A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Tucson

Moving can actually be simple, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Starving Students, we have supported moves for countless Tucson individuals and organizations since 1973. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• 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

Decluttering

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

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
• Share useful items with your social circle

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Find all your essential documents early
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

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
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Setting Up Your Utilities

• 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
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

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
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• 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

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

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

Child & Pet Care

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Time Off Work

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

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
• 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)
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• 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

Notifying Neighbors

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

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
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without 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
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• 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
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• 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

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• 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

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Last-Minute Purge

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• 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

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• 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

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

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

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• 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
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Run a quick test on essential appliances for safety

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• 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

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes

• 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

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Tucson Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Tucson, Starving Students sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Tucson customers for since 1973
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Affordable Results – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

Take the worry out of moving day – let the experts at Starving Students handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Tucson Moving Quote or phone our team at (520) 505-9542 today!