A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Chattanooga

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Carey Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Chattanooga customers with moving since 1907. 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

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• 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

Donation Pickups

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

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

Important Documents

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Utility Arrangements

• 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
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• 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
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• 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
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about 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
• 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
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Planning Your New Space

• 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
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Valuables & Essentials

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Managing Entry and Exit

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• 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

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Cleaning Arrangements

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• 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

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• 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

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

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
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• 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
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Get Suitcases Packed

• 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

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

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

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

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

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

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

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• 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
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• 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
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• 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

Start with Must-Have Items

• 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
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• 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

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• 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
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

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

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Chattanooga Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Chattanooga, Carey Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Chattanooga customers for since 1907
• Professionalism – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Best Value – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Carey Moving and Storage take care of every detail so you can start fresh. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Chattanooga Moving Quote or give us a ring at 423-927-3822 right now!