A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Virginia

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Virginia individuals and organizations since 1920. 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

Keep Documents in Order

• 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
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Started a keep pile
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• Select gently used things for charity
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Photos for Insurance

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Child & Pet Care

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Planning for Work Absences

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Local Services

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Building Access & Keys

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

4 Weeks Before Moving

Contact Bayshore

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
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

Storage Access or Transfer

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Essentials Box/Bag

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Prescription Transfers

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• 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
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Final Declutter

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• 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

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• 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
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

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

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Virginia Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Virginia, Bayshore Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Virginia customers for since 1920
• Expertise – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Smart Savings – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Bayshore Moving and Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Virginia Moving Quote or phone our team at 826-200-6926 today!