Whether you’re downsizing or moving to an entirely new area, getting ready to move can feel overwhelming. Preparing ahead of time can make the process much easier. This definitive moving checklist of items you’ll need to purchase and actions you’ll need to take can make your moving preparation and moving day efforts a breeze.

Moving Checklist: Packing Your Belongings

Before you begin packing your belongings, it is helpful to determine what items will go to your new home, which items may be sold or donated, what paperwork should be shredded, and which items may need to be placed in a secure public storage facility.  Once you’ve sorted your items, you’ll need to purchase the following.

  • Moving boxes of varying sizes
  • Bubble wrap or other padding to protect delicate belongings in boxes
  • Markers to clearly label each box
  • Packing tape
  • Mattress covers
  • Furniture pads, if not offered by your moving company
  • Small dolly
  • Utility knife
  • Assorted tools for unhooking appliances
  • Measuring tape

When you are ready to begin packing, make sure to:

  • Create a master moving checklist that contains your mover’s name and phone number, along with information about utilities, appointments, and important reminders
  • Keep an inventory of belongings and note which box they are in
  • Photograph any valuables
  • Keep boxes mostly organized by room (kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
  • Set aside any items that you do not want movers to take

Preparing for the Move: Action Items 

To make your transition into your new home as seamless as possible, use the following moving checklist action items so that you remember to address the following:

  • Measure furniture
  • Reserve a storage unit 
  • Select your mover and truck size 
  • Turn on power, water, and heat at your new home
  • Transfer homeowners and auto insurance 
  • Select your refuse/trash provider and schedule service
  • Schedule home internet/Wi-Fi services
  • Submit a change of address form to the U.S. Postal Service 
  • Update subscription and bill addresses
  • Cancel any local memberships that you will no longer use 
  • Collect medical and vet records if moving out of the area
  • Secure cash for tipping your movers

Settling Into Your New Home: Important Steps

Once your belongings have been delivered, it’s time to start turning your house into a home and your new location into your community.  Here is a moving checklist of tips for getting settled.

  • Clean belongings as you unpack them
  • Change your locks if necessary
  • Locate your new home’s fuse box
  • Find the emergency water shut-off, and gas shut-off
  • Confirm all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working
  • Review any HOA rules for moving, trash, etc. 
  • Change any alarm codes or garage door codes 
  • Stock the refrigerator
  • Take a walk to begin familiarizing yourself with your new community
  • Begin decorating

Too Much Stuff After You’ve Moved? Tips for Finding the Best Storage Facility

Despite following your moving checklist, you may find that you still have too much stuff cluttering up your new home. If that’s the case, it’s time to start searching for a personal storage unit. When considering your options, be sure to look for:

  • Perimeter fencing
  • Alarms on each storage unit
  • Onsite manager
  • Ample camera surveillance
  • Safe location
  • Variety of sizes of storage units
  • Temperature control
  • Humidity control
  • Pest control
  • Controlled, gated access

Store Your Belongings Safely in Eugene, OR

If you need to store items before or after you move, Armored Storage is the most secure storage facility in Lane County. With more than 50 security cameras, onsite management, and pest and climate control, Armored Storage offers affordable short and long-term storage in a residential area of Eugene. To learn more about our storage campus and storage units, send us a message or call 541-688-1301.