Moving day checklist

Before the moving crew arrives

• Set aside your first-day box and anything you're transporting personally, clearly separated from what's being loaded
• Have your paperwork (contract, inventory list, ID) and payment method ready and accessible
• Do a final check of closets, cabinets, and storage spaces for anything left behind
• Confirm parking and loading access at the property if there are any restrictions

During the loading process

• Stay available — answer questions and point out fragile or special-handling items directly to the crew
• Speak up immediately if something looks wrong, rather than waiting until after the fact
• Keep pets and young children in a safe, contained area away from the loading process
• Do a walkthrough of each room as it's cleared to confirm nothing's missed

Before the moving truck leaves

• Confirm the inventory list matches what was actually loaded
• Note any pre-existing damage on furniture before it's on the truck, not after delivery
• Get a copy of all paperwork, including the final bill of lading
• Confirm delivery timing and contact information for the driver or dispatch

After the crew leaves

Do a final walkthrough of the completely empty home, check that utilities are handled per your utility transfer checklist, and keep your moving paperwork somewhere accessible until delivery — you'll need it to verify the inventory when your things arrive.

Set yourself up before the crew even shows up

• Get up with enough buffer that you're not rushing when the truck arrives — a calm start makes the rest of the day easier to manage
• Eat something before loading starts; moving day is physically demanding even if you're not doing the lifting yourself
• Have water and snacks on hand for yourself, your helpers, and the crew

(Source: Move.org)

Understand the bill of lading before you sign it

The bill of lading is the legally binding contract between you and your mover — it spells out the terms of the move and doubles as your receipt. Read it before signing, not after, and don't let the crew rush you through it. Keep it with your other move documents; you'll need it to reference delivery timing, inventory details, and any claims process later. (Source: NerdWallet)

Don't forget utilities and security systems on your way out

• If you have a home security system staying with the property, change or delete your personal alarm codes before handing over keys
• Turn off lights and adjust heating/cooling if utilities are still connected at the old address on move-out day
• Take a final meter reading if you're responsible for a closing utility bill
• Lock all windows and doors, and confirm the key or fob exchange — old keys returned, new keys in hand — before you leave for good

(Source: NerdWallet)

Keep your "open first" box out of the truck entirely

Transport this box in your own vehicle rather than loading it — if it ends up buried in the truck, you lose the entire point of having it. Beyond the standard toiletries and chargers, consider adding a flashlight, batteries, a basic toolkit, and something that makes the first night feel less like a construction site — a favorite candle, a family photo, anything that gives you one settled-feeling spot in the new home before the rest is unpacked. (Source: Love and Renovations)

Two things people forget to do at the new home on moving day

You've already handled utility timing and old-address security before you left — but two things at the new home are easy to overlook once the truck actually arrives. First, confirm electricity, water, gas, and internet are genuinely active, not just scheduled, by testing outlets and WiFi before the crew starts unloading. Second, changing or rekeying the locks at the new home should be a near-immediate priority, not a someday task — you have no real way of knowing how many sets of keys exist from previous occupants, contractors, or a former landlord. (Source: Living Spaces)

Frequently asked questions

Related resources

• All moving checklists
• New home walkthrough checklist
• How to file a claim for moving damage