A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Kissimmee

Moving can actually be simple, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Kissimmee individuals and organizations since 1920. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• 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
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

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
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• 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
• Share useful items with your social circle

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• 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
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

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

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• 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
• 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
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

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

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Time Off Work

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Getting to Know Your New Area

Planning Your New Space

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Managing Entry and Exit

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

4 Weeks Before Moving

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
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Cleaning Arrangements

• 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
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Notifying Neighbors

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• 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

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• 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

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

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

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• 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
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

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
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

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

• 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

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

At Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• 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

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• 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)

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• 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

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Start with Must-Have Items

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• 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

• 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
• 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

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Kissimmee Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Kissimmee, Shoreview Moving and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Reputation – Trusted by Kissimmee families and businesses alike since 1920
• Experience – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Shoreview Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Kissimmee Moving Quote or phone our team at 321-461-5647 to get started!