A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Sammamish

Moving can actually be simple, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Western Van and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Sammamish individuals and organizations since 1949. 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
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

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
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

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
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Important Documents

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• 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
• 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

Setting Up Your Utilities

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• 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
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Notifying Schools & Healthcare 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
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Planning for Work Absences

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• 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
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

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

Building Access & Keys

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

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
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• 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

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• Double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash) are scheduled to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• 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

• 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
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• 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
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

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
• 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
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

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
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

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
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

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

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

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

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• 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
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• 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

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Power down everything before you lock up

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

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

At Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• 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

Start with Must-Have Items

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• 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
• 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

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• 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
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Sammamish Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Sammamish, Western Van and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Dependability – Trusted by Sammamish families and businesses alike since 1949
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Affordable Results – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Relax and take the stress out of your move – let the experts at Western Van and Storage manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Sammamish Moving Quote or phone our team at (425) 296-8489 today!