Moving day has a way of feeling chaotic even when you've planned for weeks. The difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one usually comes down to having a clear checklist.
What to do the day before your move
Pack your moving day essentials bag
Your essentials bag travels with you in your car, not in the trailer. Pack toiletries, medications, phone chargers, snacks, water bottles, a utility knife, trash bags, a change of clothes, and basic cleaning supplies. When you arrive exhausted and surrounded by cardboard, this bag saves you.
Confirm your contact details
Triple check your booking confirmation for your moving to and moving from addresses and contact number. You want to make sure we arrive at the right address.
Prepare appliances and furniture for transport
Unplug and empty out all of your appliances. If you have gas appliances, arrange for professional disconnection. Disassemble beds and break down and empty large furniture—or let our crew handle it if you've booked a package that includes disassembly.
Set aside items movers cannot haul
Keep these in your personal vehicle: passports and IDs, jewelry and cash, laptops and hard drives, important documents, hazardous materials, plants, and perishables.
Your moving day to-do list by move type
Checklist for FlexHaul moves
With a FlexHaul move, a trailer shows up at your door, you load on your own schedule, then Flex drives it to your destination. Focus on finishing all packing and cover any large furniture the night before. When loading, load heavy items first toward the front, secure furniture and large items with straps, and add your boxes at the end.
Checklist for Full Service Moves
When our Flex crew handles the loading, your job is preparation and communication. Seal and label all boxes by room, point out items requiring extra care, stay nearby for questions, and keep your essentials bag separate from the items being loaded.
Checklist for Premium Moves
When our Flex crew handles the packing, wrapping, and loading, your job is simple: relax and provide direction. Be sure to set aside a "Do Not Pack" zone and have your essentials bag with you. Upon arrival, walk our crew through your home to identify high-priority items or pieces requiring specialized handling.
Morning moving day checklist
Moving day is the start of an exciting new chapter, and a clear sequence ensures your morning begins with total peace of mind.
- Start early and fuel up: Wake up with enough time to eat breakfast and handle last-minute tasks without rushing.
- Pack last-minute items: Gather toiletries, your phone charger, bedding, and cleaning supplies. These go in your essentials bag or a clearly labeled "load last" box.
- Complete a room-by-room sweep: Walk through every room. Confirm all boxes are sealed, labeled, and grouped by room. Check closets, cabinets, and under beds.
What to do when your moving crew arrives
- Greet the team and walk through the plan: Introduce yourself and walk through the home together. Point out what goes and what stays, confirm the destination address, and mention access details like stairs or narrow doorways.
- Point out fragile and high-priority items: Show the crew which boxes contain fragile items and which furniture requires extra care. Let them know what you want loaded last.
- Assign a point person for questions: Designate one person to answer the crew's questions. This avoids conflicting instructions and keeps the process moving.
How to manage the loading process
- Stay accessible without hovering: Let the professionals work while you remain nearby. Answer questions when they come up and trust that the crew knows how to load efficiently.
- Keep pathways and doors clear: Move cars from the driveway, clear any snow or ice, and prop doors open.
- Take photos of valuables before loading: Document the condition of furniture, electronics, and fragile items. These photos are useful for your records and for insurance purposes.
Final walkthrough before leaving your home
Open every door—kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, bedroom closets. Check garages, basements, and outdoor spaces. Turn off lights, the water heater, and gas if applicable. Close all windows, lock every door, and return keys.
Your new home arrival checklist
- Arrive ahead of the moving truck: Get there before the movers do. This gives you time to unlock, check for issues, and think through furniture placement.
- Check safety features and cleanliness: Test smoke detectors and confirm utilities are on. Do a quick wipe-down of bathrooms and the kitchen if needed.
- Direct furniture placement as items come in: Use a floor plan or verbal directions to guide movers. Placing heavy furniture correctly once is far easier than shifting it later.
What to unpack first on moving day
Prioritize function over perfection. Make beds first, set out towels and bathroom essentials, unpack basic kitchen supplies, and keep chargers, medications, and important documents accessible.
Checklist for families moving with kids or pets
Keep children safe and occupied
Arrange childcare or set up a safe room away from the moving activity. Pack a bag with toys, snacks, and activities.
Reduce stress for pets
Keep pets in a secure room, crate, or with a friend during loading. Transport them in your personal vehicle and have food, water, and comfort items ready at your new home.
Plan your move with confidence
A checklist removes the guesswork from moving day. With Flex, you choose how much help you want—from FlexHaul trailer delivery to Premium Move packing and loading. Every package includes all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, flexible scheduling any day of the week, and dedicated support throughout the process.
Book your move today!
FAQs about your moving day checklist
What is the hardest room to pack when moving? The kitchen is often the trickiest because of fragile dishes, small appliances, and oddly shaped items. Garages and storage areas also take longer due to accumulated clutter.
How long does a typical moving day take from start to finish? It depends on home size, distance, and service level. Most local moves wrap up within a single day, larger homes and packages that include packing may have a multi-day timeline.
What documents should you keep with you on moving day? Keep IDs, passports, lease or closing documents, insurance papers, and medical records in your personal bag. These items travel with you, not in the moving truck.
What happens if your new home is not ready on moving day? Flex offers on-site storage at your home or in our secure facility. We can load your items and store them however you choose until you move in.
Same day moves available!
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