The Complete Rochester, NY Moving Checklist

Moving in Rochester presents unique challenges, from winter moves to navigating the city's historic neighborhoods. Our comprehensive checklist helps you plan every detail of your move, from eight weeks before to after you've settled in.

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Complete Moving Checklist

1 8 Weeks Before Your Move

Research and book a reputable Rochester moving company (like Move It Along!)
Create a moving budget and start tracking expenses
If moving for work, check if your employer offers relocation assistance
Take inventory of your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell
Research your new Rochester neighborhood (schools, services, amenities)
Create a floor plan of your new home to plan furniture placement
Rochester Tip: If moving to or within Rochester during winter months (Nov-Mar), book your movers early as schedules fill quickly and weather can impact availability.

2 4 Weeks Before Your Move

Confirm your moving date with Move It Along
Begin collecting packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
Start packing non-essential items and seasonal belongings
File change of address with USPS (can be done online)
Notify important parties of your address change:
- Employer
- Banks and financial institutions
- Insurance providers
- Credit card companies
- Subscription services
- Medical providers
Research and schedule setup of utilities at your new home:
- Electricity (RG&E: 800-743-2110)
- Gas (RG&E: 800-743-2110)
- Water (City of Rochester: 585-428-5990)
- Internet/Cable (Spectrum or Greenlight Networks)
Schedule disconnection of utilities at your current home
Rochester Tip: If you're moving to certain areas of Rochester, check if Greenlight Networks fiber internet is available at your new address—it's often faster and more reliable than other options.

3 2 Weeks Before Your Move

Continue packing room by room, labeling boxes with contents and destination room
Create an "essentials box" with items you'll need immediately after moving
Confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck at both locations
If you live in an apartment, reserve the elevator and notify management of your move
Begin using up perishable foods and cleaning supplies
Arrange for cleaning services for your old and/or new home if needed
Make arrangements for children and pets on moving day
Confirm details with your moving company
Rochester Tip: If moving in Rochester during winter, have salt or sand available for potentially icy walkways and driveways to ensure safe loading and unloading.

4 1 Week Before Your Move

Finish packing most items, leaving only essentials unpacked
Disassemble furniture that requires it and keep hardware in labeled bags
Clean out your refrigerator and defrost freezer if necessary
Pack a suitcase with personal items for a few days
Confirm your travel plans to your new home
Withdraw cash for moving day (tips, food, unexpected expenses)
Take photos of valuable or fragile items before they're moved
Back up computer files and prepare electronics for transport
Rochester Tip: Check Rochester weather forecast for your moving day. In winter, have shovels ready and plan extra time. In summer, have water bottles ready for everyone.

5 Moving Day

Wake up early and be ready for movers to arrive
Ensure pathways are clear and safe for movers
Keep important documents, valuables, and essentials with you
Do a final walkthrough of your old home:
- Check all closets, cabinets, and storage spaces
- Make sure all windows and doors are locked
- Turn off lights, water, and HVAC
- Leave keys as arranged with landlord/new owner
At your new home, verify all items have arrived safely
Check for any damages to your belongings or your new home
Tip your movers if they provided excellent service
Set up sleeping areas and bathroom essentials first
Rochester Tip: Many Rochester neighborhoods have specific parking regulations, especially in winter with alternate side parking rules. Make sure you know where to park on your first night.

6 After Your Move

Unpack essentials and set up important rooms first (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen)
Test all utilities and appliances to ensure they're working properly
Install new locks or rekey existing locks for security
Locate and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Register to vote at your new address
Update your driver's license and vehicle registration
Register with a new healthcare provider if needed
Explore your new neighborhood and locate essential services
Rochester Tip: Get to know Rochester's unique city services like the 311 Call Center (for non-emergency city service requests), the Rochester Public Market (for local produce), and the Monroe County Library System.

Rochester Moving Resources

Utilities & Services

Set up essential utilities and services in your new Rochester home.

RG&E (Gas & Electric): 800-743-2110
City of Rochester Water: 585-428-5990
Spectrum: 855-707-7328
Greenlight Networks: 585-351-6600

Donation Centers

Declutter before your move by donating unwanted items.

Goodwill: 585-232-1760
Salvation Army: 585-987-9797
Veterans Outreach Center: 585-546-1081
Habitat ReStore: 585-697-5860

Local Government

Important resources for new Rochester residents.

City Hall: 585-428-5990
Monroe County DMV: 585-753-1604
311 Call Center (non-emergency)
Rochester Police (non-emergency): 585-428-6666

Winter Moving Tips

Special considerations for Rochester winter moves.

Schedule extra time for winter moves
Keep walkways clear of snow and ice
Protect electronics and fragile items from cold
Have warm drinks available for movers

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The Complete Rochester Moving Checklist