A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Nashville

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Lambert Moving Systems, we've quite literally helped thousands of Nashville renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1925. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Started a keep pile
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Schedule and organize your in-person 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
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Photos for Insurance

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• 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
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about 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
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• 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

Planning for Work Absences

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• 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
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Managing Entry and Exit

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• 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
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

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
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• 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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• 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

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Borrowed Items

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• 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

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Confirm Moving Day Details

• 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

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Last-Minute Purge

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies

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

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• 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
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• 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
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Check all doors and windows are secure before departure
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• 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)

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Start with Must-Have Items

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• If you've moved to a new state or city, register your car as required by local laws
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

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

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• 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
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

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

Need Help With Your Nashville Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Nashville, Lambert Moving Systems sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Nashville customers for since 1925
• Expertise – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Affordable Results – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Lambert Moving Systems to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Nashville Moving Quote or call 615-623-8228 today!