The 2025 Moving Checklist: Before, During, and After Your Move

Moving is a big deal—exciting, and a little chaotic. Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, one thing remains true: having a solid plan makes all the difference. At Olympia, we have the insight of 30+ years and the insight of thousands upon thousands of residential moves, and we know firsthand that a clear, organized checklist is the key to a smooth transition.

That’s why we’ve created this essential 2025 moving checklist—to guide you through every stage of the process, before, during, and after moving day.

Before the Move: Laying the Groundwork

1. Start Early and Create a Timeline

Start planning your move at least 6–8 weeks in advance to avoid a last-minute scramble. Break down your move into weekly to-dos: researching movers, gathering packing supplies, decluttering, and setting up services at your new address. As part of your early prep, get quotes from at least three different moving companies to compare pricing, availability, and services—this gives you a clearer picture of your options and can help you secure a better value. Olympia offers fast, accurate, and free moving quotes tailored to your needs, so you can make informed decisions early!

2. Declutter and Downsize

A move is the perfect opportunity to lighten your load. Go room by room, taking inventory of everything you own, and decide what truly needs to come with you. Separate items into categories: keep, donate, sell, recycle, or discard. Reducing clutter will not only make your packing easier but can also significantly lower your moving costs. Consider hosting a garage sale, selling valuable items online, or donating gently used items to local shelters and nonprofits. The less you move, the faster (and cheaper) your relocation will be.

3. Research and Hire Movers

The right moving company can make all the difference. Start with referrals from friends, family, or your real estate agent, and be sure to read online reviews. Request quotes from at least three licensed and insured companies and compare their services side by side. Be clear about your specific needs—do you require full packing, crating, storage, or specialty handling? Olympia offers all of the above, backed by years of experience and a commitment to making your move stress-free.

4. Transfer or Cancel Utilities

Make a list of your current utility providers and contact them to schedule disconnections and new installations. You’ll need to handle services such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable, and don’t forget to arrange trash and recycling services at your new home. This is one of the most commonly forgotten tasks we see during moves, and it can result in avoidable headaches—like arriving to a home with no power or receiving double bills for a property you’ve already left. Handle it early and confirm appointments to stay ahead.

5. Change of Address and Notifications

File your official change of address with USPS at least two weeks before your move. Beyond that, make a checklist of everyone who needs your updated information: banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, healthcare providers, schools, and subscription services. Missing this step can lead to misplaced bills, delayed packages, or lapses in insurance coverage.

During the Move: Stay in Control

6. Label Everything Clearly

Use durable boxes and a labeling system that works for you. Color-code labels by room, number your boxes, or use a digital inventory app to track your items. Label each box with the destination room, a brief summary of contents, and notes like “Fragile” or “Open First.” This simple step saves time during unpacking and reduces the chance of lost or mishandled items. Don’t want the hassle of labeling and packing? Olympia’s professional packing team can handle it all—carefully sorting, labeling, and boxing your belongings with precision and care.

7. Keep Essentials Close

Set aside a personal essentials bag (or two) that will stay with you during the move. Include items like medications, toiletries, phone chargers, pajamas, snacks, basic kitchen utensils, pet supplies, and any critical paperwork. Think of it as your move-in survival kit, designed to help you get through the first night or two without digging through boxes. If you have children or pets, pack separate kits for them too—comfort items and snacks can go a long way in easing the transition.

8. Supervise and Communicate

Whether you’re managing the move yourself or delegating, make sure someone is available to oversee the process. Walk the movers through the home, point out fragile or high-priority items, and double-check that the inventory matches your records. Good moving companies like Olympia will assign a dedicated Move Coordinator who keeps everything on track and serves as your go-to contact throughout the day. This layer of support can make a major difference when questions or changes arise in real-time.

9. Protect Your Home

Before moving day, take a few simple precautions to protect both your old and new homes. Use floor runners, corner guards, and furniture blankets to prevent scrapes, scratches, or other damage. In winter, shovel pathways and lay down salt to prevent slips. Olympia crews come equipped with everything needed to keep your space protected—we treat every home like it’s our own.

After the Move: Settle In Smoothly

10. Unpack Strategically

Don’t try to unpack everything in a single day. Start with the essentials—like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms—and work through the rest by priority. Go at your own pace and create a realistic schedule that fits your routine. As you unpack, take the opportunity to set up systems that keep your new space organized from the start. And if unpacking isn’t your thing, ask your mover if they offer professional unpacking services—it can make a big difference. Olympia does!

11. Set Up Your New Space

Once the essentials are in place, start turning your new house into a home. Arrange furniture with intention, hang artwork, and install closet systems or shelving early to help prevent clutter from building up. Take note of what worked—and what didn’t—in your last space and use this move as an opportunity to improve your layout and flow. Some movers even offer services like TV mounting, furniture, and artwork installation—Olympia does, so you can settle in faster with less things on your plate.

12. Explore Your New Neighborhood

Getting to know your neighborhood is a key part of settling in. Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and local businesses. Take walks, try a new coffee shop, or attend a community event. Introducing yourself to neighbors or joining local social media groups can also help you feel more connected.

13. Leave a Review and Share Feedback

When your move is complete, take a few minutes to leave a review of your moving company. Moving is an innately service-based business, and your feedback helps others discover the quality of service you experienced. It also gives valuable insight to the team behind the scenes. If Olympia made your move easier, we’d love to hear your story and help others feel confident choosing us.

Call to Action

Ready to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible? Olympia can help. Book your move today or email us at info@olympiamoving.com for a personalized consultation.