A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Vero Beach

Moving can actually be simple, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Vero Beach customers with moving since 1920. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• 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
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Selling Unwanted Items

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

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
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• 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
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Child & Pet Care

• 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
• Arrange care and confirm schedules for pets in advance
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Time Off Work

• 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
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Planning Your New Space

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Put all keys and access cards in a clearly labeled envelope so you can find them easily

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
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• 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)
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

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

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

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

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• 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

Prepare an Essentials Box

• 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
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• 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
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

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

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• 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

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

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

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

Closing Out Your Old Place

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• 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

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• 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
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• 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)

At 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
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• 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
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• 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
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• 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

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Vero Beach Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Vero Beach, Shoreview Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Reputation – Chosen by countless Vero Beach clients since 1920
• Experience – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – Expect guaranteed pricing and real savings

Take the worry out of moving day – count on the professionals at Shoreview Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Vero Beach Moving Quote or give us a ring at 321-483-2221 right now!