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A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Elko

Moving can actually be simple, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Redman Van & Storage, we have supported moves for countless Elko individuals and organizations since . We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, 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

  • Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
  • Store all major agreements and service documents together
  • Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
  • File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
  • Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

  • Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
  • List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
  • Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
  • Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

  • Decide what to give to local organizations
  • Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
  • Keep everything to donate in a designated area
  • Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

  • Advertise things online for a quick sale
  • Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
  • Schedule and organize your in-person sale
  • Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

  • Find all your essential documents early
  • Put together all legal and financial docs
  • Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
  • Have your documents handy for when you arrive

7 Weeks Before Moving

Inventory and Special Care Items

  • Write down everything you’re moving
  • Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
  • Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Documenting Your Valuables

  • Photograph valuable possessions for records
  • Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
  • Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

  • Finish your fresh food before move day
  • Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
  • Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Utility Arrangements

  • 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
  • Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
  • Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
  • Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Managing Banking and Storage

  • Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
  • Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
  • Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
  • Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
  • Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

6 Weeks Before Moving

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

  • Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
  • Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

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

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

Time Off Work

  • Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
  • Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
  • Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
  • Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
  • Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Getting to Know Your New Area

  • Research the basics—where to shop and get prescriptions
  • Identify emergency services and animal hospitals nearby
  • Locate the closest bank, post office, and gas station
  • Check for local restaurants or takeout options for your first few days
  • Keep handy the contact details for important utilities
  • Scout out fun spots and good schools in the neighborhood
  • Join local community groups or social media pages to get tips from neighbors

5 Weeks Before Moving

Planning Your New Space

  • Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
  • Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
  • Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
  • Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
  • Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Valuables & Essentials

  • Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
  • Prepare an overnight kit for every person
  • Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
  • If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Managing Entry and Exit

  • Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
  • Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

4 Weeks Before Moving

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
  • 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
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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

  • Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
  • Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
  • Organize everything in storage for fast loading
  • Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Let the Neighbors Know You're Moving

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

3 Weeks Before Moving

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

  • 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

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

  • Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
  • Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
  • Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Essentials Box/Bag

  • Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
  • Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

  • Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
  • 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

2 Weeks Before Moving

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

  • Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
  • Empty all food and contents from these appliances
  • Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
  • Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
  • Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

  • Pack everything you won’t use right away
  • Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
  • Layer extra padding around anything delicate
  • Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

  • Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
  • Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
  • Save phone numbers for quick communication

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

  • Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
  • Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
  • 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

1 Week Before Moving

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

  • Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
  • Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

  • Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
  • Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
  • Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

  • Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
  • Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
  • Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Have Spending Money Ready

  • Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

  • Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
  • Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

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

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
  • Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

24 Hours Before Moving

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

  • Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
  • Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
  • Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

  • Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
  • Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
  • If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
  • Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

Moving Day

At Your Old Home

Stay Onsite with the Moving Team
  • Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
  • Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going
Walk Through with Movers
  • Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
  • Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory
Oversee Packing and Truck Loading
  • Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
  • Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind
Make Sure the House is Safe Before You Leave
  • Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
  • Switch off all electronics and utilities
Final Walkthrough
  • Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
  • Open every compartment for hidden belongings
Hand Off Keys and Info
  • Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
  • Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

At Your New Home

Be Ready Before the Truck Arrives
  • Show up early to prepare for unloading
  • Survey the house before the chaos begins
Guide Furniture Placement
  • 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
Check Items as They Arrive
  • Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
  • Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery
Document Problems Immediately
  • Report any issues right away for proper claims
  • Take photos of any damaged items for your records
Check Functionality at Move-In
  • Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
  • Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly
Document Meter Numbers
  • Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
  • Store pictures as proof for future utility claims
Change Locks (If Desired)
  • Install new locks for added security if you own the home
  • Get permission from the property manager before making changes

After the Move

Unpack Essentials First

  • 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
Set Up Help for the Unpacking Process
  • Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
  • Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away
Get Rid of Packing Waste Efficiently
  • Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
  • Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby
Change Your Address with Key Registrations
  • Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
  • Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
  • Register pets with the appropriate local authorities
Meet Your New Neighbors
  • Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
  • A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home
Leave Feedback for Your Movers
  • Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did
Organize Your Moving Records
  • Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
  • Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

Extra Tips

Make Your Must-Haves Easy to Grab
  • Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
  • Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies
Photograph Electronics Setup
  • Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
  • Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup
Get a “First Night” Bag Ready for Move-In
  • Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
  • Add special items for comfort or reassurance
Arrange Postal Service Updates
  • Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
  • Let all your subscription providers know where to send things
Prepare a Safety Contact List
  • 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 Elko Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Elko, Redman Van & Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

  • Trust – Relied on by countless Elko customers for since
  • Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
  • Smart Savings – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Redman Van & Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Elko Moving Quote or phone our team at (775) 500-5808 today!