Moving Checklist & Timeline for Fresno & Clovis Families

2–4 weeks before

Contact your mover and settle the plan. For larger homes and packing, earlier is better.
Decide what you won’t take. Set aside what’s staying behind and arrange to sell, gift or haul it away.
Order boxes and supplies if you’re packing yourself, or book packing services.
Start packing things you rarely use: guest rooms, holiday décor, books, the garage.
Request medical, school and veterinary records you’ll need.
Ask your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance agent how your belongings are covered during a move.
Set up mail forwarding with the Postal Service and start updating your address with banks and other accounts.

Schedule utility shut-off at the old home and connection at the new one.
Reserve elevators or loading areas at either building, and check HOA move rules.
Transfer prescriptions and cancel or move recurring deliveries.
Return borrowed items and collect anything you’ve lent out.
Keep packing a few boxes a day. It beats a frantic final weekend.

Confirm the details with your mover.
Dispose of flammables and hazardous materials, and drain gas from lawn equipment (see what movers can’t take).
Set aside everything traveling with you: valuables, documents, medications, chargers.
Pack a suitcase and an “open first” box with toiletries, bedding, basic tools, snacks and paper goods.
Arrange removal of mounted items you’re taking, like TVs and shelving.
Arrange cleaning, and start any move-out checklist from your landlord.

Empty, defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer, and leave the doors open to air out.
Finish packing everything except tonight’s essentials.
Clear walkways and make a parking plan for the truck.
Get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.

Be home when the crew arrives and walk through the house with the crew lead. Point out fragile items, anything that isn’t going, and special instructions.
Strip beds (the crew can take them apart).
Gather all keys, remotes and garage openers.
Keep your paperwork somewhere easy to find.
Do a final walk-through of every closet, cabinet and the garage before the truck leaves.
At the new home, direct each piece to its room. Labeled boxes make this fast.

Summer moves in Fresno and Clovis mean triple digits. A few things help:

Start early. Morning hours are cooler for everyone.
Keep heat-sensitive items with you: candles, medications, vinyl records, electronics, photos and wine.
Have water on hand and keep doors closed between trips where you can, to save on AC.
Pack fully before the crew arrives. Less time in the heat means a smoother day.