A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Fairfax

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Fairfax renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1920. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, 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

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• 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

• Started a keep pile
• 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

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• 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
• Share useful items with your social circle

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

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

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• 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
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Managing Banking and Storage

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• 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

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

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
• 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

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• 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
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Building Access & Keys

• 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

4 Weeks Before Moving

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

Storage Access or Transfer

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• 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

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• 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

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

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

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• 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
• 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
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• 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

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• 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
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

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

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• 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
• 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
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• 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
• 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

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

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

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

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• 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

• 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

• 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 your pets with the new city or county if needed

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

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home

• 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
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Fairfax Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Fairfax, Shoreview Moving and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Fairfax customers for since 1920
• Professionalism – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Affordable Results – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Shoreview Moving and Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Fairfax Moving Quote or give us a ring at 703-890-4943 right now!