A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for San Francisco

The moving process doesn’t need to cause anxiety, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Starving Students, we've quite literally helped thousands of San Francisco renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1973. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Use this checklist to make your move as easy as possible.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Decluttering

• 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
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbors

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Make a detailed list of all belongings
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Managing Perishables and Hazardous Supplies

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• 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
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Child & Pet Care

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Planning for Work Absences

• Plan ahead for needed time away from your job
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Local Services

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• 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

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• 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
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Arranging for Clean-Up

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• 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

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• 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

• Gather up anything you’d prefer to transport on your own, such as personal records or family heirlooms
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Prepare an Essentials Box

• 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
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Unplug the fridge, freezer, washer, and dryer
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odors
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• 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
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Include chargers, medications, favorite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• 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
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Review details with sitters, daycare, or boarding
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• 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

At Your Old Home

• Remain close by to clarify details or address special requests
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• Go room by room while movers log your possessions
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Open every compartment for hidden belongings

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Be there to welcome the team and direct entry
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• 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
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Unpack Essentials First

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• 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
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Hold onto these for your records or in case you can claim moving expenses on your taxes

• 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
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• 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
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your San Francisco Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in San Francisco, Starving Students stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Trust – Chosen by countless San Francisco clients since 1973
• Experience – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Best Value – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Starving Students to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free San Francisco Moving Quote or give us a ring at (628) 363-1189 right now!