A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Oakland

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Starving Students, we have supported moves for countless Oakland individuals and organizations since 1973. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Select gently used things for charity
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Share useful items with your social circle

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Important Documents

• Find all your essential documents early
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

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
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Make arrangements for things you can’t take in the truck

Utility Arrangements

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• 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

Change of Address

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

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• 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
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Figure out the best spots for your furniture and bulky belongings
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out 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
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

Arranging for Clean-Up

• 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
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• 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
• Choose whether you want to transfer storage items personally
• Make a list of what's in storage and label boxes or items for easy identification
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• 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
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Packing Personal Items

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• 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

Essentials Box/Bag

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

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

Prescription Transfers

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

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

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

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Confirm Moving Day Details

• 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

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• 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

Last-Minute Purge

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Reduce what you bring by shedding extras now
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

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

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• 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
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

At Your Old Home

• 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
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• 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

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• 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
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

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

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

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• 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 friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• 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
• 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

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Oakland Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Oakland, Starving Students is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Oakland customers for since 1973
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Best Value – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

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. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Oakland Moving Quote or phone our team at (510) 613-4138 to get started!