Planning Your Move: The Pittsburgh Moving Checklist
A week-by-week plan from the family that has moved Pittsburgh since 1925 — plus packing tips and what to expect on moving day.
A Good Move Is a Planned Move
Most moving stress comes from decisions made too late. This checklist front-loads the important ones — survey, dates, packing strategy, utilities — so moving week is about walking through the house with your driver, not scrambling for tape.
Everything below is what our coordinators walk customers through after a free survey. Print it, share it, or just call (412) 653-1200 and we’ll build the plan with you.
Your Moving Timeline
8 weeks out
- Get a free virtual or in-home survey and written estimate
- Create a move folder for estimates, receipts and inventory
- Decide what to sell, donate or discard
- Research schools, doctors and services in your new area
6 weeks out
- Confirm your move date and services with your coordinator
- Order packing materials or schedule full-service packing
- Notify landlord or list your home; arrange elevator/parking reservations
- Start using up frozen and pantry food
4 weeks out
- File your USPS change of address
- Update banks, insurance, subscriptions and voter registration
- Arrange transfer of utilities and internet for both homes
- Schedule appliance servicing and vehicle transport if needed
2 weeks out
- Pack non-essential rooms first; label cartons by room and contents
- Back up computers; gather important documents and valuables to carry with you
- Confirm building access, COIs and parking for moving day
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
Moving week
- Pack a “first night” box: bedding, toiletries, chargers, medications, coffee
- Defrost and dry the refrigerator 24 hours ahead
- Set aside items not to be loaded and mark them clearly
- Walk the home with your driver; review the inventory
Delivery day
- Be present or designate someone to direct placement
- Check items off the inventory as they come in
- Report any concerns to your coordinator right away
- Enjoy your new home — you did it
Pack Like a Pro (or Let Us)
- Heavy items in small boxes — books, canned goods and tools go in 1.5-cubic-foot cartons.
- Dish packs for the kitchen — double-wall cartons with plates on edge, glasses upright, cushioned top and bottom.
- Wardrobe cartons keep hanging clothes on hangers; no folding, no wrinkles.
- Fill every void with paper so nothing shifts; a box you can’t close is a box that will crush.
- Label two sides with room and contents; keep an inventory list in your move folder.
- Leave the fragile, valuable and awkward to us — fragile-only packing and custom crating are available on any move.
What to Expect on Moving Day
Five clear steps, one coordinator, zero surprises. Watch the truck — that’s your belongings moving from survey to set-up.
Free Survey & Quote
Virtual or in-home walkthrough to scope inventory, access and timeline. You receive a written estimate and service options.
Plan & Prep
Your move coordinator finalizes the packing plan, materials, schedule and any building or elevator reservations.
Pack & Load
Floors, doors and railings protected. Cartons labeled by room. Furniture wrapped and disassembled as needed.
Transport & Track
Local, interstate or international transit through Allied’s network with GPS tracking and status updates.
Deliver & Set Up
Placement by room, reassembly, basic unpacking, debris removal and a final walk-through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not pack for the movers?
Hazardous materials (paint, propane, aerosols, fuel), perishables, plants, and irreplaceable items like jewelry, passports, medications and important documents — carry those with you.
How should I label boxes?
Write the room and a short list of contents on two sides. Mark fragile cartons clearly and note “load last / unload first” for essentials.
What is valuation coverage?
Valuation is the level of liability your mover assumes for your goods. Standard liability is included per tariff; Full Value Protection covers repair, replacement or cash settlement at current value. Your coordinator will explain the options and deductibles.
Do you provide a moving checklist?
Yes — the timeline on this page. Your coordinator also shares a personalized checklist after your survey.
Want us to build the plan with you?
Every move starts with a free survey. Tell us about your home and your dates — we’ll do the rest.