A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Sacramento

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Starving Students, our team has assisted countless Sacramento customers with moving since 1973. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Select gently used things for charity
• 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

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Find all your essential documents early
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Using Up Restricted Items

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• 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
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• 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

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Child & Pet Care

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Time Off Work

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• 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
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Planning Your New Space

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• 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
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• 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

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out 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
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Arranging for Clean-Up

• 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
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• 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
• 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

Notifying Neighbors

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

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
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

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

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

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

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Review Details for Move Day

• 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

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• 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

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Final Declutter

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

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

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

At Your Old Home

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

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• 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

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

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

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

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

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Unpack Essentials First

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• 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 your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• 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

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home

• 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

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Sacramento Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Sacramento, Starving Students sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Dependability – Trusted by Sacramento families and businesses alike since 1973
• Expertise – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

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. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Sacramento Moving Quote or give us a ring at (279) 205-4727 right now!