A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Richmond

Moving can actually be simple, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Starving Students, we have supported moves for countless Richmond individuals and organizations since 1973. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• 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
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Decluttering

• Started a keep pile
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Select gently used things for charity
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Important Documents

• Find all your essential documents early
• 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

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Documenting Your Valuables

• 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

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• 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
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• 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

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Child & Pet Care

• 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

Time Off Work

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Getting to Know Your New Area

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• 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
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• 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

• 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)
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Notifying Neighbors

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• 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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Prepare an Essentials Box

• 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

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

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

• 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

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

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
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Final Declutter

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

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
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

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
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• 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
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Closing Out Your Old Place

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• 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
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• 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
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• 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
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• 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

• 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
• 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
• 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

• 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
• If you've moved to a new state or city, register your car as required by local laws
• 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

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• 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
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• 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

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• 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 Richmond Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Richmond, Starving Students sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Reputation – Trusted by Richmond families and businesses alike since 1973
• Experience – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Starving Students manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Richmond Moving Quote or give us a ring at (804) 409-3707 right now!