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Your moving checklist.

Tick off each step for a seamless move.

You are about to move, that is exciting! Follow our TDH moving checklist to make sure every step of your move planned for.

1. Get Organized

Start discussions with building management at both your current address and new address. Have a thorough understanding of the guidelines and constraints relating to the moving process.

Confirm the following:

  • - Move-in and move-out date of both addresses.
  • - Certificate of Insurance deadlines and requirements (refer to our comprehensive COI guide).
  • - Ensure necessary Parking Permits are secured.
  • - Thoroughly assess building access points, stairs, and service elevators.
  • - Give a minimum 1-month notification period for your landlord.
  • - Strategize items for relocation, donation, or storage in advance.
  • - Initiate the donation or disposal process promptly with insights from our guide.
  • - Plan a proactive spring clean to avoid last-minute hassles.
  • - Provide your moving company with a detailed inventory for an accurate quote.
  • - Move with confidence—know exactly what accompanies you.

2. Choose the right moving company

Selecting a mover transcends mere cost considerations. Look for a fully insured moving company that ensures the secure move of your belongings, and transparency of any additional fees, or even better choose a mover who guarantees a flat fee, eliminating surprises on a moving day. Ask the right questions to find the right mover.

We recommend you ask any potential moving company the following questions:

  • - Are you an insured moving company and accredited appropriately by state and federal law?
  • - Are my items insured and protected?
  • - Do you dispose of items, furniture, and items that will not be coming to the next address?
  • - Is this pricing an all-inclusive flat fee or will other costs be incurred?
  • - Are your movers screened and trained?
  • - Will I have one dedicated customer service contact throughout the process to answer my questions and help me finalize my plans?

3. Review your moving quote, terms & conditions

There are thousands of moving companies out there but only a handful of those are professional and experienced. We recommend you do some research and reach out to 2 or 3 of the highest-rated moving companies, so you can effectively compare your quote.

Your quote should clearly indicate all of your line item charges and any additional fees that could occur during your move. Do not be fooled by cheap quotes, often those moving companies will add additional fees throughout the move which often can add up to more than your other quotes and can leave you with a negative experience.

We also recommend you look for a moving company with a culture that’s based on safety and customer service. You’ll note they train and support their movers to ensure they meet high industry standards, which means they are efficient and professional in their approach and make you feel comfortable to have them in your home.

4. Once you've booked your mover

Once you have chosen your moving company based on the best quote and agreed service, proceed with your confirmation of a booked move.

When your moving day and time are locked in you can fast-track these key steps:

  • - Put any travel arrangements such as flights and transfers in place.
  • - Notify children’s schools and request a transfer of records.
  • - Apply for leave from work.
  • - Line up Moving Daycare for young children or pets as your home will be open and your attention will be on loading and your movers.
  • - Let friends and family know, and ask for help if you need it.

5. Pack your household

These steps include:

  • - Buying packing boxes, tape and packing paper.
  • - Hiring plastic bin boxes.
  • - Identifying any fragile items that need proper handling.
  • - Considering how you will move and keep valuables handy including important documents.
  • - Marking items to be sold or donated with a sign or Post-It note so they can be separated from the belongings coming with you.
  • - Identifying what you will leave out for the final night and moving day.
  • - Asking for help if you feel like your deadline is coming up too fast.

6. A week before your move

Confirm all your moving plans:

  • - Keep a detailed inventory of your items. Label boxes clearly to make unpacking at the new location easier.
  • - Finish packing and ensure all boxes are labelled.
  • - Confirm arrangements with family or neighbors to care for young children or pets during moving day.
  • - Identify which financial institutions, utilities, insurance, service providers such as the Postal Service, subscriptions, and delivery profiles like Amazon need to be updated.
  • - Find out the Change of Address requirements for your license, registration, and ID in your home state and plan to make those changes within the appropriate time frame.
  • - Pick up dry cleaning, items in storage, and clear any safe deposit boxes.
  • - Plan your moving day suitcase with necessities like:
    • - Cell phone chargers
    • - Toiletries
    • - Medication
    • - Comfort items for children to sleep at your destination
    • - Pet food for arrival
    • - Snacks & water
    • - Clean linen and a blanket
    • - For long-distance moves, add a change of clothes and a few toys and books
  • - Double-check anyone providing the new key or access to your new home will meet you at the time estimated for arrival.
  • - Address minor home repairs.
  • - Take some time to relax and prepare mentally for the upcoming changes.

7. Moving day - At old location

  • - Wake up early.
  • - Leave young children and pets with neighbors or carers during the loading process.
  • - Pack final items in your suitcase and store it somewhere separate and secure while your home is open.
  • - Allocate time for cleaning such as mopping and clearing final items of rubbish.
  • - Keep your phone charged and ringtone volume on to liaise with your movers.
  • - Check whether you have funds to leave the moving crew a tip.
  • - Meet your movers.
  • - Do a final walkthrough of the inventory and loading plan.
  • - Remain available for your movers on any troubleshooting or questions.
  • - Identify any previously unnoticed damage or scuff marks as furniture is removed.
  • - Do a final sweep of the floors and surfaces, including removing any rubbish.
  • - Take final photos.
  • - Secure the property and leave your key behind as arranged.
  • - Keep your phone handy en route to the next location in case of delays.

8. Moving day - At new address

  • - Call ahead to make sure anyone facilitating access is on time.
  • - Meet the movers at the front entrance.
  • - Check utilities such as electricity and wifi are working.
  • - Take photographs for your records.
  • - Direct the movers where to set up large items or of any changes to your unpacking plan.
  • - Thank and tip your movers.
  • - Secure the property access points if young children and animals will be arriving soon.
  • - Clean main surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom to enable immediate use.
  • - Unpack your Moving Day suitcase including plugging in phone chargers.
  • - Set up the bedrooms as a priority, the boxes aren’t going anywhere.
  • - Help other family members settle in.
  • - Cover the windows with sheets for privacy with that tape you kept handy in your moving day suitcase.
  • - Order some takeout and celebrate.

9. After your move

  • - Donate, recycle or give away your moving boxes.
  • - Revisit your Change of Address arrangements and ensure nothing has been overlooked.
  • - Schedule a pick-up for any unwanted items.
  • - Write a short review for your movers if they nailed it.