Moving within Annapolis or Anne Arundel County? This week-by-week checklist keeps you on schedule, avoids surprise fees, and helps your movers work faster (and safer). Save it, print it, and share it with everyone helping on move day.
Table of contents
- Who this checklist is for (scope)
- Week-by-week plan (8 weeks → moving day)
- Smart packing system (color code + inventory)
- Access, parking, and building rules in Annapolis
- Protecting floors, doors, and valuables
- Family, pets, and “first-night” logistics
- Post-move wrap-up (address, utilities, claims)
- Copy/paste master checklist
- FAQs (2025)
1) Who this checklist is for (scope)
- Local moves within Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (e.g., Severna Park, Edgewater, Arnold, Pasadena, Bowie, Crofton, Glen Burnie, Crownsville).
- Apartments/condos with elevators and HOAs, townhomes with tight parking, and single-family homes.
- Works with hourly or flat-rate/BNTE estimates—just keep the inventory consistent.
2) Week-by-week plan (8 weeks → moving day)
8–6 weeks out
- Define scope: rooms, large items, fragile/specialty (piano, glass, antiques).
- Shortlist 3–5 local movers; schedule virtual/on-site walkthroughs.
- Start a shared folder: inventory list, photos, building rules, permits.
- Decide: DIY packing vs. full/partial packing service.
6–4 weeks out
- Get written estimates (hourly vs flat/BNTE) with inclusions/exclusions.
- Reserve your preferred date/time window (month-end/weekends book fast).
- Ask buildings for elevator windows and COI requirements (Certificate of Insurance).
- Order supplies: boxes (S/M/L), wardrobe boxes, tape, labels, shrink wrap, mattress bags, TV/plate/glass kits.
4 weeks out
- Start packing low-use areas: attic, storage, guest room, décor.
- Color-code rooms (see Section 3) and print door signs for the new home.
- Measure large furniture; confirm doorway/stair/turn clearances.
- If needed, request permits/loading zone instructions from property managers.
3 weeks out
- Confirm crew size, truck access, and parking notes with your mover.
- Create “Open First” boxes per room (linens, basic cookware, toiletries).
- Photograph valuables and note pre-existing conditions on furniture/walls.
- Arrange child/pet care for moving day.
2 weeks out
- Notify/transfer utilities & services (internet, power, water, gas, security).
- Pack kitchen non-essentials; purge or donate items you won’t move.
- Prepare a parts bag (screws, shelf pegs, remote batteries) for each furniture piece.
- Share gate codes, elevator window, and parking instructions with your mover.
1 week out
- Finish bedrooms/bathrooms; label boxes on two sides + top.
- Disassemble beds/shelves you’re comfortable handling; bag hardware and tape to item.
- Protect floors (runners) and doorways (foam/blankets) you own; movers will add more on the day.
- Reconfirm arrival time, phone numbers, and payment method.
72–24 hours out
- Clear pathways; stage boxes by room near the exit (keep walkways safe).
- Empty/defrost fridge/freezer if moving them.
- Set aside a Move Day Kit: IDs, meds, chargers, basic tools, snacks/water, paper towels, trash bags, markers, moving contract.
Moving day (at-a-glance)
- Crew arrival + walkthrough (10–15 min): call out fragile/specialty items; align on plan.
- Home protection: floors, doors, rails, stair pads.
- Load sequence: big furniture first, then boxes by room color; keep pathways clear.
- Final sweep: check closets, cabinets, patio, garage.
- Travel & unload: place items by matching door signs; assemble beds first.
- Sign-off: verify inventory; note anything for touch-ups; settle payment/tip if desired.
3) Smart packing system (color code + inventory)
- Color labels by room (example):
- Kitchen = Green, Living Room = Blue, Primary Bedroom = Red, Kids Room = Orange, Office = Purple, Bathroom = Yellow, Basement/Garage = Gray.
- Put a matching color sign on each destination door at the new home.
- Number boxes: Room-Color + Sequential (e.g., K-12). Track in a simple sheet:
- Columns: Box #, Room, Contents, Fragile? High Priority?
- Mark FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP where needed.
- Pack an “Open First” box per room (label with a star).
- Use mattress bags, TV box, and glass/mirror kits to avoid last-minute scrambling.
4) Access, parking, and building rules in Annapolis
- Elevators & HOAs: Reserve time windows and loading dock if available; share rules with your mover.
- Parking: Identify closest legal loading area. If streets are narrow or trucks can’t fit, discuss a shuttle plan (smaller vehicle).
- Historic/older streets: Expect tighter turns and longer carries—call these out in your estimate to avoid change orders.
- Permits/COIs: If your building requires a Certificate of Insurance, request it early so the crew arrives ready.
5) Protecting floors, doors, and valuables
- Ask about runners, door-jamb guards, banister pads, shrink wrap, and padding.
- Pull small rugs, door mats, and low art/mirrors out of traffic paths.
- Pre-box lampshades and framed art using picture/mirror boxes.
- For rain: stage plastic wrap, towels, and mats near entries.
6) Family, pets, and “first-night” logistics
- Arrange off-site care for kids/pets or dedicate a closed, empty room with supplies.
- Pack a First Night Tote per person: change of clothes, meds, chargers, toiletries, towel, basic bedding.
- Stock an Essentials Bin: light bulbs, power strip, box cutter, hex keys, painter’s tape, gloves.

7) Post-move wrap-up (address, utilities, claims)
- Update address (bank, employer, subscriptions, driver’s license, voter reg as applicable).
- Recycle broken-down boxes or schedule a debris pickup.
- Walk through for touch-ups and note any concerns promptly per your contract’s claims window.
- Photograph final setup for your records (and to celebrate!).
8) Copy/paste master checklist
Planning
- Inventory list with photos/videos
- 3–5 mover walkthroughs & written estimates
- Reserve date/time; confirm elevator/HOA rules
- Order packing supplies; set color-code
Packing
- Box, label (2 sides + top), and number (Room-Color + #)
- “Open First” box per room
- Parts bags taped to furniture
- TV/glass/mattress protection
Access & Protection
- Parking/loading plan shared with mover
- COI/elevator window confirmed
- Floor runners/door guards staged
- Clear paths; remove trip hazards
Admin
- Utilities transfer/setup
- Address change queue
- Payment method ready
- Move Day Kit packed
Day-Of
- Crew walkthrough & plan
- Protect home surfaces
- Load by zones; final sweep
- Unload to color-coded rooms; assemble beds
- Sign-off; note any issues
9) FAQs (2025)
Do I really need elevator reservations?
Yes—missed windows cause delays and extra time on hourly jobs. Reserve both locations if applicable.
What if my street can’t fit a big truck?
Your mover may use a shuttle vehicle. Confirm the fee and timing in your estimate.
How early should I book a local move?
Aim for 4–6 weeks—longer for month-end and weekends.
What’s the best box size?
Heavy items (books, pantry) in small boxes; lighter/bulky items (linens) in large boxes.
Should I tip the crew?
Optional; many customers tip for great service. Choose per mover or a percentage of labor.
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