Nail your move with a moving day checklist

What have you done so far?

Well before the day of the move, savvy movers will have already prepared. You likely will be going into the day having done these tasks:

• Acquired boxes, tape, markers, and other supplies
• Hired and scheduled movers
• Labeled and packed items into boxes by category and room
• Wrapped up glassware and fragile items in paper or bubble wrap
• Arranged for a moving truck, childcare, pet-sitting, house keys, paperwork, etc.
• Said goodbye to neighbors

Accomplished everything? Good! You’re now in a good place to create a streamlined list for the day of your move. Here’s what you can add to your list:

Keep track with Microsoft To Do

Keep all your lists handy and organized. Plus, easily share with others to get things done together.

Learn more

Set an alarm

You’ll want some time to yourself before you face the day. Get a good night’s rest and wake up earlier than usual so you can have time to ease into the busy day ahead of you.

Pack last-minute items

Don’t overlook the things you need for your last night in your current place. Things that are essential to your morning routine can include coffeemakers, toiletries, bedsheets, and a change of clothes. These items can be packed the day of your move.

Secure your valuables

Make sure you know where your watches, jewelry, and other valuables are and what box they’re in. You don’t have to label these boxes as valuable, as that might attract attention, but you should keep an eye on them. If you have to carry this into your new house yourself, then that could be the safest option.

Pick up your vehicle

If you’re renting a moving truck or van, be sure to pick it up well before the movers arrive. It helps to book your rental truck in advance. Even if you’ve already booked your vehicle, give yourself extra time to pick it up if you’re moving on a weekend. Car rental agencies are at their busiest on weekends.

If you’re using your own vehicle, make sure that there isn’t any clutter that could come loose or take up space. Ensure you have plenty of gas and air in your tires — it won’t be fun going to a gas station when your vehicle is stuffed with your belongings.

Check in with the movers

Whether it’s your friends helping you move or a professional company, be sure that they know when to arrive to your place well in advance. Keep their phone numbers on hand and call or text them to see when they’re en route. Be sure to build in time for your schedule for delays, traffic, or the unexpected.

Once your movers arrive, make sure you have water on hand, as moving is a physically demanding job. And pizza is always appreciated!

Double-check your boxes

While you wait for the movers to arrive, take the time to ensure that your boxes are securely sealed and labeled. Apply extra tape if they seem like they might break while being carried.

Supervise the move

Guide your movers through the house so they can get a glimpse of what’s in store. If they’re professional movers, you can simply stay out of the way and let them do their job. If it’s friends who are helping you move, then you can take the lead on what items to move first and coordinating the movement of heavy objects (such as couches and tables).

As you or your movers bring out your items, watch out for fragile or bulky items such as heirlooms or furniture: these can injure people or suffer damage if you’re not careful. Make sure that the moving van is properly loaded, with heavy items on the bottom and boxes tied down or placed tightly, so they won’t move freely while in transit.

If you’re packing your own vehicle, do so in a way that won’t block your vision when you’re driving. That way you can both stay safe and avoid a ticket.

Do a final sweep

Take out any trash that might have accumulated during the move. Check to see if you’ve forgotten anything. If you need to clean your old space—i.e., to get your security deposit back on a rental — then now would be a good time to do so, or to hire a housecleaning service. Once everything is all set, lock the door and leave the keys as dictated by your homeowner, landlord, or new tenant.

Head to your new home

While you’re driving to your new place, check in periodically with the movers to see if they might be delayed, and let them know if they’re going to arrive before you. Make sure you have your new keys with you. If you have to stop for lunch or any reason, keep your movers in the loop.

Guide your movers as they unload

Make sure your movers know where your items go. Stay organized as your items get unloaded: it’s good to have a general sense of where your furniture might go, so they won’t get stuck between boxes as they pile up.

Provide water and/or food here, too, as unloading is just as strenuous. When your movers are finished, be sure to thank and tip them (10-25% is a good rule of thumb) for their hard work.

Set up your bed first

Unpacking can take time, but having a cozy bed is important after a long day of moving. Unpack your bed, mattress, sheets, and hang up curtains in your room so you can rest easy later.

Unpack at your own pace

Once the urgent, time-sensitive tasks are done, the process of unpacking can be done at your own pace. If you’re still motivated, you can start assembling or moving furniture so you can begin placing your belongings.

But now you can relax: the hardest part is over! As you’re settling in, check out more tips for staying organized, from easy cleaning methods to meal planning shortcuts.