The Comprehensive Moving Guide
Moving doesn’t have to be chaos. The secret is preparation and a simple truth: moves go wrong when the “small things” aren’t decided early such as: parking, labeling, valuables, paperwork, and what you’ll need in the first 24 hours.
This guide is designed for:
- Local moves in coastal Maine (Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Ellsworth, Bangor, Downeast)
- Storage moves (short-term or long-term)
- Long-distance moves (in or out of Maine)
If you want help planning your move, packing strategy, storage timeline, or logistics around narrow roads and weather, reach out to Norumbega Moving & Storage, we are local movers with decades of experience moving Maine families and businesses.
What everyone says matters most
Across the professional checklists and community advice, the same priorities come up again and again:
- Declutter early: Less stuff = lower cost, less stress, fewer breakables.
- Get your logistics locked in: dates, access, parking, elevators, permits, and route planning.
- Document your belongings: photos/video, inventory lists, high-value items identified upfront.
- Label aggressively: room + contents + priority + fragile/heavy.
- Build a “first 24 hours” plan: a go-box, first-night box, meds, tools, chargers, toilet paper.
- Understand paperwork: bill of lading / inventory / claims process.
- Avoid last-minute packing: that’s when damage and missing items happen.
Part 1: Choose Your Move Type
A) Full-service movers
Best if you want speed, safety, and less physical strain. You can still reduce cost by doing some prep yourself.
Common “best value” approach from community tips:
- You pack boxes
- Movers handle loading, transport, unloading
- Optional: movers disassemble/reassemble furniture
B) Hybrid move
Examples:
- Movers load/unload; you drive the truck
- Movers move heavy items; you move small items
- You move locally; store some items short-term
C) DIY move
It can save money, but requires planning, equipment, and enough help.
If you DIY, the most repeated advice is:
- Use dollies/hand trucks
- Use ratchet straps
- Use more tape than you think
- Keep tools accessible
- Don’t overload boxes (especially books)
- Pro Tip- If you don’t have those tools, moving companies are likely to rent them to you.
Part 2: Your Moving Timeline
As soon as you know you’re moving
Lock in the plan
- Decide your move date range. Ideally midweek or midmonth.
- If hiring movers: get 3 quotes and compare apples-to-apples:
- Hourly vs weight/volume vs flat rate
- Travel time charges
- Stairs/elevator fees
- Long carry / shuttle fees
- Packing material costs
- Storage fees if needed
- Ask for a walkthrough so your quote is accurate. Most moving companies can do in person or virtual walkthroughs.
Start your “Move Binder”
Create a physical folder + digital folder:
- Contracts/estimates
- Receipts
- Photos/video inventory
- Parking/elevator approvals
- Insurance info
- Utility disconnect/connect dates
- Contact list (mover, landlord, realtor, storage facility)
Declutter immediately
Create four zones:
- Keep
- Sell
- Donate
- Trash / recycle
Common best practice:
- Do one area per day (closet, pantry, garage shelf, etc.)
- Start with places that don’t disrupt daily life (attic/garage/storage)
Inventory and “special items”
Make a list of:
- Very heavy items (safes, treadmills, large dressers)
- Fragile/high-value items (art, antiques, collectibles, instruments)
- Weird/difficult items (sectionals, large mirrors, glass tables)
If something is worth real money, protect yourself:
- Consider appraisals for antiques/high-value items
- Identify anything that might need specialty crating or extra padding
- Most moving companies will offer insurance you can opt for if you deem it necessary
Start collecting supplies
If you’re packing yourself, start early:
- Boxes (small/medium heavy-duty)
- Tape (buy “too much,” then add more)
- Tape gun Pro Tip- This can be a life saver
- Stretch wrap
- Bubble wrap / packing paper
- Markers
- Labels or colored stickers
- Mattress bags
- Moving blankets Pro Tip- If you don’t want any dings in your furniture, you will need moving blankets, generally more than you’d expect.
6–7 weeks out
Housing & access planning
- If renting: confirm notice requirements and book walkthroughs
- If condo/HOA: confirm moving rules
- Reserve:
- Elevator (if applicable)
- Loading dock time
- Street parking plan (origin + destination)
Utilities & services planning
- Create a transfer schedule:
- Electric, heat, internet, water, trash
- Security system
- Mail forwarding
- Book installs early
Storage decision
Storage becomes necessary if:
- You’re renovating
- Closing dates don’t line up
- You’re downsizing
- You need staging space
- Norumbega Moving & Storage offers storage solutions as well as moving solutions
If using storage:
- Decide what goes to storage vs the home
- Label those boxes “STORAGE” clearly
- Create a storage-first inventory list
5 weeks out
Digital and document protection
- Back up important files and photos
- Gather critical documents in a “carry with you” folder:
- IDs, passports, birth certificates
- Insurance docs
- Closing docs / lease
- Medical records
- Pet records
- Keep passwords/logins secure
Start packing non-essentials
Start with:
- Seasonal clothing
- Holiday decor
- Extra linens
- Books you won’t read soon
- Garage/utility items you won’t need weekly
Most repeated crowd sourced rule:
- Heavy stuff in small boxes. Pro Tip- Books are heavy, put them in small boxes.
- Light stuff in big boxes
4 weeks out
Build your labeling system
A “good enough” labeling system includes:
- Destination room
- Quick content summary
- Priority level (Open First / Soon / Later)
- Fragile / Heavy indicators
Example label:
KITCHEN – Plates & Glassware – FRAGILE – OPEN SOON
Pro move: Put labels on:
- Top and one side
So you can read labels even when boxes are stacked.
Hardware management
Pick one method:
- Bag hardware for each item and tape the bag to that item
- Or create one dedicated “HARDWARE BOX”:
- Ziplocks
- Post-its
- Sharpies
- Small screwdriver set
Write notes like:
“Coffee table screws – inside bag – reassemble order: legs first”
3 weeks out
Address changes + cancellations
- Submit mail forwarding
- Update addresses for:
- banks/credit cards
- employer/payroll
- subscriptions
- insurance
- schools/medical providers
- Schedule disconnect/connect dates
- Cancel services tied to old address:
- cleaners, lawn care, pest control
Prepare “no-go” items
Common restrictions include:
- Propane tanks
- Gasoline
- Some chemicals/cleaners
- Paints/solvents
- Certain batteries
- Candles
Plan now:
- Use up
- Dispose safely
- Or move separately
2 weeks out
Confirm everything
- Confirm move date/time window
- Confirm access and parking plan
- Confirm long carries / stairs / elevator instructions
Cleaning and repairs
- Patch holes and touch up marks
- If renting, plan move-out cleaning to protect deposit
Food strategy
- Start eating freezer/pantry down
- Plan simple meals the last week
Photograph complex setups
- TV mounts, computer wiring, router/cable layout
This is a huge time saver.
1 week out
Appliance prep
- Defrost freezer/fridge
- Empty and dry:
- washer/dryer
- dishwasher
- Secure cords, hoses, and small parts
Pack “First Night” and “Go Box”
This is probably the single most useful repeated tip that we have found across all sources, community advice, and personal experience.
