A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for East Cobb

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Lambert Moving Systems, we have supported moves for countless East Cobb individuals and organizations since 1925. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• 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

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Utility Arrangements

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

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
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• 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

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• 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

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• 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
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• 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

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• 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

• Contact building management in advance for rule details
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Notifying Neighbors

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Utility Arrangements

• 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
• 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
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

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

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• 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

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Review Details for Move Day

• 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

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Get Suitcases Packed

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

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

Have Spending Money Ready

• Withdraw enough cash for tips and on-the-go purchases

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

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

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• 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

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• 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

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• 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
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• 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

Unpack Essentials First

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• 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
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• 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

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your East Cobb Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in East Cobb, Lambert Moving Systems sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Reputation – Chosen by countless East Cobb clients since 1925
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Best Value – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

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

Get Your Free East Cobb Moving Quote or phone our team at 770-659-7636 today!