Moving Day Checklist: How to Prepare for a Smooth Move in Central Florida

Your Moving Day Checklist

Moving day goes best when most of the work is done before the truck pulls up. This checklist covers what to do four weeks out, two weeks out, the final week, the night before, and the day itself. It also covers Central Florida specifics that generic lists skip, like summer storms, gated communities and HOA rules.

The short version: book your movers early, declutter before you pack, label every box by room, keep essentials with you, and walk through both homes with the crew.

Four Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Book your movers. Most people book two to four weeks ahead. Summer weekends and the end of the month fill up fastest. Get the estimate in writing and ask exactly what it includes.
2. Declutter first. Every item you don't move is a box you don't pack or pay to move. Sell it, donate it, or schedule junk removal for the rest.
3. Check your building or community rules. Gated neighborhoods, HOAs and condos often require move-in hours, elevator reservations, gate codes or deposits. If yours requires proof of insurance from the mover, ask for it now.
4. Order supplies. You'll need boxes in a few sizes, packing tape, paper, bubble wrap, markers and labels.

Two Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Confirm the details with your movers: date, arrival window, both addresses and a phone number for the crew lead.
2. Start packing what you won't miss: off-season clothes, books, decor and the guest room.
3. Arrange child and pet care for moving day so everyone stays safe and out of the way.
4. Start using up the freezer and pantry so there's less to pack and less to spoil.

One Week Before Moving Day

1. Set up utilities. Schedule electric, water, internet and trash service at your new home, and set shutoff dates for the old one.
2. Update your address with the post office, your bank, insurers, your employer, subscriptions and delivery services. Update your driver license and vehicle registration with the state as well.
3. Pack room by room. Label each box on the side with its room and a short description. Mark fragile boxes clearly. For breakables, see our guide to packing fragile items.
4. Build a document folder for contracts, insurance papers, IDs and receipts. Keep it with you, not on the truck.
5. Refill prescriptions so you're covered for the first few days.

The Day Before Moving Day

1. Defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer to prevent leaks and odors.
2. Pack an "open first" kit: phone chargers, toiletries, medications, snacks, water, basic tools, toilet paper, bed sheets and pet supplies.
3. Disassemble furniture if your movers won't. Keep screws and hardware in a labeled bag taped to the piece.
4. Clear pathways and parking. Free up a spot close to the door for the truck and move anything blocking hallways or stairs.
5. Walk through the house to make sure everything is packed or clearly set aside.

On Moving Day

1. Start early and have your keys, gate codes and building access ready.
2. Meet the crew lead. Point out fragile items, tricky stairs, and anything that shouldn't go on the truck.
3. Keep valuables with you: documents, jewelry, medications, laptops and cash.
4. Do a final walkthrough of the empty home, including closets, garage, attic and outdoor storage.
5. At the new place, tell the crew which room each box belongs in. Check for damage before you sign off, and say something right away if you spot any.

After the Move: The First 48 Hours

Set up beds and unpack the open-first kit before anything else. Check that the utilities work, walk through for any damage, and break down and recycle boxes as you empty them. Unpack one room at a time so the house feels livable quickly.

Moving in Central Florida: What's Different

• Summer heat and afternoon storms. Schedule loading for the morning when you can. Keep water available for everyone, and ask your mover how they handle rain so your belongings stay dry.
• Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30). Give yourself a flexible date, ask about rescheduling, and keep documents and essentials within reach.
• Gates, HOAs and condos. Confirm move-in hours, truck size limits, elevator reservations and deposits well before the day.

How to Choose a Mover: Questions to Ask

• Are you registered with the state? Florida requires household goods movers to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Ask for the registration number and check it.
• Is the estimate in writing, and is it binding or non-binding?
• What's included: fuel, stairs, long carries, packing materials?
• What insurance or liability coverage comes with the move?
• What do recent customers say about them?

Moving Day FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers?

‍Two to four weeks ahead is a good rule for most moves. Book earlier if you're moving on a summer weekend, at the end of the month, or when a lease or closing date is fixed, since those dates fill up first. If your date is flexible, midweek and mid-month slots are usually easier to get. Once you've booked, get the date, the arrival window and the estimate in writing, and reconfirm with your movers about a week before.

What shouldn't I pack in the truck?

‍Most movers won't take flammable or hazardous items like propane tanks, gasoline, paint, aerosols, fireworks or cleaning chemicals. Ask your mover for their exact list well before moving day, so you have time to use up, donate or dispose of those items. Keep your important documents, IDs, jewelry, laptops, medications and anything irreplaceable with you instead of on the truck. Also empty and unplug appliances like the refrigerator, and drain the fuel from lawn equipment.

Do I need to be home on moving day?

‍Yes, or send someone you trust. Someone needs to walk the crew through the house, point out fragile items and anything that shouldn't go on the truck, answer questions, and do a final walkthrough of the empty home before signing off. At the new place, the same person can direct the crew on which room each box goes to, which saves time and unpacking effort. If you can't be there, tell your mover ahead of time and arrange for someone to take your place.

Can someone pack for me?‍

Yes. We offer packing and unpacking as a standalone service or as part of a local or long-distance move. You can hand off the whole house, or just the hard parts, like kitchens, artwork, mirrors and other fragile items. Professional packing takes less time, and it comes with the materials and technique to keep breakables safe. Tell us what you'd like packed when you request your quote so it's included in the estimate.

Need a Hand With Your Move?

We Got Moves handles local and long-distance moving, packing and unpacking, junk removal and small demolition across Winter Garden, Clermont, Orlando and the rest of Central Florida. Request a free, no-obligation quote or call (407) 842-9895.

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