A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Bathesda

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Bathesda individuals and organizations since 1920. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Started a keep pile
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• 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

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Find all your essential documents early
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Taking Pictures for Protection

• 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

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Utility Arrangements

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• 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
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Managing Banking and Storage

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• 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
• 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
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Planning for Kids and Pets

• 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
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Time Off Work

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Getting to Know Your New Area

Planning Your New Space

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Valuables & Essentials

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Managing Entry and Exit

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

4 Weeks Before Moving

Contact Bayshore

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
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Cleaning Arrangements

• 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)
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Storage Access or Transfer

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

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
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Packing Personal Items

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Prescription Transfers

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Review Details for Move Day

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Prepare Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Closing Out Your Old Place

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

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

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• 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
• 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

• 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

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Unpack Essentials First

• 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

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• 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

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• 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

• Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
• 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

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Bathesda Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Bathesda, Bayshore Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Bathesda customers for since 1920
• Experience – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Best Value – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Relax and take the stress out of your move – trust the moving team from Bayshore Moving and Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Bathesda Moving Quote or give us a ring at 301-215-3852 to get started!