House Moving Checklist

Ultimate House Moving Checklist for a Smooth Move

Moving to a new house can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between packing up your entire life, coordinating logistics, and settling into a new space, it’s easy to feel stressed. At Cali Moving & Storage, we understand these challenges and have created this comprehensive checklist to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible in America’s Finest City.

Let’s face it – moving is one of life’s most stressful events. Even the most organized people can feel overwhelmed when faced with packing up an entire home and relocating. As one moving expert puts it, “relocating is high on the list of people’s least favorite things to do,” which often leads to procrastination before moving day.

At Cali Moving & Storage, San Diego’s trusted moving partner, we’ve helped thousands of clients successfully transition to new homes throughout the region. We’ve compiled our expertise into this ultimate house moving checklist to ensure you don’t overlook any crucial steps. Whether you’re moving from North Park to La Jolla or from downtown to Chula Vista, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

San Diego Moving Tip: Moving during San Diego’s off-peak tourism seasons (September through May) can save you money and reduce stress with less traffic on our busy freeways.

Packing Essentials - Organize, Label, and Protect

Proper packing is crucial to protecting your belongings and making unpacking easier. Follow these packing tips:

Gather Quality Packing Materials

• Strong moving boxes in various sizes
• Packing tape and dispensers
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Furniture blankets and plastic wrap
• Markers for labeling
• Box cutters
• Stretch wrap for furniture and drawers
• Vacuum bags for clothing

San Diego Climate Consideration: Our coastal humidity can affect cardboard boxes. Consider moisture-resistant containers for moves during May Gray or June Gloom conditions, especially in coastal neighborhoods like Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach.

Strategic Packing Tips

• Pack room by room – Keep items from the same room together.
• Label boxes clearly – Mark each box with its contents and destination room on both the top AND side.
• Consider color-coding – Assign a color to each room for easy identification.
• Take photos of electronics – Before disconnecting, snap pictures of how wires are connected.
• Pack heavy items in small boxes – Books and heavy items should go in smaller boxes.
• Fill gaps in boxes – Use packing paper or clothing to prevent items from shifting.
• Pack an essentials box – Include items you’ll need immediately upon arrival:
  • Toiletries and medications
  • Change of clothes
  • Basic kitchen supplies
  • Phone chargers
  • Basic tools
  • Important documents
  • Cleaning supplies
• Keep screws and bolts organized – Put furniture hardware in labeled freezer bags and tape to the furniture piece.

Specialty Packing Considerations

• Fragile items – Wrap individually in bubble wrap and mark boxes clearly as “FRAGILE”.
• Artwork and mirrors – Use specialty art boxes or create corner protectors.
• Furniture – Remove legs when possible and keep hardware in labeled bags.
• Valuables – Keep jewelry, important documents, and irreplaceable items with you.
• Electronics – If possible, pack in original boxes with original padding.
• Beach gear – For San Diego living, pack separately for easy access to enjoy the coast after your move.

Pre-Move Preparation - Setting the Stage for a Smooth Transition

Starting your preparations early is key to a stress-free move. Here’s what you should do to set yourself up for success:

8-12 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Research your new San Diego neighborhood – Locate essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and schools.
• Create a realistic moving budget – Include costs for movers, packing supplies, transportation, and unexpected expenses.
• Start a moving folder or digital document – Keep all quotes, receipts, and important documents in one place.
• Begin decluttering – Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
  • San Diego donation options: Father Joe’s Villages, Goodwill San Diego, Salvation Army on Sports Arena Blvd
• Research moving companies – Get at least three in-home estimates from reputable San Diego movers like Cali Moving & Storage.
• Create a moving timeline – Work backward from your moving date to schedule tasks.
• Contact insurance providers – Check what is and isn’t covered during your move, as you might need additional coverage.
• Start collecting free boxes – Ask local stores, check Freecycle, Freegle, or Facebook Marketplace for moving supplies.

4-7 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Book your movers – Confirm your moving date with Cali Moving & Storage and get written confirmation.
• Notify your landlord – If you’re renting, give proper notice according to your lease terms.
• Order specialty packing materials – Purchase bubble wrap, packing paper, and specialty containers.
• Begin packing rarely-used items – Start with seasonal items, storage areas, and guest rooms.
• Plan for specialty items – Arrange for transport of valuable or oversized items like pianos, artwork, or safes.
• Start notifying important parties – Begin updating your address with:
  • Government bodies (DMV, electoral roll)
  • Financial institutions (banks, credit cards, loans)
  • Insurance providers
  • Employers and educational institutions

2-3 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Continue address updates with:
  • Utility providers (SDG&E, San Diego Water Department)
  • TV license and streaming services
  • Healthcare providers (doctor, dentist)
  • Subscription services and memberships
• Transfer school records – Request transcripts and records if you have school-aged children.
• Use up food supplies – Aim to empty your refrigerator and pantry as much as possible.
• Arrange for pet and plant transport – Make special arrangements if needed.
• Confirm details with movers – Double-check timing and logistics with Cali Moving & Storage.
• Set up mail forwarding – Arrange for the post office to redirect your mail (can be done for 3, 6, or 12 months).
• Arrange utility transfers – Schedule disconnection at your current home and connection at your new one.

