A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Auburn

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Lambert Moving Systems, we have supported moves for countless Auburn individuals and organizations since 1925. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• 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

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Using Up Restricted Items

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Utility Arrangements

• 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
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Managing Banking and Storage

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• 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

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• 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
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Getting to Know Your New Area

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• 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

Valuables & Essentials

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• 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

• 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

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
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

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
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Notifying Neighbors

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Borrowed Items

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• 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

• 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

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• 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

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

Confirm Child or Pet Care

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

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• 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

• 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

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

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
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• 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

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• 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

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• 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

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• 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
• 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
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• 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

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• 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

• 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
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Auburn Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Auburn, Lambert Moving Systems is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Dependability – Trusted by Auburn families and businesses alike since 1925
• Expertise – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Affordable Results – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Relax and take the stress out of your move – trust the moving team from Lambert Moving Systems to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Auburn Moving Quote or call 334-539-0794 today!