Denver Moving Checklist

📅 Plan & Prepare

• Review your current lease and note your move-out date
• Determine how much notice you need to give (usually 30-60 days)
• Create a moving budget (moving company, supplies, deposits, etc.)
• Start decluttering - sell, donate, or trash items you won't move
• Research moving companies or truck rentals and get quotes
• Begin collecting free boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores

💡 Pro Tip: Moving costs less if you move mid-month or in winter. Avoid month-end and summer peak season if possible.

📝 Give Notice & Reserve Services

• Give written notice to your current landlord (keep a copy!)
• Book your moving company or reserve moving truck
• Schedule time off work for moving day if needed
• Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
• Start packing items you won't need (seasonal, decorative)
• Take measurements of new apartment and plan furniture layout

📮 Update Address & Utilities

• Submit USPS change of address (costs $1.10, takes 7-10 days)
• Notify employers, banks, credit cards of address change
• Update voter registration and driver's license
• Transfer or cancel utilities (see Denver providers below)
• Set up utilities at new apartment for move-in day
• Schedule internet/cable installation
• Notify insurance companies (auto, renters, health)
• Update subscriptions and memberships

Denver Utility Providers:

• Electricity/Gas: Xcel Energy (800-895-4999)
• Water: Denver Water (303-893-2444)
• Internet: Xfinity, CenturyLink, Ting
• Trash: Usually included in rent

📦 Pack & Prepare

• Confirm moving company/truck reservation
• Start packing room by room (label everything!)
• Create "essentials" box for first night (toiletries, phone charger, etc.)
• Defrost freezer if moving refrigerator
• Use up frozen foods and perishables
• Return borrowed items to friends/neighbors
• Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day
• Pick up prescriptions and medical records

✅ Final Preparations

• Confirm utilities will be ON at new place on move-in day
• Confirm utilities will be OFF at old place after you leave
• Pack remaining items except daily essentials
• Clean out storage areas, garage, closets
• Dispose of hazardous materials properly (paint, chemicals)
• Get cash for tips (movers: $20-$40 per person)
• Notify new apartment manager of move-in time
• Reserve elevator if in high-rise building

Morning - Before Movers Arrive

• Do final walkthrough of old apartment
• Check all closets, cabinets, drawers are empty
• Take photos/video of old apartment condition
• Pack car with valuables, documents, essentials box
• Have water/snacks ready for movers

During Move

• Be present to answer questions and direct movers
• Do final walkthrough before leaving old place
• Turn off lights, lock windows, set thermostat
• Return keys/garage openers to landlord
• Get receipt from movers with inventory list

At New Apartment

• Take photos/video BEFORE movers unload
• Test lights, outlets, appliances, faucets
• Check for damage - report immediately to landlord
• Direct movers where to place furniture
• Check all items on inventory list
• Tip movers (cash, usually $20-40 per person)

🏠 Settle In

• Unpack essentials box first (toiletries, bedding, kitchen basics)
• Change locks or rekey if allowed
• Test smoke/CO detectors, replace batteries if needed
• Locate circuit breaker, water shutoff, thermostat
• Meet neighbors and introduce yourself
• Find nearest grocery store, pharmacy, gas station
• Register for building amenities (gym, parking, package room)
• Set up renters insurance if not already done
• Break down and recycle moving boxes

🎉 Congratulations! You've successfully moved into your new Denver apartment. Take time to explore your neighborhood and enjoy your new home!