A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Kalamazoo

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Palmer Moving Services, we've quite literally helped thousands of Kalamazoo renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1910. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Started a keep pile
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Select gently used things for charity
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Selling Unwanted Items

• 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
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

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

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Change of Address

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Child & Pet Care

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Planning for Work Absences

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• 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

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Put all keys and access cards in a clearly labeled envelope so you can find them easily

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all 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
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• 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

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• 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

Notifying Neighbors

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• 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
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• 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

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 Borrowed Items

• 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

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• 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
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

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
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Get Suitcases Packed

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• 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
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies

Confirm Child or Pet Care

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

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

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

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• 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

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

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

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• 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)

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• 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
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• 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
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• 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
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

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