A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Lansing

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Palmer Moving Services, we have supported moves for countless Lansing individuals and organizations since 1910. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Select gently used things for charity
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Child & Pet Care

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Managing Entry and Exit

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Make sure every utility is disconnected at your old home and connected at the new address
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Packing Personal Items

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Borrowed Items

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Get Suitcases Packed

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Last-Minute Purge

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Withdraw enough cash for tips and on-the-go purchases

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• Ask a friend or family member to be at your new home to accept deliveries or let in utility technicians if you can't be there yourself
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Prepare Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

At Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

At Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Unpack Essentials First

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• If you've moved to a new state or city, register your car as required by local laws
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement