A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Battle Creek

Moving can actually be simple, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Palmer Moving Services, we've quite literally helped thousands of Battle Creek renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1910. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with 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

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Decluttering

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a 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

• Select gently used things for charity
• 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

Selling Unwanted Items

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Important Documents

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• 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

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
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• 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
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• 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

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• 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
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Getting to Know Your New Area

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• 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
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• 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

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
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Cleaning Arrangements

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Notifying Neighbors

• 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

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• 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

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• 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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

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
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Borrowed Items

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Prescription Transfers

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

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• 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

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

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
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Closing Out Your Old Place

• 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
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• 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
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• 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
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• 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

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Start with Must-Have Items

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• 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
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes