A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Fort Walton Beach

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Lambert Moving Systems, we have supported moves for countless Fort Walton Beach individuals and organizations since 1925. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

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
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• 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
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Find all your essential documents early
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Photos for Insurance

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• 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
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Change of Address

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• 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

Planning for Work Absences

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Getting to Know Your New Area

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
• 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
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Valuables & Essentials

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Managing Entry and Exit

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Put all keys and access cards in a clearly labeled envelope so you can find them easily

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Contact building management in advance for rule details
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Cleaning Arrangements

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

Storage Access or Transfer

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• 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

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• 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

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Packing Personal Items

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Borrowed Items

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• 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
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Get Suitcases Packed

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Final Declutter

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Set Aside Cash for the Big 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
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• 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

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• 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
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• 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
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• 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

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• 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

• 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
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• 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
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• 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
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Fort Walton Beach Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Fort Walton Beach, Lambert Moving Systems is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Dependability – Relied on by countless Fort Walton Beach customers for since 1925
• Experience – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Don't stress about your upcoming move – trust the moving team from Lambert Moving Systems to take care of every detail so you can start fresh. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Fort Walton Beach Moving Quote or phone our team at 850-374-5361 today!