Moving Checklist for Plano, TX & Nearby Areas

Before selecting a moving company to assist you with your move to Plano, find out which licensed and insured companies are available in your area. As you research moving companies, be sure to compare their ratings, services and specialties such as residential or apartment moves, stairway movers etc. Starting your search ahead of time also…

Make sure to create a list of all expenses associated with your move (i.e. movers, packing supplies, storage, utility deposits) and add them up. Summer months tend to be the busiest times for moving companies in North Texas, which can mean a higher price for moving services. If you plan ahead, it will help you…

Go through each room in your home, starting at the front door, and make a decision about what you want to keep, donate, toss out, sell, etc. Reducing your total inventory of items will not only reduce the total cost of your move, but will also save time on packing & unpacking. You can find…

Identify any large items, non-potable liquids (i.e. gas), fragile items, and/or valuable furniture or collections. Many of these types of items require unique handling and/or special insurance coverage. By informing your mover of these items in advance, you can avoid last minute complications and issues.

Create a folder (electronic or otherwise) that includes your after-move records, contracts for moving assistance, any health-related information, and any other paperwork/ financial statements that you will need to keep track of while you are moving. Only pack your folder directly into your vehicle so that you will have fast & easy access to all…

Make appointments with several Plano based moving companies and have estimates in your home or via video conference calls. Moving estimates should be obtained so you can compare services fairly and reduce surprises due to added expenses. All Texas and interstate companies should be confirmed to have proper licensing and insurance for your move.

Securing a moving company well in advance of your move date is wise as many Plano moving companies fill up quickly during the spring and summer months. Reserving your moving date early will ensure your company is available and have the best time slots available.

Be sure to request time off from work on moving day and potentially the next day. Arrange for childcare or pet care so you can focus on the move without distraction. Fewer distractions on moving day will make for a smoother process.

Begin to gather packing supplies such as boxes, paper, tape and bubble wrap. Most Plano moving companies will provide packing services and sell acceptable packing materials. It is preventable to gather packing materials at the last minute.

If you belong to a home owners association or live in an apartment community, you need to be aware of their rules for moving in and moving out of property. Some Plano communities require that you notify them well in advance of your move, reserve the elevator or provide proof of insurance. If these requirements…

Pack the items you do not use daily, which may include seasonal items, decorative items, as well as storage items. Make sure to label all boxes by room and by what is contained in the box. Packing ahead of time will allow you to have less stress as you near your moving day.

Let the schools your children attend, the daycare providers as well as the additional programs they may participate in, know about your move. Whether moving within or outside of the Plano area, make sure to transfer any records. Communicating with these people as early as possible will help you to maintain continuity.

Schedule the transfer or cancellation of your utilities such as your electricity, water, gas, internet and trash service companies. Since the Plano area and the surrounding areas may have different utility service providers, you will want to ensure you know how long of time it will take to get set up with each utility. It…

Change your address with the USPS and update your bank, insurance, and subscription services. This will help guarantee that your mail and all of your important documents are sent to your new home. You should begin this process early, so that you do not miss receiving items at your new address.

Measure the rooms of your new home and determine where you want to place the furniture. This will help your movers place your items in the right locations, preventing excess moving of the items in your home. This will be especially helpful for larger homes or homes that have more than one level.

Verified the date and time of your move and the location along with any other important items such as telephone numbers to ensure that everything is correct; It may be helpful to look at the items included in the Moving Agreement ahead of time to reduce the chance of miscommunications on moving day.

Do not pack multiple rooms together into one box; Label boxes for each room separately and do not mix in items from other rooms. By doing this, it will create a smoother and easier transition when you are at your new location.

To prevent delays and injury, remove items that Movers cannot transport (e.g., chemicals, propane bottles, paints, and other cleaning products). Check the City of Plano’s website for a complete list of approved disposal methods.

Make a separate labeled box for all daily need items (basic toiletries, chargers, medication, tools, important documents) to ensure you are prepared for the first night in your new home. You should carry this box with you during your move.

Make sure there will be enough space available for the moving truck at both locations. Some apartment complexes and/or neighborhoods in Plano require a permit or reservation of the spot. If you plan ahead, you can help avoid problems at the last minute.

You should have completed packing about 95% of your home. Only the items you use on a daily basis will remain unpacked. Make sure to label each box by using terms such as “fragile” and “open first” when appropriate; this gives your movers information that will help them care for your items properly.

As you empty rooms, begin to clean them. This is especially important if you’re renting and getting your full security deposit back or doing a final walk-through. Cleaning your old residence also makes it easy for those conducting the final walk-through to inspect thoroughly.

You have confirmed the details of the move with the transportation provider (mover), utility provider, and storage provider, including forms of payment and tipping preferences. The less uncertainty you have regarding these items, the less stress you will encounter.

Defrost and empty refrigerators/freezers prior to moving them. Disconnect any appliances such as washers/dryers according to the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid leaking or being damaged when moved.

Make sure to remove jewelry/cash/passports/small electronics from any packed boxes. Please take these items with you during your move. Keeping these items with you allows for more security.

As you get ready for moving day, pack last-minute items except for anything you’ll need before bed on moving day, so your bag/luggage can be as close to being packed as possible to alleviate morning moving day stress.

Ensure that your contract, inventory list, and contact information for your movers are readily available. Be familiar with the important moving terms to understand what is expected. The better educated you are the smoother your moving day will be.

Make certain that all batteries (including phones, laptops and chargers) are charged up fully for use on moving day to coordinate and navigate. A dead phone may create frustration on your moving day without the use of a power bank for additional charging on the go.

The day before moving day, clear hallways, carpets and protect flooring and walls if necessary. If you have pets, confine them to another room, or arrange to have them taken care of somewhere else to provide a safer workspace for movers.

The day of the move is going to be long and physically exhausting; sleeping well the night before provides the opportunity to be more alert, make better decisions and operate from a peaceful mental state.

Be easy to reach so you can answer questions or show movers what to do. Walk through your home with the movers and point out things that are fragile or special. Clear directions and information will keep the movers from doing things wrong.

Please check the closets, cabinets, garage and outside area to be sure you have not left anything behind. This is a step that anyone moving usually forgets to do.

Watch closely as your furniture and boxes are being loaded onto the moving truck to make sure everything is securely loaded in case it shifts or falls while in transit. If you notice something isn’t right, please say something immediately so they can make sure the items are loaded correctly and not damaged.

Have the directions, parking arrangements, and unloading instructions for where you will be moving provided to you ahead of time. Especially for moves between large neighborhoods in Plano, communication and preparation can prevent confusion and save time.

Make sure everything listed matches what you have received. You want to keep a copy of the completed inventory list for your records.

Review items as you unpack for damage or problems and let your mover know quickly if you find any damage or problems. Quick reporting makes it easier to file a claim if you need to do so.

You should unpack areas that are most important first like kitchens and bedrooms, and bathrooms first when you are unpacking. Unloading over time will help you feel less rushed when unpacking and will help you focus on being practical.

Check to make sure all utilities are working and functioning properly and make sure to test out your internet and appliances, and security systems, and make sure to address any issues you find right away so that your daily life and schedule are not disrupted.

Make sure to update your driver’s license, your vehicle registration, and your voter registration with the state of Texas within the time frame set forth by the State of Texas so you do not incur any penalties and to make sure you are in compliance with your state’s laws.

Take the time to learn about your new community and surrounding areas, find grocery stores, health care providers, and local services in your area, and find a place that feels like home as soon as possible!