Alaska Moving Planner

Pick a target move week and a backup window in case weather or ferries shift. Use Get a Quote to share your origin, destination, dates, and a rough inventory so we can send matched Alaska options with pricing.

Walk room by room and list big pieces—beds, sofas, appliances, outdoor gear, snowmachines/ATVs. Note measurements and condition so you can decide what’s worth moving versus replacing at your new place.

Ask landlords or HOAs about elevator reservations, move hours, and floor protection. Get Certificate of Insurance requirements in writing now to avoid last-minute hold-ups and fees.

If you’re crossing Southeast or islands, confirm whether a ferry, barge, or smaller shuttle truck is needed. Flag low bridges, tight turns, long carries, or winter plowing so your mover can plan the right equipment.

List expected costs: mover estimate, ferry/barge fees, packing supplies, storage, travel, and temporary housing. Add key dates—deposit, permits, COI requested, utility notices—so decisions don’t slip.

Lock in the company, crew size, pickup window, delivery spread, and valuation coverage. Get it all in writing so there’s no confusion later.

If your route touches Southeast or island communities, book Alaska Marine Highway segments now. Add pet space and vehicle spots before they sell out.

Order boxes, tape, mattress bags, pads, and a few waterproof totes for wet weather. Not sure how many boxes to get? Use our Moving Box Calculator.

Measure sofas, beds, and appliances against doors, stairs, and elevators at both homes. Decide what needs to come apart and bag the hardware for each piece.

Request school, medical, and vet records and schedule final checkups if you need them. Begin utility changes (power, heat, internet) so start/stop dates line up with your move.

Box up books, decor, and off-season clothes. Label each carton with room + short contents so unloading is faster.

Take clear photos of electronics, instruments, art, and furniture—include close-ups of existing scuffs. Save them in a shared folder you can access on move day.

Schedule shutoff/start for power, heat (oil/propane), water, trash, and internet at both addresses. Confirm any deposits or equipment returns so you’re not billed twice.

Apply for street permits or loading-zone reservations if required. Reserve elevator time and ask about floor protection so the crew can work without delays.

Plan how you’ll move meds, liquids, and anything that can’t freeze or overheat. Set aside insulated totes or a small cooler if subzero temps are likely.

Pack room-labeled “Open First” boxes with bedding, towels, basic cookware, toiletries, and a few tools. Keep them near the door so they’re the last on the truck and the first off.

Service your car and check tires suited for Alaska conditions (studs or all-weather). Top up low-temp washer fluid and confirm your spare, jack, and cables are in the trunk.

Drain gas from mowers, generators, and small engines per mover rules. Air-dry tents, coolers, and outdoor gear to prevent mildew during transit.

Set USPS mail forward and update banks, insurance, payroll, subscriptions, and key deliveries. Take photos of confirmations and add them to your move folder.

Email your mover gate codes, tight turns, low bridges, long carries, and any icy or steep driveways. If ferries or winter storms are in play, confirm the backup plan and buffer days now.

Leave out only daily items; everything else should be boxed and labeled by room. Stack cartons by priority so the crew loads “Open First” boxes last.

Empty, unplug, and wipe down the fridge/freezer; prop doors open overnight. Do a quick clean of oven and washer so they’re ready to move.

Bag screws, brackets, shelf pegs, TV bolts, and remote batteries by item and label them. Add a screwdriver set, Allen keys, utility knife, tape, and zip ties.

Clear halls and stairwells, remove doors if needed, and roll up rugs. Lay floor protection at entries and mark fragile zones with painter’s tape.

Re-check pickup window, driver/dispatcher contacts, payment method, and chosen valuation coverage. Arrange a quiet room, sitter, or boarding for pets and kids on move day.

Set aside IDs, meds, chargers, a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and your move paperwork. Keep this bag with you—not on the truck.

Load coffee/tea, snacks, paper towels, trash bags, basic cleaners, light bulbs, and a box cutter. Put it by the door so it’s the last on and the first off.

Finish small disassembly, empty all trash, and clear counters and floors. Unplug and prop open the fridge/freezer so it can dry overnight.

Look at tomorrow’s forecast and road/ferry updates; plan a buffer if needed. Sand or salt walkways, mark slick steps, and set out floor protection at the entry.

Text or call the crew/dispatcher to reconfirm the arrival window and parking plan. Photograph current meter readings, charge phones, and print gate codes or directions as a backup.

Meet the lead at arrival and walk room to room, calling out fragile items and “do not load” areas. Confirm the load order and where “Open First” boxes are staged.

Carry IDs, meds, chargers, laptops, jewelry, and paperwork—don’t put them on the truck. Keep the go-bag and essentials tote by the door for quick access.

Watch big items leave each room and check them off the inventory sheet. Note any pre-existing scuffs so there’s no confusion later.

Keep paths clear, doors secured, and pets/kids in a separate space. If it’s icy or wet, re-sand the entry and wipe floors to prevent slips.

Before the truck pulls away, inspect closets, attic, crawlspace, garage, and yard—then check behind doors. Photograph meter readings, lock up, and confirm the next update with the driver.