A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Thousand Oaks

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Starving Students, we have supported moves for countless Thousand Oaks individuals and organizations since 1973. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, 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
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Store this folder somewhere easy to access, and consider making digital backups of the most important papers

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Post items online or plan a garage sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• 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

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Find all your essential documents early
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Photos for Insurance

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• 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
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

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
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Planning for Kids and Pets

• 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
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Planning for Work Absences

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• 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

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
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• 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
• 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
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Confirm any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out ahead of time
• Ask about approved times for moving to prevent issues

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)
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

Storage Access or Transfer

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Notifying Neighbors

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

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
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Coordinating Power, Water, and Internet for Your Move

• Double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash) are scheduled to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Essentials Box/Bag

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Prescription Transfers

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Wipe down all surfaces to keep things fresh
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

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
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

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
• Don’t forget chargers, any special items, or daily-use medicines

Keep Your Critical Documents and Valuables Safe

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Final Declutter

• Do one last sweep through your home to find anything you no longer need
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

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

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• 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

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

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

• 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
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

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

• 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
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• 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

• 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

Unpack Essentials First

• 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

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• 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

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

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

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• 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

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Thousand Oaks Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Thousand Oaks, Starving Students is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Dependability – Relied on by countless Thousand Oaks customers for since 1973
• Experience – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Smart Savings – Expect transparent pricing and real savings

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

Get Your Free Thousand Oaks Moving Quote or call (820) 200-1606 to get started!