A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Passadena

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Starving Students, we've quite literally helped thousands of Passadena renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1973. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Started a keep pile
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• 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
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• 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

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

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
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Planning for Work Absences

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• 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

Valuables & Essentials

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Managing Entry and Exit

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

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
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• 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
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

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
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• 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

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• 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
• 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
• 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
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Borrowed Items

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• 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

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• 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

Get Suitcases Packed

• 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

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Set Aside Cash for the Big 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

• 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
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Closing Out Your Old Place

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• 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
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• 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

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

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• 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

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• 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

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• 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 pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• 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
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

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

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• 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
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Passadena Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Passadena, Starving Students is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Reputation – Chosen by countless Passadena clients since 1973
• Professionalism – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Affordable Results – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Take the worry out of moving day – count on the professionals at Starving Students to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Passadena Moving Quote or call (626) 548-6416 to get started!