The Ultimate Moving Day Checklist

The Moving Day Checklist

A move has a hundred small tasks. Here's the checklist that gets them all, in order.

The Week Before

• Book the movers and confirm the time window.
• Reserve the freight elevator at both buildings.
• Get the Certificate of Insurance to both buildings.
• Pack the non-essentials (storage, out-of-season).
• Schedule a donation pickup for what you're not moving.
• Confirm school, vet, and doctor records transfer.

The Day Before

• Pack the essentials, leaving the "Open First" box.
• Disassemble the bed and the large furniture; bag the hardware.
• Empty and defrost the fridge.
• Confirm the movers' arrival time.
• Charge your phone.

Moving Day Morning

• Take photos of the empty rooms after the small items are out.
• Put the "Open First" box, the mattress, and the bed frame aside for "load last."
• Do a final walkthrough of every room, every cabinet.
• Hand the keys to the landlord (or the super).

At the New Place

• Direct each box to its room.
• Reassemble the bed first.
• Set up the bathroom and the kitchen essentials.
• Check every item off the inventory.
• Tip the movers.

The First Night

• Make the bed.
• Shower, eat, sleep. The rest can wait.

Book a NYC move — and use this checklist.