A move goes smoothest when it is broken into small steps spread over several weeks. This checklist walks you through what to do and when, starting about two months before moving day. Whether you are moving across Naples or to Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero or beyond, use it as a guide and adjust it to your own timeline.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Pick your moving date. If you have some flexibility, ask about availability early. Weekends, the end of the month and the busy winter season in Southwest Florida fill up first.
- Request a moving estimate. Walk through the whole house, including closets, the garage and the lanai, so the estimate reflects everything that is moving. Our guide on how to get an accurate moving estimate explains what to have ready.
- Start a moving folder. Keep your estimate, contracts, receipts, new-home paperwork and this checklist in one place.
- Begin sorting. Decide what is coming with you and what is not. Our list of ways to declutter before your move can help.
Contact Our Professional Moving Team at Hilton Moving and Storage
- Measure the new home. Check room sizes, doorways, stairs and elevators so you know which furniture will fit. See our guide to measuring furniture before moving day.
- Sell, donate or give away what you are not keeping. Set a date for unsold items to go to donation.
- Collect packing supplies if you are packing yourself: boxes in a few sizes, tape, packing paper, markers and bubble wrap.
- Decide how much packing you want help with. Some families pack everything themselves, some have the kitchen and fragile items packed for them, and some hand off the whole house. Learn more about our packing services.
4 Weeks Before
- Start packing rooms you use least, such as guest rooms, storage closets and the garage. Our 12 tips to pack faster will help you keep moving.
- Submit your change of address with the post office and update your address with banks, employers, doctors and subscriptions.
- Schedule utilities. Arrange to stop service at your current home the day after you move out and start service at the new home the day before you move in, including electric, water, internet and trash.
- Check building rules. If you are moving out of or into a condo or gated community, ask about elevator reservations, loading areas, move-in hours and any forms the association needs. Our guides to condo moves and truck access and parking cover what to ask.
2 Weeks Before
- Keep packing room by room, labeling each box with the room and a short list of contents on two sides.
- Set aside items that cannot go on the truck, such as paint, propane, pool chemicals and fuel. Here is the full list of items movers cannot take.
- Use up food in the freezer and pantry so there is less to pack or throw away.
- Refill prescriptions and gather important documents to carry with you.
- Arrange care for kids and pets on moving day if you can, so everyone stays safe and calm.
1 Week Before
- Confirm the details of your move: date, arrival time, both addresses and any access instructions.
- Pack the kitchen, leaving out only what you need for the last few days. Our kitchen packing guide walks through it.
- Take down wall hangings and patch nail holes if your lease or sale requires it.
- Take photos of electronics wiring before you unplug anything.
1 to 2 Days Before
- Pack an open-first box or bag for each person with medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding and important papers. Keep these with you.
- Empty, defrost and dry the refrigerator if it is moving with you.
- Clear a path through the house and reserve parking near the door for the truck if you can.
Moving Day
- Be available to answer questions and walk through the house with the crew lead.
- Point out fragile items, anything that is not moving and anything that needs special handling.
- Do a final walk-through of every room, closet and cabinet before the truck leaves.
- At the new home, show the crew where each room is and check items off as they come in.
After the Move
- Unpack the essentials first: beds, bathroom and the basics for the kitchen.
- Test smoke detectors and change the locks if you have bought the home.
- Break down and recycle boxes as you go. If you want help settling in, see what our unpacking services include.
Seasonal Move to Southwest Florida?
If you split your year between Naples and another home, our snowbird moving tips cover what is different about seasonal moves.
Plan Your Move With Hilton Moving and Storage
Hilton Moving and Storage has been helping families across Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero and the surrounding communities since 2010. Whether you want us to handle the whole move or just the heavy lifting, we will help you plan each step. Call (239) 231-7050 or request a quote online to get started.