Go Box / First 24 Hours Kit:
- Toilet paper, paper towels
- Trash bags (contractor bags are gold)
- Cleaning spray + rags
- Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, scissors/box cutter)
- Phone chargers, power strip
- Flashlights
- Basic meds + first aid
- Pet supplies (food/leash/meds)
- Basic dishes/utensils (or disposable plates/cups)
- Sheets, towels
- Change of clothes
- Water/snacks
Also: “Vacation bag rule”
Pack a suitcase like you’re going away for 7–14 days:
- clothes
- toiletries
- meds
- important electronics
- spare shoes
The bed trick
If possible:
- Load the bed last (or close to last)
- Unload it early
- Set it up immediately
The day before
- Confirm payment method
- Charge phones
- Gather keys
- Stage “Do Not Move” items in one area
Do Not Move Zone should include:
- documents
- jewelry
- meds
- laptops
- valuables
- go-box
- anything you can’t lose
Part 3: Moving Day Playbook
Before anything leaves the house
Paperwork & protection
Depending on your move, you will typically deal with:
- Bill of Lading (BOL) – the core contract/receipt
- Inventory list – what was loaded and condition notes
- High-value inventory – items of special value called out separately
Practical rule:
- Don’t sign final docs until you’ve reviewed what matters:
- names/addresses
- dates
- valuation/protection option
- noted exceptions/damage
Direct the move
Your job on moving day:
- Point out fragile items
- Confirm where furniture goes
- Answer questions
- Keep pathways clear
- Do a final walkthrough (closets, cabinets, attic, basement)
Protect the property
Good movers protect floors/door frames—still, walk the route:
- remove tripping hazards
- protect corners
- keep pets secured
Part 4: Arrival & Unpacking
The first hour at the new place
- Confirm utilities work
- Do a quick basic clean
- Place boxes by room
- Set up beds if possible
- Unpack go-box first
Unpacking strategy that actually works
Most guides say “room by room,” but we have found that it isn’t very smooth in practice. Norumbega Moving & Storage suggests:
- Essentials first (bathroom, bedroom, kitchen basics)
- Function next (kitchen for real, then living areas)
- Low-priority last (decor, books, storage bins)
If something is missing or damaged
- Note it immediately
- Photograph it
- Reference your inventory/video walkthrough
- Follow the claims process ASAP
Part 5: Packing Methods That Prevent Damage
Box rules
- Reinforce bottoms with tape
- Don’t mix rooms unless you clearly label it
- Don’t overload
- Cushion void space
- Fragile items get:
- padding on all sides
- “fragile” marking
- ideally packed above heavier items
“Wrap everything” rule
Moving trucks and warehouses can be rough environments. Wrapping prevents:
- scratches
- missing knobs/feet
- shattered corners
For furniture:
- blankets + stretch wrap
- tape blankets securely
Wardrobe hacks
Two common approaches:
- Wardrobe boxes (best)
- Garbage-bag hangers method (fast):
- leave clothes on hangers
- slide bag over from bottom
- tie around the hanger hooks
- hang immediately at destination
Part 6: Long-Distance Move Add-Ons
If you’re moving out of state (or far in-state):
- Plan travel (hotels, stops, weather)
- Service your vehicle
- Decide: drive vs ship vehicle
- Keep documents and valuables with you
- Prepare for time gaps (temporary housing, storage)
After arrival, common tasks:
- driver’s license update
- vehicle registration
- new doctor/dentist/vet setup
- update microchip + pet license if required
- update estate planning if moving states
Part 7: Moving With Kids
- Give schools a heads up early
- Transfer records
- Keep comfort items accessible
- Pack a kid-specific first-night kit:
- pajamas
- meds
- snacks
- activities for travel day
Part 8: Moving With Pets
- Keep pets secured on moving day
- Bring:
- food/water
- leash
- meds
- familiar bedding/toy
- Set up one quiet room first at the new place
Part 9: Storage Guide
Storage is best when you plan it like a second move.
Storage success rules
- Label boxes “STORAGE” + room + contents
- Keep a storage inventory
- Don’t store:
- food
- anything that can leak
- anything you’ll need within 2 weeks (unless you label it “OPEN FIRST STORAGE”)
Best practice layout
- Put “access boxes” near the front
- Create aisles if it’s a unit
- Keep an inventory list on your phone
Part 10: Quick Checklists
The Essentials Checklist
- ☐ Declutter early (less cost, less stress)
- ☐ Create a move binder (paper + digital)
- ☐ Confirm parking/access (origin + destination)
- ☐ Use a serious labeling system (top + side labels)
- ☐ Keep a hardware plan (bags taped to items or hardware box)
- ☐ Take photos/video for inventory
- ☐ Pack a first-night / go-box and keep it with you
- ☐ Confirm paperwork and inventory on move day
The “Open First” kit
- ☐ Toilet paper / paper towels
- ☐ Cleaning spray + rags
- ☐ Trash bags
- ☐ Soap / shower curtain if needed
- ☐ Basic tools + scissors/box cutter
- ☐ Chargers + power strip
- ☐ Sheets + towels
- ☐ Water + snacks
- ☐ Pet supplies
- ☐ Basic dishes/utensils or disposable set