Moving checklist & tips for moving

Make sure your PODS container is scheduled to arrive to allow enough time to load all your belongings. You may want to have it as early as a few days, weeks, or even a month before your move date.

Check that you have enough space for the PODS container. You’ll need 12' in width, 15’ in height, 40’ in length. Paved surfaces are preferred.

• Check to see if your homeowners’ association, or apartment or condo complex, has any restrictions regarding the placement of portable containers on, or near, your residence.


• If you’re considering placing your container on the street, check with local authorities to see if it’s allowed and if a permit is required. If a permit is needed, the PODS driver will not be able to deliver your container without it. In most cases, your PODS specialist can help determine if street placement is allowed or permits are required in your area.


• If your container will be traveling to or through California, submit your state-required invasive species forms at least five days before transit by logging in to your MyPODS.com account.

Inventory your belongings and begin removing clutter. Start with your attic, basement, garage, and other storage areas.

Create a floor plan of your new home to plan for furniture and appliance placement.

• If necessary, prepare to hold a garage sale three weeks before you move to get rid of any clutter. Hold your garage sale or sell items online through websites such as Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.


• Arrange for donation services, like the Salvation Army, to pick up the rest.

Start organizing and packing your belongings. Make sure to label your moving boxes as you pack to help make unpacking smoother. Visit PODS.com/loading to watch our video on packing and loading. If you decide you need additional PODS containers for your move, give us a call.

If you need help with your move, start collecting quotes from packing and loading companies. We’re happy to refer you to trusted local labor providers.

Order moving supplies from PODSBoxes.com. Moving blankets can be rented or purchased from most PODS locations. Your PODS moving specialist can help you with this while scheduling your container for delivery.

• Schedule the disconnection of utility services at your old home for the day after you move. If you have any "final month" deposits, be sure to request your refund. If possible, schedule the connection of utility services for the day before you arrive at your new home.


• If you're moving within the United States, file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service and pick up the USPS Mover's Guide at your local post office.

• If you’re moving within the United States, file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service and pick up the USPS Mover’s Guide at your local post office.


• If you’re moving to a new state, research what you’ll need to do to update your vehicle registration.


• Contact your insurance provider to ensure proper coverage for your home and vehicle at your new location.


• Transfer all your prescriptions to your new pharmacy, and make sure you have an adequate supply of medications during your move.


• Update your address or cancel your newspaper and magazine subscriptions.

Gather your personal and family records, including medical, dental, veterinary, and school records; legal and financial documents; and birth certificates, passports, and insurance documents, to keep with you.

• Begin using up frozen foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.


• Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer.

• Pack a bag with your checkbook, credit cards, identification, flashlight, keys, and phone charger.


• If you’re moving long distance, pack toiletries, paper plates and cups, towels, a travel alarm clock, bottled water, a first-aid kit, and games for the kids as well.


• Pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.


• If you have a laptop or tablet, keep it with you, because you may not get around to unpacking and connecting your TV for a few days.

• Confirm your PODS container pickup, delivery date, and the address of your new home by logging in to your MyPODS.com account.


• Finish loading your PODS container.


• Make sure you have the keys to the lock on your PODS container.


• Confirm your travel reservations if necessary.

• Notify everyone who will need to contact you at your new address.


• Keep a friend or family member informed of your moving schedule and contact information in case of an emergency or unexpected event.

• Check the attic and every room, cabinet, and closet one last time before deciding everything is loaded.


• Set aside any items that will travel separately with you.


• Leave a note with your contact information in the house, so the new residents can forward stray mail or items left behind.

While unloading your belongings from your PODS container at your new home, check your stuff carefully, and make a note of any damaged items.