A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Pennsylvania

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Pennsylvania renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1920. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

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
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Share useful items with your social circle

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Find all your essential documents early
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• 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
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Utility Arrangements

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• 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
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Child & Pet Care

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

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
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Local Services

Planning Your New Space

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Managing Entry and Exit

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

4 Weeks Before Moving

Contact Bayshore

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
• 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

Arranging for Clean-Up

• 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
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• 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
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Prepare an Essentials Box

• 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

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• 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
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• 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
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

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

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

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
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• 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

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

At Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• 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

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

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

At Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• 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
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• 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
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Start with Must-Have Items

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• 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
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• 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

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

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Pennsylvania Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Pennsylvania, Bayshore Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Trusted by Pennsylvania families and businesses alike since 1920
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Bayshore Moving and Storage manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Pennsylvania Moving Quote or call 610-798-1174 today!