice. If you are unable to provide notice within that timeframe, you will need to discuss your options with your landlord. Other parties that may need to know about your impending move are your employer, government agencies (especially if you receive social security checks at your address), your insurance providers, and any financial institutions you have dealings with.

• Purchase Packing Supplies

When you are moving last minute, you might not have time to make an exact estimate of how many boxes you need. You can purchase packing supplies in bundles at most packing retailers. If you are short on cash, you might be able to obtain used moving boxes from friends, family, or neighbors. Check social media groups to see if anyone is offering their boxes for free after a move.

• Schedule Utilities for Disconnection

Call your providers for electricity, gas, and internet and either schedule your service for disconnection or update them with your new address for a transfer of service. Be sure to give your utility companies your new address so they can notify you of any final bills. 

• Book Your Movers

With not a lot of time before the move, it’s best to book quickly. If you have next to no time left before your move, you can search for local companies that offer same day moving services. Get two or three quick quotes, compare reviews, and then book as soon as you’ve decided.

• Arrange Child or Pet Care

Got kids or pets that will need care during your move? As soon as you have your move date, you should secure a babysitter or pet sitter to ensure your loved one is cared for during your move. Check with family, friends, and neighbors if you need a free to low-cost solution. Otherwise, you can find a professional service in your area.  

• Declutter as You Pack

Since you are moving last-minute, you will need to make quick decisions about what you are keeping and what you are giving away or disposing of. Decluttering before your move will make your entire move much more manageable. As you pack, keep a box on hand for items you will give away, and a trash bag or recycle bin for items that you are disposing of.

• Pack the Non-Essentials

The best items to pack first are the ones that you will not need again immediately after your move. Start with your back-closet things like your off-season clothes, holiday decorations, and boxed memorabilia. Then go room by room and pack the least essential items first. Label each box with a description of its contents and the room it belongs to.

• Pack the Essentials

There are some items in your kitchen, your bathroom, and your bedroom that you will use up until the moment of your move and then need again almost immediately upon moving in. Designate one or two boxes for each room that contain essentials and pack these boxes last. Label them as containing essentials and have them unloaded first at your new place. These boxes will contain things like bedsheets, toiletries, and kitchen appliances you use daily.

• Pack an Essentials and Emergencies Bag

There are some items you will need to keep on you during the duration of your move which is why we recommend packing an essentials and emergencies bag. These are the items you will need to keep on your person at all times such as daily toiletries like your toothbrush and toothpaste, important documents you need for your move, medications, and your wallet and keys. You should also pack things that are good to have on hand during your move such as a boxcutter, cleaning supplies, or a first aid kit.

• Make a Donation Run

After you have packed everything, you may have items left over that you have decided are not going to come with you. Make a run to the donation center of your choice, or if the charity you intend to give to offers pickup then schedule a time for them to come by and get your donation. Make sure items are clean and in good condition before you donate them.

• Call for Junk Removal

If you have large items you are not taking with you or attempting to donate, call a junk removal service to properly dispose of or recycle your items. A junk removal service comes in handy during a last-minute move as they often offer same-day service and once payment is made, your items are hauled off and you don’t have to worry about them anymore.

• Supervise Your Movers

Delegate moving tasks to your movers and be available for any questions they may have. Make sure everything you own makes it onto your moving truck and that your essentials boxes are loaded last.

• Clean Your Old Home

As rooms empty, clean them thoroughly to make your landlord and the next tenants of your home happy. Pick up any debris, vacuum, scrub counters, and throw out all the dust bunnies. If you are hiring a professional cleaning service to take care of your move-out clean then notify them when the house is empty and confirm when they are coming.

• Make a Final Walkthrough

When your old home is empty, do a final walkthrough of the property to ensure you have not missed anything. Throw open all the drawers, closets, and cabinets to make sure there is nothing of yours left.

• Unload Essentials First

Upon arrival at your new home, have your movers unload your boxes of essentials in their designated rooms first. Other boxes of non-essentials should go in their designated rooms. While your movers are unloading the truck, unpack your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom essentials.

• Set Up Utilities 

Choose your new providers for electricity, gas, and internet if applicable. Call those providers to schedule connection at your new home and take note of any account numbers you are given or contact information they provide.

• File a Change of Address

You can file a change of address with the USPS up to 3 months prior to your move, but it will likely take at least a week to process and begin forwarding your mail. 

• Update Your Driver’s License

Depending on your state of residence, you may have up to a 30-day grace period to change your address on your driver’s license. Change your address as soon as you are able. If you have moved within state lines you might be able to do this step online, check with your local DPS office.

• Register Your Vehicle

If you have moved across state lines, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Check your local regulations to find out how much time you are allotted to complete this step. Do not forget to update your address with your vehicle insurance as well.

• Update Your Address with All Your Providers

Make a list of all your subscriptions, medical providers, and delivery accounts and make sure your address is updated with each of them to ensure nothing you need is delivered to your previous address.

• Notify Friends and Family

Send out moving announcements or call and text your individual family members and friends to make sure they are aware your address has changed as well.