A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Phoenix

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Starving Students, we've quite literally helped thousands of Phoenix renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1973. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, 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

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Decluttering

• Started a keep pile
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Using Up Restricted Items

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Utility Arrangements

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• 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
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Notifying Schools & Healthcare 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

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Planning for Work Absences

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• 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
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Building Access & Keys

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• 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)
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

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
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• 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
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• Double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash) are scheduled to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• 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
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Review Details for Move Day

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

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
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• 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
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Last-Minute Purge

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

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

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

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

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• 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

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

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

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

At Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• 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

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• 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
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Unpack Essentials First

• 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
• 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

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

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

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• 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
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Phoenix Move?

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

• Trust – Chosen by countless Phoenix clients since 1973
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Best Value – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Relax and take the stress out of your move – trust the moving team from Starving Students to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Phoenix Moving Quote or call (602) 584-1443 right now!