A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Columbus

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Lambert Moving Systems, we've quite literally helped thousands of Columbus renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1925. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• 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
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• 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
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Share useful items with your social circle

Selling Unwanted Items

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• 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

Important Documents

• Find all your essential documents early
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Using Up Restricted Items

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Setting Up Your Utilities

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

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
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Change of Address

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• 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
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• 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
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Valuables & Essentials

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• 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
• Put all keys and access cards in a clearly labeled envelope so you can find them easily

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

• Contact building management in advance for rule details
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

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)
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Storage Access or Transfer

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• 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
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Packing Personal Items

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Essentials Box/Bag

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

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

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

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• 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
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• 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
• 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
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Final Declutter

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• 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
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• 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
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Get Washing Machine Ready

• 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
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Closing Out Your Old Place

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

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

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

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

• 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)

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
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• 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

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• 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
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• 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

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• 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

• 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

• 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
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Columbus Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Columbus, Lambert Moving Systems is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Columbus customers for since 1925
• Expertise – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Lambert Moving Systems to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Columbus Moving Quote or call 706-995-6576 right now!