A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Fort Worth

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Starving Students, we have supported moves for countless Fort Worth individuals and organizations since 1973. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• 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

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• 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

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• 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

Selling Unwanted Items

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Find all your essential documents early
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• 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)
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Documenting Your Valuables

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• 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
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• 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
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• 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
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• 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
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Planning for Kids and Pets

• 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
• 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
• 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

Getting to Know Your New Area

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• 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

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• 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
• 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
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Cleaning Arrangements

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Notifying Neighbors

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• 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

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• 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

• 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

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Prescription Transfers

• 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

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Double-check that everything is packed and ready for the movers

Review Details for Move Day

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Keep your mover's details easily accessible

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• 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
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• 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

Prepare Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• 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
• 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

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• 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
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• 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
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

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

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• 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
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• 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

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

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

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Fort Worth Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Fort Worth, Starving Students sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Reputation – Chosen by countless Fort Worth clients since 1973
• Experience – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Best Value – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Starving Students to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Fort Worth Moving Quote or call (682) 354-9707 to get started!