Moving Checklist for a Stress-Free Move - A SMART MOVE
San Diego Moving Company
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858-790-8394
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San Diego Moving Company 858-790-8394 GET YOUR QUOTE
San Diego Moving Company

Your Moving Checklist

Check off each step for a hassle free moving experience

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Keep Track of Your Move With Our
Comprehensive Moving Checklist

Relocating, whether it's just down the block or to a different state, involves numerous details that can easily be overlooked. Our detailed moving checklist offers insightful tips to ensure you remain organized and in charge throughout the process.

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MOVING CHECKLIST COVERING THE BASICS

1. 8 WEEKS PRIOR

  • Make any home repairs that you have committed to making.
  • Organize & transfer records to places that need to be contacted.
  • Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets & valuables.
  • Plan your moving method (licensed & insured professional movers or self-moving) & get 3 estimates.
  • Research storage facilities if needed.
  • Return borrowed, checked-out & rented items.
  • Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old & new home.
  • Sell, donate or host a garage sale of items you don’t want or need.
  • Start using up food you have stored so there is less to move.
  • Take photos & inventory of current home & important items.
  • Talk with your accountant, insurance broker, or employer to see if any
  • expenses are tax deductible, covered, or reimbursable.

2. 4 WEEKS PRIOR

  • Arrange for a babysitter or pet care on move day.
  • Arrange for personal/family travel (air, hotel, car rental).
  • Arrange for the care of plants & other delicate items.
  • Ask movers if there are any items they are not able to move.
  • Clear off worktables & place rakes, shovels & hoses in one location.
  • Drain the oil & gasoline from lawnmower & power tools.
  • Contact insurance agent to transfer property & auto insurance.
  • Finalize moving method & make necessary arrangements.
  • Finalize property contract, leases, payments, deposits, or refunds.
  • Arrange cleaning & repair of carpets, drapery & furniture.
  • Research healthcare professionals/places of interest in your new location.
  • Take your vehicle(s) in for a tune-up, especially if you are traveling far.

3. MOVE DAY

  • Eat a healthy breakfast.
  • Go early to pick up the truck if you rented one & make sure you have a
  • padlock for the truck.
  • Unless your pets are in boarding, confine your pets to an out-of-the-
  • way room so they aren’t agitated by the activity.
  • Record all utility meter readings upon departure & upon arrival.
  • Take movers/helpers through the house to inform them of what to take,
  • what to leave, take inventory & sign bill of lading. Confirm new address.
  • Have drinks & snacks to give movers/volunteers.
  • Have payment on hand for moving/cleaning charges. If you wish
  • to pay by credit card, have that set up prior to the move. Have cash on
  • hand for tips.
  • Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail.
  • Take a final look: lights are off, furnace/AC is off, water is off, closets
  • are checked, windows & exteriors are closed & locked.
  • Replace locks if necessary & make at least 2 copies of your new keys.
  • Leave garage door openers/old house keys.
  • Clean the new house as needed (especially where furniture will be
  • going). Clean the old house for the new tenants.
  • Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed.
  • Make sure all utilities have been disconnected & connected respectively & all bills are current.
  • Check for damages while unpacking – be aware of the deadline for insurance
  • claims.
  • After you are moved in, update your home inventory including photos of
  • rooms.
  • Keep copies of the bill of lading & inventory sheet until your possessions
  • are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
  • To prevent damage, avoid using equipment & appliances 24 hours after
  • delivery – allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

4. CHANGE OF ADDRESS/CANCELLATION OF SERVICE

  • Friends & Family
  • Employers
  • Bank/Credit Cards/Store Cards
  • Magazines, Newspapers & Periodicals
  • Government Agencies – IRS, Social Security, DMV, Voter Registration
  • Home Services – Pool, Gardeners, Pest Control, Housekeepers, Water & Laundry
  • Insurance – Auto, Home, Medical & Life
  • Memberships – Tennis, Golf & Gym
  • Physicians – Doctors, Dentists, Opticians, Specialists & Vets
  • Professionals – Accountant, Lawyer, Stockbrokers, Pension & Loan Broker
  • Schools & Religious Organizations
  • Subscriptions – Netflix, Meal Deliveries & Amazon

5. UTILITIES

  • Cable
  • Internet
  • Electric
  • Refuse
  • Phone

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT OUR MOVING CHECKLIST HERE!

