The boxes are packed, the moving truck is scheduled, and the excitement is kicking in. You’re finally moving! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of settling into a new home. You’re picturing how you’ll arrange your furniture, where your favorite things will go, and that first night of finally unwinding in your new space. But then…that little thought creeps in. What if you’re forgetting something? You’ve gone over your plans a hundred times, but something doesn’t feel right. Is there a drawer you didn’t check? A task you didn’t finish? The last thing you want is to walk into your new home and realize something’s missing and by then it’s too late!
That’s where we come in. At Our Family Moving & Storage, we’ve helped tons of people move, and we know that uneasy feeling all too well. On top of moving your belongings, we’ll go the extra mile to help you stay organized and in control of your move. So, to make sure you’re not scrambling at the last minute, we’ve put together a checklist for moving–covering both the must-haves and the little details that tend to slip through the cracks. Let’s make sure you don’t forget stuff!
The M.I.P.s (Most Important Parts)
Other than the usual furniture and big-ticket items, there are plenty of smaller things that people tend to overlook during a move. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of packing boxes and loading the truck, but the stress of moving can make even the most organized person forget important details. That’s why having a packing list is necessary. To keep you ahead of the game, here are the most important things that can easily slip through the cracks but are just as important as the couch you’re hauling.
Important Documents
If you do forget stuff, we’d hope it’s none of these! Losing important paperwork like passports, birth certificates, or Social Security cards will create a nightmare of bureaucracy and delays, especially if you need them shortly after moving. Before you start packing, gather all of these important documents into one folder or a fireproof box that will stay close to you during the move.
Medications & Prescriptions
Forgetting necessary medications can be dangerous for those of you who need it. Pack a separate bag with your daily medications, along with any prescriptions you may need refilled soon. To avoid last-minute stress, set a reminder to refill prescriptions ahead of time and keep them easily accessible to you.
Chargers & Accessories
When moving to a new home, what’s one of the things you’d need to keep your phone alive? That’s right–chargers! Phones, tablets, and laptops are essential for staying connected, navigating the drive, and handling unexpected issues on moving day. Gather all necessary chargers, power banks, and adapters in one bag so you’re never left with a dead device. Label cables with tape or use a small organizer to prevent them from getting lost.
Service Provider Notifications
Forgetting to update your address with banks, utilities, and subscriptions can lead to missed bills, service disruptions, or sensitive mail going to the wrong place. Make a list of all service providers you need to notify and schedule address changes a few weeks before your move. Set calendar alerts for final meter readings and account transfers to avoid any lapses.
Mail Forwarding
Skipping mail forwarding means important letters, bills, or packages could end up at your old address. You should set up your mail forwarding with the post office at least a week before moving so it takes effect ASAP. To make sure nothing slips through the cracks, update your address with major contacts like your employer, bank, and insurance company.
Spare Keys
Leaving behind spare keys under doormats or with neighbors could cause security risks for the new occupants and make it difficult to access what you left behind. Collect all copies of your keys, including garage and mailbox keys, and hand over any necessary ones to the new owner or landlord. Before moving day, do a final sweep of all your usual hiding spots to ensure no keys are left behind.
Inconvenience Eliminated!
Even if you remember the big tasks, there are plenty of small but important things that can easily slip through your thinking. These may not ruin your move, but forgetting them can lead to frustration, extra money spent, and unnecessary stress. When you’re caught up in packing and planning, it’s easy to overlook these details, but taking the time to double-check now can save you headaches later.
Pet Essentials
If you have pets, you shouldn’t forget the stuff they need too! Your pet’s daily routine shouldn’t be disrupted just because you’re moving. Pack a bag with food, water bowls, medications, leashes, and comfort items like their favorite blanket or toy. To keep them happy and stress-free, make sure they have everything they need for the first few days in your new home.
Toiletries
After a long day of moving, the last thing you want is to dig through boxes just to find a toothbrush or some soap. Keep a small toiletry bag with must-haves like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and toilet paper easily accessible. You never know when you need them, but you’ll feel glad you have them available!
Cleaning Supplies
Even if your new home looks clean, you’ll likely want to wipe down counters, sanitize bathrooms, or do a quick sweep before unpacking. Have a small box with basic cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes, paper towels, trash bags, and an all-purpose cleaner. Keeping these items handy will make settling in easier.
Valuable Keepsakes
Sentimental or high-value items can be easily forgotten in the rush of packing, and these are the last things you want to lose! Store jewelry, heirlooms, and other important keepsakes in a secure, clearly labeled box that stays with you during the move.
Dry Cleaning & Repair Shops
If you dropped off clothes, shoes, or appliances for repair before your move, it’s easy to forget things like this in the chaos of packing. Make a list of any pending pickups and schedule a reminder to collect them before your moving day. This will prevent the frustration of realizing too late that your favorite jacket or dress shoes are still at the cleaners.
Tools and Outdoor Equipment
People can forget small tools they’ll need right away, like a screwdriver for assembling furniture, scissors for opening boxes, or even a flashlight. Keep a basic tool kit accessible for quick fixes and setup in your new home. Don’t forget larger outdoor items like hoses, gardening tools, or patio furniture that might get overlooked in the garage or backyard.
Household Plants
Plants are easy to forget, especially if they’re in a corner or on a high shelf. If you’re bringing them with you, transport them carefully to avoid damage, and make sure they have enough water for the journey. Since some moving companies won’t transport plants, double-check your options before moving day so you don’t realize too late that you forgot something important.
Batteries & Light Bulbs
Who wants to buy more of these if you already have plenty? It’s frustrating to set up a new space only to realize the batteries in your remote are dead or a key light fixture has no bulbs. Gather spare batteries and commonly used light bulbs in a small, labeled bag. Including these in your moving checklist will make sure these won’t be left in the dark–literally!
We Have More than Tips!
When you’re moving to Florida, the last thing you want is to step into your new home and realize you left something behind! Packing up an entire household is overwhelming, and it’s easy for small but important things to slip through the cracks. That’s why a solid checklist and a reliable moving team make all the difference.
At Our Family Moving & Storage, our movers in South Florida are here to handle every aspect of your move with care and expertise–so you don’t forget stuff. Our goal as a moving team is to make everything exponentially easier for you–from start to finish! We understand what it takes to move to or around Florida, and we’re equipped to get your belongings where they need to go! If you find yourself with too much stuff and not enough space, we’ve got solutions for you! We offer storage units in Fort Lauderdale for convenient access to your belongings whenever you need them. And if you’re a little further north, like in Palm Beach County, we also have storage units in Boca Raton, providing a safe and reliable option to store your items before, during, or after your move!
Don’t let the stress of moving weigh you down. Contact us today and let our expert team handle the heavy lifting. And if you’re looking for more tips to make your move easier, check out our blog, because now or later, we’re always here to help!
Related Readings:
