A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Greenville

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Carey Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Greenville individuals and organizations since 1907. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, 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
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• 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

Decluttering

• Started a keep pile
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• 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
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Share useful items with your social circle

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• 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

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

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

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• 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
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• 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
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

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

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

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
• 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

Getting to Know Your New Area

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
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Valuables & Essentials

• 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
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• 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

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

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
• 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

Storage Access or Transfer

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• Double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash) are scheduled to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• 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
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• 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 Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• 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

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• 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
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• 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

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
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

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

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• 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
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

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

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• 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
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• 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

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• 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
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• 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

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• 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
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

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

Need Help With Your Greenville Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Greenville, Carey Moving and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Reputation – Trusted by Greenville families and businesses alike since 1907
• Expertise – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Carey Moving and Storage to take care of every detail so you can start fresh. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Greenville Moving Quote or give us a ring at 864-400-5243 today!