A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Spanaway

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Western Van and Storage, our team has assisted countless Spanaway customers with moving since 1949. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, 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

• 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
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• 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
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• 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

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Managing Banking and Storage

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

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
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Child & Pet Care

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• 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
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• 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

Local Services

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• 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

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Managing Entry and Exit

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

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

Packing Personal Items

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• 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

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Review Details for Move Day

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

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

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

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• 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

• 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

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

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

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• 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

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

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

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

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• 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
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• 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
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• 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

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• 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
• 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

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Spanaway Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Spanaway, Western Van and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Trust – Trusted by Spanaway families and businesses alike since 1949
• Expertise – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Best Value – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Relax and take the stress out of your move – trust the moving team from Western Van and Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Spanaway Moving Quote or give us a ring at (253) 523-2317 to get started!