Moving Checklist | SSW Moving

Select a tab below for some of our tips to help you prepare for your move. Upon booking with us, be sure to ask if there are any additional restrictions or requirements specific to your move.

Start planning well in advance. Make sure to check all of your belongings and make an inventory of everything to be moved. Visit every room in your house and decide what you’d take with you and what you want to get rid of.
Research items that can’t be moved such as anything flammable, combustible or explosive. There may be other restrictions as well, so please check with your moving company if in doubt.
Donate any unwanted clothing, housewares, or furniture or have a garage sale (or list items online on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist).
Collect or purchase boxes and moving supplies such as tapes, newspaper, bubble wraps, markers etc. for packing. Also make sure to order any necessary specialty items like mattress covers, wardrobe boxes, dish barrels, etc.
In order to receive your mail and bills after your move, go to your local post office and submit a change of address ahead of time, so you start receiving mail at your new address.
Check the location of your new home and consider the best way to get there. If you are making a cross country move, you’ll want to book the flight tickets for your family and pets, so give yourself plenty of time to make the proper travel arrangements.
Get in touch with professional moving services 3-4 weeks ahead of the projected moving date.. Give more time to the professional movers for planning and estimating your requirements if possible. Choose your moving company and confirm the arrangements.
If your new home will be under renovations or there is a waiting period before you can take complete possession, you may need to lease space for short term storage. If necessary, arrange for storage - ask SSW how we can help with your storage needs!

Start packing up your home by boxing up the items you use less often (seasonal articles, books, etc.).
Get your rugs and draperies cleaned before you move into your new home. The cleaners usually return them wrapped, so you may not want to take them out until you reach your new place and start unpacking.
Obtain written appraisal of antique items to verify value and when you are packing, make sure to write down prices of items of special value like antiques. These items may require additional insurance from your moving company.
If you are moving to the upper floor in an apartment and you are able to do so, reserve an elevator. Also, confirm parking for the moving truck and get prior permission if you are living in a shared space.
Contact insurance companies to transfer policies (life, homeowners, tenants).
Prepare a list of friends, companies, and other personal accounts who should be notified of your upcoming move and provide your new address and effective date.
If possible, arrange to be off work on your moving day.
Address minor home repairs before moving out (especially if you’re moving from an apartment).

Start actively packing the rest of your home room by room. Make sure not to leave anything behind.
Everything that can be put in a box should be. All boxes should be taped shut, clearly labeled (on the sides and the top) to help keep you organized. Include a description of the items and the room to be placed in your new home.
If possible, use stackable boxes because this helps for loading the moving truck and will save moving time in the long run. If you have suitcases, pack enough clothes to wear for a few days while you unpack your boxes.
Clean your home or arrange for a cleaning company to come in.
You should check your furniture for dents and scratches before moving company starts packing and loading it to the truck. This would give you an idea if the moved furniture got damaged during the process.
Clean the refrigerator and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day if you are taking it with you. Make sure it is entirely empty and clean.
Drain equipment: water hoses, propane tank, gas/oil lawnmowers.
Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
Notify utility companies about your move and get the cut-off dates set for cable, gas, electricity, water and garbage. Likewise, you may want to schedule the activation date at your new home.
Place all appliance manuals and warranties in one place for the new occupants.
Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them, so you know how to hook them up again. Taking pictures can help you assemble the equipment or will help you working faster at your new place.
If you have one, pack a lockbox with your valuable jewelry, cash, and other items of high value to take in your car with you.

Take a close look at your items and mark off things as they are loading. You can set priority for the items to be loaded first and last, according to their value and necessity.
Now is the time to pack any remaining kitchen utensils, cutleries, decorative items into cardboard boxes.
All pictures should be removed from the walls and packed in boxes or wrapped to be loaded into the moving truck.
Make sure there are no contents left in your appliances (dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc.).
Check again in all closets, cabinets and make sure that you’re not leaving behind anything.
Bedroom sets should be disassembled so your movers can load them quickly.
Be at your new location to direct movers as to where items should be placed.
Prepare an essential box list. Some suggestions are:
- Toilet paper
- Phone charges
- Snacks
- Coffee/tea
- Minimal cleaning supplies and hand soap
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes (could already be in your packed luggage)
- Pet foods/bowls
- Portable tool kit
- Small set of dishes and utensils or disposable plates and utensils
- Trash bags
Things to consider before you leave the house:
- Water shut off, Lights turned off
- Windows shut and locked
- Surrender house keys
- Check for items left behind
- Turn down your thermostat (if it’s summer)

LET SSW DO THE REST!

Use dish pack boxes to pack plates, cups, bowls and silverware.
Packing paper or newspaper is extremely important to use for fragile items. Wrap all glassware with packing paper or newspaper.
Wardrobe boxes are essential to keep your clothes safe and help to eliminate wrinkles throughout the moving process.
Don't pack boxes too heavy as this can cause them to give out and potentially ruin/destroy items.
Use the proper amount of tape when sealing boxes to ensure that they stay closed during the moving process.
Labeling each box on the top and sides with the contents and room to be placed is important - you will thank yourself when unpacking!
If possible, use stackable boxes because this helps for loading the moving truck and will save moving time in the long run. If you have suitcases, pack enough clothes to wear for a few days while you unpack your boxes.
Plastic containers and totes are great for packing heavier items inside.
Before packing, take a count of approximately how many boxes will be needed for each room. It could save you money in the long run.

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