The Tacoma moving checklist
A local move rewards preparation more than anything else. Here's a week-by-week rundown tuned for moving in Tacoma — including the local details like utility handoffs and building reservations that generic checklists skip.
4+ weeks out
- Request moving quotes and compare at least two or three options
- Give notice to your landlord if renting (check your lease for 20- vs 30-day rules)
- Book your movers — end-of-month and summer Saturdays go first
- Start decluttering: sell, donate (Tacoma Goodwill/NW Furniture Bank), or toss
- If moving into a managed building, ask about elevator reservations and COI requirements now
2–3 weeks out
- Set up utility transfers: Tacoma Public Utilities (power/water) start-stop dates
- Schedule internet installation at the new address
- File USPS mail forwarding
- Begin packing rarely used rooms; label boxes by destination room
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day
Move week
- Confirm arrival window, crew size and both addresses with your movers
- Reserve street parking or the loading dock at both ends
- Pack an essentials box: chargers, medications, first-night kitchen and bath basics
- Defrost the freezer 24–48 hours before the move
- Photograph electronics wiring before unplugging
Moving day & after
- Do a final sweep: closets, dishwasher, crawl space, garage rafters
- Walk the crew through both homes and flag fragile items
- Update your address: driver's license (WA DOL allows online), voter registration, bank, insurance
- Register kids for school transfers if changing districts
- Leave a review for your movers — it's the currency of the local market
First item on the list: know your options.
Compare Moving Options