A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Salt Lake City

Moving can actually be simple, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Starving Students, our team has assisted countless Salt Lake City customers with moving since 1973. 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

Keep Documents in Order

• 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
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• 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
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Photos for Insurance

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Using Up Restricted Items

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• 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
• 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
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

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
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Planning for Work Absences

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Getting to Know Your New Area

Planning Your New Space

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

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
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

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
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

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)
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• 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

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• 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
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Essentials Box/Bag

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• 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
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Prescription Transfers

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Review Details for Move Day

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Get Suitcases Packed

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Last-Minute Purge

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• 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

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• 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
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• 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

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

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

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• 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

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Start with Must-Have Items

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
• Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home

• 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
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Salt Lake City Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Salt Lake City, Starving Students is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Salt Lake City customers for since 1973
• Experience – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Don't stress about your upcoming move – trust the moving team from Starving Students to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Salt Lake City Moving Quote or phone our team at (385) 217-6239 to get started!