How to Prepare Your Home for a Move: A Room-by-Room Checklist

Getting ready for a move isn’t just about boxes and tape—it’s about getting your entire home move-out ready. Breaking it down room by room can make things feel much more manageable. Use this checklist to stay organized and stress-free as moving day approaches.


Kitchen

  • ✅ Use up or donate perishable food
  • ✅ Pack rarely used appliances first
  • ✅ Label fragile items clearly (glasses, plates, etc.)
  • ✅ Defrost and clean the fridge 24–48 hours before moving
  • ✅ Set aside a few essentials (one pan, a plate, utensils)

Living Room

  • ✅ Remove wall art and carefully wrap it
  • ✅ Use moving blankets for TVs and large electronics
  • ✅ Disassemble large furniture if possible
  • ✅ Pack books and décor early—these aren’t daily-use items

Bedrooms

  • ✅ Pack off-season clothes first
  • ✅ Use suitcases for clothes on hangers
  • ✅ Strip the beds and bag linens and pillows
  • ✅ Don’t forget under-bed storage and closet corners

Bathrooms

  • ✅ Toss expired or almost-empty toiletries
  • ✅ Pack a personal essentials kit for each family member
  • ✅ Place liquids in sealable plastic bags to avoid leaks
  • ✅ Leave out a few towels for the last night and first morning

Garage/Basement/Storage

  • ✅ Drain fuel from lawnmowers or power tools
  • ✅ Toss anything broken or unnecessary
  • ✅ Use sturdy boxes for heavy tools and secure with tape
  • ✅ Pack seasonal items together and label clearly

General Tasks

  • ✅ Label every box by room and content
  • ✅ Keep hardware (screws, brackets) in labeled plastic bags
  • ✅ Take photos of electronics before unplugging wires
  • ✅ Set aside cleaning supplies for last-day cleanup
  • ✅ Walk through each room to double-check nothing’s left

With the right prep, moving day can feel like checking off a to-do list instead of managing a disaster. Stay organized and breathe easy—you’ve got this.


Want a moving team that helps every step of the way? Buster’s Box’s is here to make your move smooth, simple, and stress-free. Get in touch today for a free quote!