A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Seattle

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Starving Students, we've quite literally helped thousands of Seattle renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1973. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• 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
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Selling Unwanted Items

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• 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
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Change of Address

• 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

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• 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
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• 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
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Getting to Know Your New Area

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• 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

Valuables & Essentials

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

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
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• 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

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• 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
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Notifying Neighbors

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Make sure every utility is disconnected at your old home and connected at the new address
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Packing Personal Items

• 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
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay 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

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• 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
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• 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

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Have Spending Money Ready

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• 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

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• 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

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• 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
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• 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

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

At Your New Home

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

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

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• 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
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• 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
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• 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

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Seattle Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Seattle, Starving Students sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Seattle customers for since 1973
• Experience – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Best Value – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Starving Students to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Seattle Moving Quote or give us a ring at (206) 258-7628 to get started!