A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Sioux Falls

Moving doesn’t need to be difficult, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Redman Van & Storage, we've quite literally helped thousands of Sioux Falls renters, homeowners, and businesses move since . Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Begin sorting items you want to keep
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• 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
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Prepare your listings with clear photos and details
• 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

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Taking Pictures for Protection

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Using Up Restricted Items

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Setting Up Your Utilities

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Verify that everything you need is working or scheduled
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Managing Banking and Storage

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• Make sure your mail is redirected by notifying the postal service
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• 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

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to make sure your biggest pieces will fit through
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Assign each item to a specific room for quick organization

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Keep your wallet, keys, and phone handy on moving day
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Managing Entry and Exit

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

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
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• 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
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• If you have items in a storage unit, contact the facility to arrange access on or before moving day
• Pick who’s in charge of moving your stored belongings
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Notifying Neighbors

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbors
• Let neighbors know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighborhoods
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Verify timing with every company for seamless transitions

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• 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 Borrowed Items

• Round up all borrowed goods from others or community resources
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Preparing Major Appliances for Safe Transport

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Get Your Paperwork Organized

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Keep contact numbers for the moving company, building managers, and emergency contacts
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

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
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Empty All Trash and Recycle Bins

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Confirm all bins are empty and clean

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• 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
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Clean all shelves and drawers and dry thoroughly

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Confirm each box has its final room marked
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• Mark off belongings to verify nothing is missing
• Take a moment to inspect furniture and boxes for any damage or missing items

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Snap pictures as proof for your insurance

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

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

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Unpack Essentials First

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Make the beds so everyone can rest easily

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Give clear instructions on where you'd like things put away

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• Arrange for haul-away or drop-off at a recycling center nearby

• Go online or visit the DMV to update licenses and registration info
• If you've moved to a new state or city, register your car as required by local laws
• Fill out the paperwork so your furry friends are legal at your new address

• Walk around and offer a friendly greeting
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Leave a review or feedback for your moving company to help others and let the team know how they did

• Save all your moving documents, receipts, and contracts in one place
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Submit a mail forwarding request with the post office so you don't miss important letters or packages
• Change your shipping details with every service you use

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Sioux Falls Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Sioux Falls, Redman Van & Storage stands out with our commitment to quality service at affordable rates.

• Reputation – Chosen by countless Sioux Falls clients since
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Best Value – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Relax and take the stress out of your move – trust the moving team from Redman Van & Storage to handle everything while you focus on starting your new chapter. We put our heart into every move!

Get Your Free Sioux Falls Moving Quote or give us a ring at (605) 789-8204 today!