A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Marietta

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Lambert Moving Systems, we have supported moves for countless Marietta individuals and organizations since 1925. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Started a keep pile
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

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

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Planning for Work Absences

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• 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
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Getting to Know Your New Area

Planning Your New Space

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Valuables & Essentials

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• 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
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Managing Entry and Exit

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• 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

Cleaning Arrangements

• Book a cleaning service for your old home after you move out, so it's ready for the next person (and to help get your deposit back)
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Utility Arrangements

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

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• 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

Essentials Box/Bag

• 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
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Prescription Transfers

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Review Details for Move Day

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• 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

Get Suitcases Packed

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Last-Minute Purge

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• 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

• Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

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

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• 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

Wrapping Up 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

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

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

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• 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

• Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• 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
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• 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

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• 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 Marietta Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Marietta, Lambert Moving Systems is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Marietta customers for since 1925
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Affordable Results – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Lambert Moving Systems to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Marietta Moving Quote or give us a ring at 770-852-5117 to get started!