Check if you need parking permits – Many San Diego neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, and downtown areas require permits for moving vehicles. Check with the San Diego Parking Administration.

Managing Utilities and Important Services - Seamless Transitions

Ensuring your utilities and services transfer smoothly is essential for a comfortable move-in day.

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Arrange for utility setup at your new San Diego home:
  • Electricity and gas (SDG&E)
  • Water and sewer (San Diego Public Utilities Department)
  • Internet and cable (Cox, Spectrum, AT&T)
  • Waste removal (San Diego Environmental Services Department)
• Schedule disconnections at your current home
• Update your address with:
  • USPS (file a change of address form)
  • California DMV (update your driver’s license)
  • Insurance providers (auto, home, health)
  • Financial institutions
  • Subscription services
  • Online shopping accounts
• Pre-arrange food delivery – Schedule a grocery delivery for moving day or the day after from Vons, Ralphs, or local services.

One Week Before Moving

• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home
• Notify healthcare providers and request medical records if necessary
• Arrange for services at your new home:
  • Lawn care
  • Security system installation
  • Cleaning services
• Confirm all utility transfer dates and keep confirmation numbers
• Get cash – Have cash on hand for tipping movers (15-20% of the total moving cost is standard)
• Clean your current home – Start cleaning room by room as they’re emptied

Prepare your vehicle – If driving to your new home, get your car serviced

Moving Day - The Big Day Checklist

When the big day arrives, stay organized with this checklist:

Before the Movers Arrive

• Protect your floors – Lay down floor protectors in high-traffic areas.
• Remove wall hangings – Take down curtains, art, and anything on walls.
• Secure pets – Keep pets in a quiet room or with a friend.
• Prepare a clear path – Ensure movers have clear access to all rooms.
• Gather important items – Keep valuables, documents, and essentials separate.
• Have refreshments ready – Provide water and snacks for yourself and the movers.

San Diego Moving Tip: During summer months, set up a cooler with ice water or sports drinks for your movers. San Diego’s inland areas can get extremely hot during summer moves.

During the Move

• Conduct a final walkthrough – Check every room, closet, cabinet, drawer, and storage area.
• Take meter readings – Record electricity, gas, and water meter readings (take photos for proof).
• Supervise the loading process – Ensure all items are loaded properly.
• Document existing damage – Note any scratches or dents on furniture.
• Keep an inventory – Check off boxes and furniture as they’re loaded.
• Communicate clearly with the Cali Moving & Storage team about special instructions.
• Get contact information from your moving team leader.
• Lock up properly – Secure all windows and doors before leaving.

At Your New Home

• Arrive before the movers if possible
• Verify utilities are working – Check electricity, water, heat/AC, and internet
• Take meter readings – Record all utility readings at your new home
• Direct traffic – Show movers where each item should go
• Check for damages – Inspect furniture and boxes as they’re unloaded
• Keep essential documents handy – Have your contract and inventory list accessible
• Tip your movers – If you’re satisfied with their service

Unpacking and Settling In - Making the New House Feel Like Home

After the movers leave, it’s time to transform your new house into a home:

First Day Priorities

• Make the beds – Set up bedrooms first so everyone has a place to sleep
• Unpack bathroom essentials – Set up shower curtains, towels, and toiletries
• Set up the kitchen – Unpack essential cooking items and appliances
• Install basic safety equipment – Set up smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
• Find the main water shutoff valve – Locate the main water shutoff valve
• Check the fuse box/circuit breaker – Know where it is and how it works

First Week Priorities

• Unpack room by room – Focus on completing one room before moving to the next
• Meet your neighbors – Introduce yourself to create a sense of community
• Locate emergency services – Know where to find the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department
• Explore your neighborhood – Find local restaurants, parks, and amenities
• Update your address – Change any remaining accounts to your new address
• Establish new routines – Create new habits in your new space
• Check property tax information – Make sure your property is correctly assessed
• Register to vote – Update your voter registration information
• Find new local services – Doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc.
• Consider changing locks – For added security in your new home
• Locate your nearest DMV – The San Diego region has several offices in Clairemont, Hillcrest, and Chula Vista

After the Move (1-2 Months)

Administrative Tasks

• File moving expense receipts – Some moving expenses may be tax-deductible
• Update your will or trust – If you have one, update with your new address
• Review home insurance coverage – Make sure your new home is adequately protected
• Set up automatic payments – For mortgage or rent, utilities, and other regular bills
• Register and license pets – Update pet registration with San Diego County

Conclusion

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning and the right support, your transition can be smooth and even enjoyable. At Cali Moving & Storage, we’re committed to making your move throughout San Diego County as stress-free as possible.

Our professional team handles every aspect of your move with care and expertise, from packing and loading to transport and unpacking. We understand that you’re not just moving boxes – you’re moving your life.