A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Salisbury

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Carey Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Salisbury individuals and organizations since 1907. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, 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
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard 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
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• 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

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Photos for Insurance

• 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

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Utility Arrangements

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• 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

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• 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
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• 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
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Planning for Kids and Pets

• 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
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• 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
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• 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
• 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
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• 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
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

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

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• Make sure every utility is disconnected at your old home and connected at the new address
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without 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
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Prescription Transfers

• 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

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• 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
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• 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

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• 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

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• 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
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Withdraw enough cash for tips and on-the-go purchases

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• Ask a friend or family member to be at your new home to accept deliveries or let in utility technicians if you can't be there yourself
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up 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

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• 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

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

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

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

At Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• 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
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• 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

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• 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
• 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

• 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

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• 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
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• 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
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Salisbury Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Salisbury, Carey Moving and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Trust – Chosen by countless Salisbury clients since 1907
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Carey Moving and Storage handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Salisbury Moving Quote or call 980-452-0337 to get started!