A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Billings

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Redman Van & Storage, we have supported moves for countless Billings individuals and organizations since . We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, 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

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Started a keep pile
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Schedule and organize your in-person sale
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Write down everything you’re moving
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Photos for Insurance

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Using Up Restricted Items

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• 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

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• 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

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Updating Your Mailing Info

• Let the post office know your new address so your mail gets forwarded
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

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

Child & Pet Care

• 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
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• 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
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

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
• 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

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Put all keys and access cards in a clearly labeled envelope so you can find them easily

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
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

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)
• 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

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Notifying Neighbors

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• 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

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

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

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

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

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Empty all food and contents from these appliances
• 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

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• 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
• 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
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Get Suitcases Packed

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• 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
• Keep these items in a secure bag or folder that will travel with you-not with the movers

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Toss, donate, or recycle items you don't want to bring to the new place
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

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

Clean Out Bins and Containers

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

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
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• 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

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

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Survey the house before the chaos begins

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Create visual aids so nothing gets misplaced

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• 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

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

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

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• Start by unpacking the things you'll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• 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
• 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 neighborhood
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids

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

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Billings, Redman Van & Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Reputation – Relied on by countless Billings customers for since
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Smart Savings – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Redman Van & Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Billings Moving Quote or phone our team at (406) 412-3609 to get started!