A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Franklin

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Lambert Moving Systems, we have supported moves for countless Franklin individuals and organizations 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

Keep Documents in Order

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Select gently used things for charity
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Important Documents

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Photos for Insurance

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• 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

Setting Up Your Utilities

• 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
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Coordinate new connections so you’re never without power or internet
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Change of Address

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Bring entertainment, snacks, and favorite things for the trip
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Time Off Work

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Getting to Know Your New Area

Planning Your New Space

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• 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
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Building Access & Keys

• 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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• 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

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

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
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Utility Arrangements

• 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

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Carry your necessities in a spot where you can find them fast

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

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

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

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Gather all important paperwork related to the move (contracts, receipts, inventory lists)
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Get Suitcases Packed

• 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

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Final Declutter

• 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

Have Spending Money Ready

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

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and 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

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• 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

• 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

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odors or mold

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Closing Out Your Old Place

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• 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

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

• 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

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• 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
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Start with Must-Have Items

• 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

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• 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

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• 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

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

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

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• 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

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• 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 Franklin Move?

If you need trustworthy moving help in Franklin, Lambert Moving Systems is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Reputation – Trusted by Franklin families and businesses alike since 1925
• Expertise – 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 Lambert Moving Systems to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Franklin Moving Quote or phone our team at 615-538-6650 today!