10 Things to Do Before Moving Day: The Ultimate Checklist
Don't let moving day sneak up on you. Use this ultimate checklist of 10 essential things to do before moving day to stay organized and stress-free.
Moving day has a way of arriving faster than expected. One minute you have weeks to prepare, and the next you are staring at a house full of boxes wondering if you forgot something important. The difference between a chaotic move and a smooth one usually comes down to what you do in the days leading up to the big day.
This checklist covers the 10 most important things to do before moving day. Handle these tasks in the final week before your move and you will walk into moving day feeling prepared, organized, and in control.
Watch: Moving Day Tips
This video from Apartment Therapy shares practical tips to make moving day smoother.
1. Confirm Everything With Your Movers
A few days before moving day, call or email your moving company to confirm the details.
Confirm these items:
- Date and arrival time
- Address for pickup and delivery
- Phone number for the moving crew or dispatcher
- Estimate type and payment terms
- Any special instructions (stairs, elevator, parking restrictions)
- Whether packing services are included
If you are moving in or around Las Vegas, 87 Movers Las Vegas is a trusted local option that serves Las Vegas and nearby areas. A quick confirmation call prevents surprises and gives you a direct contact if anything changes.
2. Finish Packing Non-Essentials
By the final week, everything you do not need daily should already be packed.
What to pack first:
- Decorations, artwork, and framed photos
- Books, movies, and games
- Out-of-season clothing and shoes
- Extra linens and guest room items
- Storage closets and garage contents
What to leave out:
- A few outfits for each family member
- Basic kitchenware for simple meals
- Toiletries and medications
- Phone chargers and electronics you still use
- Cleaning supplies
For fast packing help, see our guide on how to pack an apartment in 2 days.
3. Pack Your Essentials Box
Your essentials box is the most important box of the entire move. It contains everything you need for the first 24 to 48 hours in your new home, and it travels with you in your car.
Essentials box checklist:
- Toiletries and medications
- Phone chargers and power bank
- Change of clothes and pajamas
- Paper plates, cups, and utensils
- Basic cleaning supplies and trash bags
- Bed sheets and pillows
- Important documents
- Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, box cutter)
- Snacks and bottled water
Label this box clearly and keep it somewhere the movers will not accidentally load onto the truck.
4. Transfer or Disconnect Utilities
Schedule utility disconnections and connections so you are not left without power, water, or internet.
Utilities to transfer:
- Electricity and gas
- Water and sewer
- Internet, cable, and phone
- Trash and recycling
- Security system
Timing tips:
- Schedule the new home utilities to start one day before you arrive
- Schedule old home utilities to disconnect one day after you leave
- Keep confirmation numbers in your phone or moving folder
5. Change Your Address
Updating your address prevents mail from piling up at your old home and keeps important documents coming to you.
Priority address changes:
- USPS mail forwarding (do this online at usps.com)
- Employer and payroll department
- Banks and credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- DMV and vehicle registration
- Subscriptions and online shopping accounts
For a full list, check out our change of address checklist.
6. Clean Your Current Home
An empty house is much easier to clean than one full of furniture. Plan to clean after the movers finish but before you hand over the keys.
Cleaning priorities:
- Wipe down kitchen counters, cabinets, and appliances
- Clean bathrooms thoroughly
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Remove nails and hooks from walls
- Patch small holes with spackle
- Take out all trash and recycling
If you are renting, document the clean condition with photos. This protects your security deposit.
7. Measure Doorways, Hallways, and Furniture
Few things are more frustrating than discovering your couch will not fit through the front door.
What to measure:
- Width and height of doorways at both homes
- Stairway and hallway clearances
- Elevator dimensions if applicable
- Width, height, and depth of large furniture
If a piece will not fit, disassemble it before moving day or make arrangements to sell or donate it.
8. Prepare Appliances and Electronics
Large appliances and electronics need special preparation before movers can handle them.
Appliances:
- Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer 24 hours before
- Drain washing machine hoses
- Secure dishwasher and oven doors with tape
- Disconnect gas appliances if required by your mover
Electronics:
- Back up computers and external drives
- Take photos of cable setups before disconnecting
- Pack TVs and monitors in original boxes if possible
- Coil cables and label them by device
9. Take Photos of Valuables and Your Empty Home
Photos are your best protection if something is damaged, lost, or disputed.
What to photograph:
- High-value furniture, artwork, and electronics
- Existing scratches, dents, or damage on large items
- Each room in your old home after it is empty
- Utility meters on the day you move out
- Any pre-existing damage in your new home before moving in
These photos are valuable for insurance claims and security deposit disputes.
10. Arrange Care for Kids and Pets
Moving day is busy, noisy, and potentially dangerous for small children and pets. Having a plan keeps everyone safe.
Options to consider:
- Ask a friend or family member to watch kids and pets
- Hire a babysitter or pet sitter for the day
- Set up a safe room with toys, food, and water away from moving activity
- Update pet tags and microchip information with your new address
If pets must stay in the house, keep them in a quiet room with the door closed and a sign telling movers not to enter.
Trusted Moving Help: 87 Movers Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV
If you are preparing for a move in Las Vegas or the surrounding areas, working with a trusted local mover can make the entire process easier. 87 Movers Las Vegas serves Las Vegas and nearby areas with residential moving services designed to take the stress out of moving day.
87 Movers Las Vegas contact details:
- Name: 87 Movers Las Vegas
- Address: Las Vegas and nearby areas
- Phone: (702) 996-1787
- Website: 87moverslasvegas.com
Before hiring any mover, verify their licensing and insurance, read recent reviews, and request a written estimate. A reliable moving company will answer your questions clearly and walk you through what to expect on moving day.
Day-Before-Moving-Day Checklist
The day before the move is your final chance to get organized.
- Pack your essentials box
- Disassemble remaining furniture
- Charge phones, tablets, and portable batteries
- Confirm arrival time with movers
- Prepare payment and tip money
- Empty refrigerator and freezer
- Do laundry so clothes are clean
- Pack snacks and drinks for moving day
- Get a good night’s sleep
Morning-of-Moving-Day Checklist
On moving day, stay calm and work through these final tasks.
- Do a final walkthrough of every room
- Check closets, cabinets, attic, basement, and garage
- Strip beds and pack remaining linens
- Make sure the essentials box stays with you
- Take photos of utility meters
- Be available to answer mover questions
- Lock windows and doors before leaving
The Bottom Line
The best moves are the ones where most of the work happens before moving day. When you confirm your movers, pack your essentials, transfer utilities, change your address, clean your home, measure your furniture, prepare appliances, document valuables, and arrange care for kids and pets, you set yourself up for a much smoother experience.
Use this checklist as your guide, and adjust it based on the size and distance of your move. If you want more help, explore our ultimate moving checklist for a longer timeline, or get free moving quotes from licensed movers who can handle the heavy lifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do the week before moving day?
When should I start packing before moving day?
What should be in my essentials box?
Should I clean before or after moving out?
How do I prepare my home for movers?
Our team of moving experts creates practical, research-backed guides to help make your next move easier.
Related Articles
Change of Address Checklist: Every Account You Need to Update
Complete change of address checklist covering government, financial, insurance, medical, subscriptions, and utilities. Never miss an account update.
The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Your Week-by-Week Timeline
Plan your move stress-free with our complete week-by-week moving checklist. From 8 weeks out to moving day, never miss a step.
Local vs Long Distance Moves: What You Need to Know
Learn the key differences between local and long distance moves, including pricing, licensing, timing, insurance, and how to choose the right mover for each.