A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Orlando

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Orlando renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1920. 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

Organizing Important Documents

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• 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

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• 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

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• 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

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• 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

Change of Address

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

Informing Schools and Medical 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

• 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

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
• 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

Local Services

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

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

Building Access & Keys

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

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
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

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
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Notifying Neighbors

• 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

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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

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

Prepare an Essentials Box

• 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

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

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

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• 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
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• 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

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
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Last-Minute Purge

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

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

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

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

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• 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

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

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
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

At Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• 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

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

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

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

At Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• 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
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• 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

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

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

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

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

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• If you've moved to a new state or city, register your car as required by local laws
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• 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

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• 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
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

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

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

Need Help With Your Orlando Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Orlando, Shoreview Moving and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Reputation – Trusted by Orlando families and businesses alike since 1920
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Best Value – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Shoreview Moving and Storage manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Orlando Moving Quote or phone our team at 321-463-6839 today!