A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Dallas

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Starving Students, our team has assisted countless Dallas customers with moving since 1973. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• 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

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Select gently used things for charity
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Share useful items with your social circle

Selling Unwanted Items

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

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

Photos for Insurance

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Using Up Restricted Items

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• 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
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Child & Pet Care

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• 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
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Getting to Know Your New Area

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Use images to guide your unpacking and setup
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Valuables & Essentials

• 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
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Managing Entry and Exit

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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
• 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
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• 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

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• 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
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• 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
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

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
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Utility Arrangements

• 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
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Borrowed Items

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Prescription Transfers

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• 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
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Get Suitcases Packed

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Withdraw enough cash for tips and on-the-go purchases

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

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

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• 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

• 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
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Closing Out Your Old Place

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• 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
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• 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
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Dallas Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Dallas, Starving Students sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Dallas customers for since 1973
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Affordable Results – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Don't stress about your upcoming move – let the experts at Starving Students manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Dallas Moving Quote or phone our team at (469) 436-3092 today!