Moving Day Morning Checklist: Complete Guide from Key Pickup to Furniture Delivery Completion

Moving Day Timeline Checklist

Moving day involves countless tasks, and problems like "I forgot that!" or "the key wasn't ready before the movers arrived" happen frequently. Here's a comprehensive timeline of what to confirm from the evening before through the night of the move.

[The Evening Before] Final Preparations

• •Final packing check (pack everything except items you'll use immediately the next day)
• •Turn off the refrigerator and set the water collection tray (for defrosting)
• •Drain the washing machine (water left in the hose can leak during transport)
• •Gather valuables, bankbook, seal, and resident card in a bag
• •Reconfirm the moving company's contact information and estimated arrival time
• •Confirm the pickup location and time for your new apartment keys

[Moving Day Morning] Final Checks on Your Old Apartment

Complete the following before the moving company arrives.

Final Equipment Check

• •Remove the air conditioner remote (wall-mounted units may only be removed if permitted by the lease)
• •Leave behind items specified as fixtures in your lease: screens, curtain rods, light fixtures, etc.
• •Remove any curtain rods or light fixtures you installed yourself
• •Verify that nail and thumbtack holes have already been reported

Final Meter Reading and Photography

• •Photograph the final readings on electricity, gas, and water meters (used for later billing)
• •Close the main gas valve (confirm the disconnection procedure after moving)

[When the Movers Arrive] Supervising the Pickup

• •When the movers arrive, verify the estimate and work scope
• •Before moving items out, walk through the apartment with the movers and document any existing damage together
• •Tell the moving company you'll transport fragile items, electronics, and valuables yourself
• •After everything is moved out, do a final walkthrough checking for forgotten items (closets, upper shelves, under-floor storage)

Final Checklist for Old Apartment

• •Are all windows and shutters locked?
• •Have gas, water, and electricity been properly shut off?
• •Remove any remaining mail from the mailbox
• •Check the front door lock for any foreign objects

[Key Pickup] Moving to Your New Apartment

Key pickup typically happens at the management company's office or real estate agency. Confirm what to bring.

Required Documents

• •Photo ID (driver's license, resident card, or passport)
• •Seal stamp (standard stamp required; stamp pads may not be accepted)
• •Proof of remaining balance transfer (if there's an outstanding balance, transfer it before the day before)
• •Copy of your lease agreement

Go to your new apartment immediately after picking up the keys and verify the door opens and closes smoothly and that you have the correct number of keys.

[After Arriving at New Apartment] Pre-Move-In Check

Complete the following in about 30 minutes before the movers arrive with your belongings.

• •Photograph the entire apartment and all equipment for any damage or dirt (note on your move-in checklist)
• •Test water, electricity, and gas (gas requires being present for the opening ceremony)
• •Test run the air conditioner
• •Verify the number of keys and confirm where to store spare keys
• •Note the parcel locker password if your building has one

[During Furniture Delivery] Supervising the Movers

• •Verify protective tape covers the delivery route (elevators, hallways)
• •Decide where large furniture and appliances will go beforehand (moving them later is difficult)
• •After delivery is complete, walk through with the movers to confirm any new damage and have the moving company's liability insurance cover any scratches made during the move

[Utility Setup] Complete by End of Moving Day

Electricity: Switch the breaker on to confirm power. If you notified the utility company of your move-in date in advance, electricity should be available immediately.

Gas: City gas requires an opening ceremony with the gas company present. Arrange a time in advance with the gas company representative and be present to confirm the pilot light is ignited. Propane gas procedures differ and go through the management company.

Water: Turn on the faucets to confirm water flows. If there's no water, contact the municipal water department.

Internet: Fiber optic connections requiring installation usually won't be active on moving day. Use your smartphone's tethering for now and wait for the installation date.

[Moving Day Evening] Final Confirmation

• •Confirm all belongings have been delivered and sign the movers' completion form
• •After the movers leave, do a final check for any damage or breakage
• •Review your to-do list for the following days (moving-in notification at city hall, address changes with various services)
• •Check your building's waste management rules (collection days and sorting methods) in the lease

Moving day is physically and mentally exhausting, but the confirmations you make today prevent problems when you move out and set the stage for a smooth start to your new life. We recommend printing this checklist and bringing it with you on moving day.