Moving is one of life's most stressful events - but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're relocating across Richmond or moving to the area for the first time, having a solid checklist keeps things on track and prevents last-minute chaos.
We've put together this timeline-based moving checklist based on hundreds of Richmond-area moves our team has completed. Follow it step by step and you'll be ready when moving day arrives.
8 Weeks Before Your Move
- Research and book your moving company - request quotes from at least 2-3 companies
- Create a moving budget and start tracking expenses
- Begin decluttering room by room - donate, sell, or toss items you no longer need
- Start collecting free boxes from local stores or purchase packing supplies
- If renting, review your lease for move-out requirements and give written notice
- If you have kids, research schools in your new area and begin enrollment paperwork
4 Weeks Before Your Move
- Confirm your moving date and crew details with your moving company
- Begin packing non-essential items (seasonal clothes, books, décor)
- File a change of address with USPS and update your address with banks, subscriptions, insurance, and the DMV
- Transfer or set up utilities at your new home (Dominion Energy, Richmond water, internet)
- Arrange parking permits if moving to/from downtown Richmond or Fan District apartments
- Notify your apartment building management about elevator or loading dock reservations if needed
- Schedule any specialty services like packing help or piano moving
2 Weeks Before Your Move
- Continue packing - aim to have most rooms boxed up by now
- Label every box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of contents
- Take photos of electronics setups before disconnecting (TV mounts, sound systems, routers)
- Arrange for pet and child care on moving day
- Confirm parking and access at both your current and new locations
- If moving during Richmond's hot summer months, stock up on water and sports drinks for your crew
- Plan meals for moving week - you won't want to cook
1 Week Before Your Move
- Finish packing all remaining items except daily essentials
- Prepare a "first-night" box with toiletries, phone chargers, snacks, medications, and a change of clothes
- Disassemble furniture you can handle yourself (bed frames, shelving units)
- Defrost and clean your refrigerator if it's going with you
- Confirm your moving crew arrival time and any special instructions
- Withdraw cash for tips if you plan to tip your movers
- Do a walkthrough of every room and closet to make sure nothing is missed
The Day Before
- Finish all last-minute packing - tape up every box
- Clear pathways through your home so movers can work efficiently
- Protect floors and doorways if your moving company doesn't handle this (RVA Movers includes floor protection)
- Charge your phone fully - you'll need it all day
- Set out parking cones or reserve your loading zone spot if in a busy Richmond neighborhood
- Pack a cooler with water and snacks for your crew
- Get a good night's sleep
Moving Day
- Be home and ready before your crew arrives
- Walk the crew through both locations - point out fragile items, tight corners, and stairs
- Keep valuables, medications, important documents, and jewelry with you personally
- Keep kids and pets secured and out of the moving path
- Stay available to answer questions about where things go at your new home
- Do a final walkthrough of the old home - check every room, closet, cabinet, attic, and garage
- Lock up and hand over keys when the old place is empty
After the Move
- Unpack essentials first - kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms
- Inspect your belongings for any damage and document it immediately
- Update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your new address
- Meet your new neighbors and explore the neighborhood
- Register to vote at your new address if you moved to a new precinct
- Leave a review for your moving company if they did a great job
- Take your time unpacking - there's no rush to have everything perfect on day one