Moving Checklist for Household Moves

Planning a household move can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re managing work, family, and countless details all at once. Whether you’re relocating within Novato, CA, or moving to a new state entirely, having a comprehensive checklist ensures nothing gets forgotten during your transition.

At A and P Moving, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate successful moves since 1990. Our decades of experience have taught us that the most stress-free relocations happen when homeowners follow a systematic approach to planning and execution.

This moving checklist breaks down your household move into manageable phases, from initial planning through settling into your new home. Following these guidelines will help ensure your belongings arrive safely and your family experiences minimal disruption during the moving process.

8-6 Weeks Before Moving

Start your moving preparations early to avoid last-minute stress and higher costs. Research and obtain quotes from at least three licensed moving companies. For local moves in Marin County, ensure your chosen mover understands the unique requirements of your neighborhood.

Create a moving binder or digital folder to keep all paperwork organized. This should include moving company estimates, insurance documents, and important contact information. Begin decluttering your home room by room, donating or selling items you no longer need.

• Research moving companies and request written estimates
• Set your moving budget and timeline
• Begin decluttering and organizing belongings
• Start using up perishable food items

4-5 Weeks Before Moving

Book your moving company and confirm your moving date in writing. If you’re planning a long-distance move, ensure your mover is properly licensed for interstate transport. Schedule time off work for moving day and the day after to handle any unexpected issues.

Begin the process of transferring utilities and services to your new address. Contact your current providers to schedule disconnection after your move and arrange new service activation at your destination.

2-3 Weeks Before Moving

Confirm all details with your moving company, including arrival times, contact numbers, and any special requirements for your move. Order professional household packing services if needed, or begin collecting boxes and packing supplies for a DIY approach.

Submit change of address forms with the postal service and begin notifying important parties of your upcoming move. This includes banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and subscription services.

• Confirm moving day logistics with your chosen company
• Order packing supplies or schedule professional packing services
• File change of address with postal service
• Begin notifying financial institutions and service providers

1 Week Before Moving

Pack a “first day” survival kit with essentials you’ll need immediately in your new home. This should include toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic cleaning supplies. Pack a separate box with valuable items like jewelry, important papers, and electronics that you’ll transport personally.

Confirm utility disconnection and connection dates. Double-check that electricity, water, and gas will be active when you arrive at your new home. For Novato residents moving locally, contact PG&E well in advance to ensure smooth service transfer.

Loading and Moving Day

Be present during the entire loading process to answer questions and address any concerns. Take photos of valuable items before they’re wrapped and loaded. Review the inventory list carefully and keep a copy for your records.

Conduct a final walkthrough of your old home before the moving truck departs. Check all rooms, closets, cabinets, and storage areas to ensure nothing is left behind. Turn off all lights, lock all windows, and secure the property.

Keep important documents, valuables, and your survival kit with you rather than on the moving truck. This includes passports, birth certificates, medical records, and any items you’ll need immediately upon arrival.

• Be present for the entire loading process
• Document valuable items with photos
• Keep essential documents and valuables with you
• Perform final walkthrough before departure

Delivery Day

Be at your new home before the moving truck arrives to direct the placement of furniture and boxes. Have a floor plan ready showing where major furniture pieces should go in each room. This saves time and prevents the need to move heavy items later.

Inspect your belongings as they’re unloaded. Note any damage on the inventory sheet before signing. Take photos of damaged items immediately and report issues to your moving company representative on-site.

Check that utilities are working properly before the movers leave. Test light switches, faucets, and appliances to identify any issues early. Having storage services arranged beforehand can be helpful if some items need temporary housing while you organize your new space.

Once everything is unloaded and accounted for, pay your movers according to the agreed terms. Keep all receipts and documentation for insurance purposes and tax records if this is a job-related move.

After Moving Day

Register with local services in your new community. If you’ve moved to or within Novato, CA, update your voter registration, driver’s license, and vehicle registration within the required timeframe. Find new healthcare providers, veterinarians for pets, and schools for children if applicable.

Unpack systematically, starting with essential rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms. Take your time setting up your new home—there’s no need to rush this process. Consider hiring senior relocation services if you need assistance with the unpacking and organizing process.

Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience when you work with experienced professionals who understand the process. A and P Moving has been helping families in Marin County navigate successful relocations for over three decades, earning recognition as the largest moving company in the region.

Ready to start planning your household move? Call us at (415) 883-2391 or complete the form on this page for service today!