No matter how much you plan, moving day always sneaks up faster than expected. Having a last-minute moving day checklist will hopefully take away some stress or anxiety on your moving day.

Often when you’re overwhelmed, it’s really easy to forget certain things that you said you wouldn’t – which is normal. That’s why we’re here to remind you of 6 things to do on your moving day before our local moving company shows up, ready to pack up your home and finish your move!

1. Pack a Day 1 Box or Overnight Bag

While you might’ve already packed a “day 1 box” or an overnight bag the day before, there might be some things you missed! This box is basically your lifeline until you unpack and the last thing you want to do is dig through boxes just to find toothpaste or a clean shirt.

That’s why this step is so important. Here are some things to include in your bag or box that you take with you so you can at least get a goodnight’s sleep before unpacking the day after (or for the next week):

Soap, shampoo, and towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
A roll of toilet paper (seriously, don’t forget this one)
Spare bedding
A comfy change of clothes
Kettle to boil water
Easy snacks
A couple of plates, forks, and knives for a well-deserved takeout meal
Wipes or spray cleaner

Preparing this bag is different for everyone! With all the different priorities, it’s still important to remember all of these items so you can get a good night’s sleep (or a long afternoon nap!)

2. Empty the Fridge and Freezer

It’s easy to forget about food until the last minute! Since it’s a necessity, it’s definitely a smart move to leave it to days closer to your moving day. Take some time the night before to clear out your fridge and freezer. Toss what’s expired, pack snacks for the road, and stash anything you want to save in a cooler.

This step will save you from any weird smells or rotten surprises later on.

3. Charge All Your Devices

Moving day is busy, and you’ll rely on your phone (and maybe your tablet or laptop) a lot. Digital forms, communication needs, and just Internet surfing make this step necessary. Make sure everything is fully charged the night before, and toss your chargers in your overnight bag. While the hope is that your devices stay charged the whole day, they might still need a bit of juice near the end.

You’ll thank yourself when your battery isn’t dying halfway through the day! This one’s a must for any last-minute moving day checklist.

4. Keep Important Papers with You

Don’t let your passport, ID, or house paperwork disappear into a random box. Keep these in a folder, envelope, or even just your bag, and carry them with you. Not only does this bring you peace of mind, it’ll also make sure that you can retrieve these documents whenever you need them. It’s one less thing to worry about and way easier than trying to replace lost documents later!

5. Find a Backup Spot with Wi-Fi

While we’re transporting your items, you might want to take a rest, grab a coffee, or check urgent messages before heading to your new place. Going to a place with Internet helps a lot, whether it’s a café, library, or a friend’s house nearby. You’ll want access for directions, ordering food, or checking in with family. Another benefit of this is that you don’t have to drain your data while you’re moving around all day.

Add this to your last-minute moving day checklist so you’re not left scrambling for a signal when there’s something you need to check or be notified about immediately.

6. The Final Walkthrough

Before you lock up, head out, and give yourself some time for a dramatic goodbye, walk through every single room. Open drawers, check closets, peek behind doors, and don’t forget those sneaky spots like under the bed or in the garage corner.

Not only does this give you some closure, but you can also make sure you didn’t miss something you hid in a nook or cranny before moving.

The Home Stretch

With a simple last-minute moving day checklist, it’s safe to say that you’re at least 95% prepared for whatever the day throws at you! These final tasks that you complete will make your day more stress-free and make sure the first night at your new place is painless.

Moving, Tips

6 Last-Minute Moving Day Tasks to Tackle Before The Truck Arrives