A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Newnan
Moving can actually be simple, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Lambert Moving Systems, we have supported moves for countless Newnan individuals and organizations since 1925. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.
8 Weeks Before Moving
Keep Documents in Order
- Start an organized folder for move paperwork
- Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
- Collect all invoices and setup records
- File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
- Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case
Decluttering
- 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
- 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
- Give items to family, friends, or neighbors
Selling Unwanted Items
- Advertise things online for a quick sale
- Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
- Schedule and organize your in-person sale
- Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change
Important Documents
- Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
- Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
- Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
- Store paperwork where you can grab it fast
7 Weeks Before Moving
Inventory and Special Care Items
- Write down everything you’re moving
- Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
- Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions
Taking Pictures for Protection
- Snap pictures of your most expensive things
- Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
- Make hard copies or backups in case you need them
Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods
- Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
- Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
- Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck
Setting Up Your Utilities
- Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
- Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
- Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
- Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
- 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
- Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
- Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
- Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
- Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up
6 Weeks Before Moving
Change of Address
- File a change of address form to reroute your mail
- Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have
Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers
- Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
- Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place
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
- Update tags and chips to reflect your new location
Planning for Work Absences
- 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
- Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
- 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
- Map out convenient stops for daily essentials
- Pick out places to eat so you don’t have to cook right away
- Write down numbers for services you might need
- Find the best areas for children to play and learn
- Connect online for advice and recommendations
5 Weeks Before Moving
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
- Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
- Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
- Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone
Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe
- Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
- Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
- Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
- Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car
Managing Entry and Exit
- Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
- 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
- Check on required documents or proof of coverage
- Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
- Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
- Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues
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
- Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean
Storage Access or Transfer
- 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
- Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open
Notifying Neighbors
- Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
- Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
- Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move
Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle
- See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
- Talk to officials or property managers about permits
- Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted
3 Weeks Before Moving
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
- 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
- Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you
Essentials Box/Bag
- 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
- Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast
Taking Care of Borrowed Things
- Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
- Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move
Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation
- Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
- Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays
2 Weeks Before Moving
Getting Appliances Ready for the Move
- Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
- Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
- Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
- Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
- Dry the appliances completely before moving day
Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings
- Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
- Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
- Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
- Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go
Review Details for Move Day
- Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
- Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
- Keep your mover's details easily accessible
Prepare Moving Day Folder
- Collect everything from contracts to checklists
- Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
- Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
- Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access
1 Week Before Moving
Pack Suitcases with Essentials
- Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
- Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place
Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables
- Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
- Round up everything valuable or sentimental
- Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers
Getting Rid of Unwanted Items
- Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
- Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
- Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings
Have Spending Money Ready
- Withdraw enough cash for tips and on-the-go purchases
Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets
- Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
- Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver
Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident
- Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
- Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas
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
- Take out everything from both compartments
- Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
- Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly
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
- If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
- Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully
Moving Day
Wrapping Up at Your Old Home
- Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
- Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins
- Go room by room while movers log your possessions
- Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory
- Confirm each box has its final room marked
- Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items
- Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
- 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
Move-In Steps for Your New Home
- Show up early to prepare for unloading
- Survey the house before the chaos begins
- Use your floor plan or notes to show the movers exactly where you want each piece of furniture and each box
- Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster
- Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
- Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery
- If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
- Snap pictures as proof for your insurance
- Test all major systems as soon as you move in
- 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
- Install new locks for added security if you own the home
- Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems
After the Move
Get the Basics Out Right Away
- Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
- Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening
- 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
- See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs
- 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
- Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
- Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away
- 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
- Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes
Extra Tips
- Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
- Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling
- 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
- Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
- Add special items for comfort or reassurance
- Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
- Change your shipping details with every service you use
- Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
- Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically
Need Help With Your Newnan Move?
If you need trustworthy moving help in Newnan, Lambert Moving Systems sets the standard for value and customer care.
- Dependability – Chosen by countless Newnan clients since 1925
- Experience – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
- Smart Savings – Expect transparent pricing and real savings
Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Lambert Moving Systems to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!
Get Your Free Newnan Moving Quote or phone our team at 470-835-5484 to get started!