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San Diego Moving Company
About our company

We make moving in San Diego simple & efficient

Being one of the most reliable moving companies located in San Diego, and serving the SoCal Area for over 10 years, A SMART MOVE prides itself on exceptional moving solutions and impeccable customer service.

Our mission is to provide our customers with a simple, efficient, and sustainable solution for their move. We strive to reduce the stress, cost, and environmental impact of moving home or office, making your transition to a new home or office as seamless as possible.

Contact us and let us guide you through the entire process of your upcoming move – No Matter The Size Or Distance.

San Diego Moving Company No Hidden Fees
San Diego Moving Company Includes Dollies, Tools & Straps
San Diego Moving Company Floor & Door Protection
San Diego Moving Company Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured
San Diego Moving Company Free Shrink Wrap & Tape
San Diego Moving Company Free Use of Wardrobe Boxes
San Diego Moving Company Free Use Of Blankets & Moving Pads
San Diego Moving Company Expert Furniture Assembly & Reassembly

Our Service Area

Get Your Customized Quote In Minutes And Calm The Chaos Of Your Next Move

  • San Diego

Talk To A Moving Consultant Now!

Talk To A Moving Consultant Now!

San Diego Moving Company 858-790-8394

FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

Our customer service team is here to help with every detail. We want you to have all the answers you need before you reach out.

Does A SMART MOVE offer free on-site estimates?

Yes, we provide complimentary on-site estimates for properties larger than 1,000 sq. ft. For smaller spaces, we offer free virtual estimates.

Are there any extras or hidden fees with A SMART MOVE?

Our pricing contains no hidden fees! It covers professional disassembly and reassembly of furniture, along with protective measures such as door and floor coverings to keep your space safe throughout the move.

Is A SMART MOVE licensed, bonded, and insured?

Yes, fully licensed, bonded and insured. Always verify a mover’s credentials before booking. Visit bhgs.dca.ca.gov. Never hire a mover without proper licensing—no matter who you choose.

Is A SMART MOVE reputable?

We’ve earned thousands of 5-star reviews from our valued clients and have been recognized as one of the best moving companies in San Diego by Forbes—three years in a row!

Do you offer packing and unpacking services?

Of course!. We provide professional packing and unpacking options to fit your needs and budget.

What are the benefits of A SMART MOVE’s packing and unpacking services?

A SMART MOVE’s packing and unpacking services save you time and reduce stress with organized, clearly labeled boxes and tailored support. We protect your belongings with expert care and deliver a white-glove experience from start to finish.

Can you pack fragile or high-value items?

Absolutely. We specialize in protecting delicate, fragile, and high-value items. Our team uses premium materials and proven techniques to make sure your belongings arrive safe and sound.

Are A SMART MOVE’s Relocation Associates experienced and trustworthy?

100%. Every team member is W-2’d, background-checked, professionally trained, and committed to treating your belongings like their own.

What kind of packing materials do you use?

We use only premium packing supplies: bubble wrap, packing paper, corrugated cardboard, quilted furniture blankets, dish pack inserts, and more—customized for each item’s needs.

How much do packing and unpacking services cost?

Pricing depends on the size of your move and the level of service you need. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation, on-site estimate.

What are the benefits of using A SMART MOVE’s rentable moving boxes?

They’re sturdy, clean, waterproof, reusable, and way easier than cardboard.

Why not just use second-hand cardboard boxes?

They’re dirty, unreliable, and a hassle to find, tape, and toss.

How does renting moving boxes from A SMART MOVE work?

Pick your quantity and rental length—we’ll deliver and pick them up.

How long can I rent the moving boxes?

As long as you need. Rentals are flexible. We tailor the timeline to fit your individual moving needs.

What sizes do the moving boxes come in?

We offer two sizes: Small (21″ x 15″ x 12″) and Medium (27″ x 17″ x 12″). Not sure which you need? We’re happy to help you choose the right fit!

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