A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Great Falls

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Redman Van & Storage, our team has assisted countless Great Falls customers with moving since . We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• 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
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

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
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• 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
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• 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
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• 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

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• 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
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Building Access & Keys

• 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

• 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
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• 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
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Notifying Neighbors

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• 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

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• Double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash) are scheduled to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• 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

Essentials Box/Bag

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• 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

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• 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
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• 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
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• 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
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Have Spending Money Ready

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• 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
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Prepare Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Get Washing Machine Ready

• 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

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• 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
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• 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
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• 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

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• 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
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• 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 Great Falls Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Great Falls, Redman Van & Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Dependability – Relied on by countless Great Falls customers for since
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Don't stress about your upcoming move – trust the moving team from Redman Van & Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Great Falls Moving Quote or give us a ring at (406) 604-1324 today!