A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Reston

Moving can actually be simple, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Reston customers with moving since 1920. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Started a keep pile
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• 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
• Share useful items with your social circle

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• 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
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• 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
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

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

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Time Off Work

• 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
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• 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

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

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
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• 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
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

4 Weeks Before Moving

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
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

Storage Access or Transfer

• 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

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• 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
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Prescription Transfers

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• 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

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• 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
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

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

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• 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
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

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

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

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

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

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

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

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

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

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

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
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• 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

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

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

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• 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
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

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

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Reston Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Reston, Shoreview Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Reston customers for since 1920
• Experience – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Smart Savings – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Don't stress about your upcoming move – trust the moving team from Shoreview Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Reston Moving Quote or give us a ring at 703-783-7510 to get started!