A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Kirkland

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Western Van and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Kirkland renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1949. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Started a keep pile
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

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
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Photos for Insurance

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• 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

Informing Schools and Medical 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
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Planning for Work Absences

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

Getting to Know Your New Area

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• 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
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Valuables & Essentials

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• 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
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

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

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• 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
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• 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
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• 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

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Make sure every utility is disconnected at your old home and connected at the new address
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Prescription Transfers

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• 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

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• 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

Final Declutter

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Have Spending Money Ready

• 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
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Ask a friend or family member to be at your new home to accept deliveries or let in utility technicians if you can't be there yourself
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• 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

Unpack Essentials First

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• 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
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes

• 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

• 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
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Kirkland Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Kirkland, Western Van and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Kirkland customers for since 1949
• Expertise – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Affordable Results – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Take the worry out of moving day – count on the professionals at Western Van and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Kirkland Moving Quote or call (425) 650-6373 to get started!