A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Knoxville

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Carey Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Knoxville customers with moving since 1907. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• 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

Donation Pickups

• 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

• 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

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• 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
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• 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

• 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

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• 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
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Managing Banking and Storage

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

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

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

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• 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

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• 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
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Building Access & Keys

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• 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
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Cleaning Arrangements

• 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)
• 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
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• 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
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• 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

Packing Personal Items

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• 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

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

Returning Borrowed Items

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Prescription Transfers

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

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

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• 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
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Get Suitcases Packed

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

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

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

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
• 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

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

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

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

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

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

At Your New Home

• 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
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

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

Unpack Essentials First

• 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
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• 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
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• 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

• 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
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• 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 Knoxville Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Knoxville, Carey Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Knoxville customers for since 1907
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Best Value – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Relax and take the stress out of your move – count on the professionals at Carey Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Knoxville Moving Quote or give us a ring at 865-507-1899 right now!