A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Wilmington

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Wilmington individuals and organizations since 1920. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with 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

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Decluttering

• Started a keep pile
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Select gently used things for charity
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• 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
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• 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

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
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• 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

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• 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

Planning for Work Absences

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• 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

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• 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

• 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

• Contact building management in advance for rule details
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

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
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

Storage Access or Transfer

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Notifying Neighbors

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• 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

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Packing Personal Items

• 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
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Arranging Medications for Your Move

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

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• 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
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• 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
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Final Declutter

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

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

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• 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

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
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

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

• 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

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• 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

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• 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
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• 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

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• 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
• 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

• Contact government offices to 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

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• 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

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Wilmington Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Wilmington, Bayshore Moving and Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Trust – Chosen by countless Wilmington clients since 1920
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Bayshore Moving and Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Wilmington Moving Quote or call 302-600-0955 to get started!