A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Salt Lake City

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Redman Van & Storage, our team has assisted countless Salt Lake City customers with moving since 1891. 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

• 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
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• 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
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Using Up Restricted Items

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Change of Address

• 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

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Planning for Work Absences

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• 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
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Building Access & Keys

• 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

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• 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
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• 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're Moving

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

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

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

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

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Borrowed Items

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• 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 Non-Essentials

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Review Details for Move Day

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• 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
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• 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
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

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

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Start with Must-Have Items

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• 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
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• 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

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Salt Lake City Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Salt Lake City, Redman Van & Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Dependability – Relied on by countless Salt Lake City customers for since 1891
• Professionalism – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Smart Savings – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Redman Van & Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Salt Lake City Moving Quote or phone our team at (385) 386-5135 to get started!