A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Tuscaloosa

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Lambert Moving Systems, we have supported moves for countless Tuscaloosa individuals and organizations since 1925. 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

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• 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

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• Select gently used things for charity
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Find all your essential documents early
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Taking Pictures for Protection

• 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

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• 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

Managing Banking and Storage

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Change of Address

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• 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
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Time Off Work

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• 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

Getting to Know Your New Area

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
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• 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
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Building Access & Keys

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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

• Contact building management in advance for rule details
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Arranging for Clean-Up

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

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• 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
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

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

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• 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
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

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
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

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

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• 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

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• 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

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Final Declutter

• 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

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• 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

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

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

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

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

• 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)

At Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• 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

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

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
• 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
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• 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

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• 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 Tuscaloosa Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Tuscaloosa, Lambert Moving Systems stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Dependability – Relied on by countless Tuscaloosa customers for since 1925
• Expertise – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Affordable Results – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Lambert Moving Systems handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Tuscaloosa Moving Quote or call 205-539-0207 to get started!