A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Virginia

Moving can actually be simple, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Virginia renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1920. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Decluttering

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Find all your essential documents early
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• 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
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Photos for Insurance

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• 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

Setting Up Your Utilities

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• 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
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

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

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

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

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• 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

Time Off Work

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• 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

Getting to Know Your New Area

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

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
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Managing Entry and Exit

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Put all keys and access cards in a clearly labeled envelope so you can find them easily

4 Weeks Before Moving

Contact Bayshore

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Cleaning Arrangements

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• 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

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• 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
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Utility Arrangements

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

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
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

Returning Borrowed Items

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• 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 Non-Essentials

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

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
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• 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
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Have Spending Money Ready

• Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• 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

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• 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

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• 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
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

At Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

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

Unpack Essentials First

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• 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

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

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
• Affordable Results – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Bayshore Moving and Storage to take care of every detail so you can start fresh. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Virginia Moving Quote or phone our team at 571-371-0291 right now!