Moving to Hawai’i Checklist

Select a target move week and a backup window, mainly if your route is dependent on barge or container space. Determine whether you will be moving same-island, inter-island, or mainland – Hawaiʻi, so movers will be able to quote accordingly.

Submit the quote form, sharing origin, destination, dates, and a rough inventory. Obtain pricing from licensed and insured movers that already supply your lane, instead of trying to get pricing through a cold call.

Prerecord to your landlord or HOA information that convey elevator reservations for an individual or group of movers, move in/move out hours, parking, and Certificate of Insurance requirements. Get everything in writing so it is crystal clear without confusion loads later.

Walk from room to room and itemize only the big items — beds, sofas, surfboards, bikes, grills, outdoor-gear, etc. and determine what is worth shipping vs. selling or donating locally to you before the move.

If you are shipping a car or moving via airline with a pet, start your research around requirements. In terms of pet dog/cat requirements, follow the air lines rules as well as any health certificate timelines. In terms of vehicle shipping, note drop-off and pick-up dates/timeframes.

Select your mover and confirm: crew size, services (packing or labor-only), pick-up window, delivery spread, and valuation coverage. Make sure everything is noted in a written estimate.

If your route is dependent on an inter-island barge, or mainland container, book that now. Identify how long the transit will take, and how your mover will be coordinating port drop off and delivery.

Boxes, tape, mattress bags, bubble wrap, and a few plastic bins for moisture sensitive items. Don’t know how many boxes to get? Use the Moving Box Calculator. Ask your mover if they can help with packing, or if they will sell packing materials.

Request school, medical, and vet records. Create a list of banks, insurance, subscriptions, and employers to notify your new address once it is official.

Measure your big furniture against doorways, stairwells, and elevators in both homes. Determine what needs disassembly, and where it will be situated in the new space on move day so you aren’t trying to guess.

Box up books, seasonal clothing, decor, and kitchen and tabletop items that you don’t regularly use. Label boxes by room and a brief description of contents, such as “KITCHEN – Mugs & Glasses,” to find things in storage or to unload your stuff.

Plan ahead for MAJOR padding of items such as electronics, instruments, and pictures in glass frames. If your documents, pictures, and fabrics are important to you, consider using plastic storage containers or bags sealed from humidity, especially if they will sit in storage or cross the ocean.

Schedule start and stop dates for electricity, water, garbage, and internet at both locations. Having a couple of buffer days will keep you from being without AC, fans, or wi-fi during the transition period.

Reserve a loading zone if required, or get a permit to park if required, at both the pick-up and delivery (or drop-off) location. Check gate codes, if applicable, parking rules, and any restrictions on truck size for your moving company’s vehicle.

Open a digital folder for both you and your co-mover (if applicable) to keep your estimate, inventory list, important photographs of valuables, and confirmation emails (utilities, address change request, car shipping/training) all together or a click away on your phone.

Prepare a few “Open First” boxes containing essentials like your bedding, towels, basic pots and pans, coffee/tea, toiletries, and a small tool kit. Clearly label the contents of those boxes and keep them separate from all the other boxes and items, as they will be the last boxes on- the truck, and the first things…

Complete your Facebook Marketplace listings, donation drop-off, and bulk pick-up now. The less you have to move across the ocean, the easier and cheaper your move to Hawaii will be.

If you are shipping a vehicle, follow the carriers guidelines regarding cleaning and fuel levels and personal items in the vehicle. If driving, have a basic service done, check the fluids and that you have roadside assistance.

Confirm the pick-up time, the method of payment, provide your contact #, and any special instructions about pets, tight driveways or limited elevator time. Make sure they double-check the notes about access or building rules.

Plan for a babysitter, daycare, or a quiet room for your pets or kids. Move day is easier when they are accommodated away from the door or children out of the way of the heavy lifting.

At this stage, most rooms should be packed into boxes with only daily necessities (and items you will need for the last few days) remaining unpacked. Box the items by room near the walls to allow the crew to work quickly and efficiently.

Completely empty the refrigerator/freezer and unplug it. Wipe it down and leave the doors ajar overnight. Clean the oven and wipe the inside of the washer, so they are ready to go.

For each item, bag screws, brackets, shelf pegs, and hardware and label the bags (i.e., “Dining table hardware”). Also, include the most basic tools as well as tape and zip ties to keep things organized and make setup in your new home easier.

Roll rugs up, clear and clean hallways, and remove all (indoor and outdoor) obstacles off of balconies and lanais. Ask your mover what they will use for floor protection and set aside old towels or cardboard at entry points if needed.

Finally, backup your laptops and hard drives (including family photos, document libraries, etc.) to either a cloud-based backup, or to an external drive that you will keep with you, not on the moving truck.

Prepare a pile of IDs, a bag or box of things like your wallet, keys, any medication you may need, a charger or two and the devices you plan to bring, a change of clothes, very basics of toiletries, and whatever paperwork was needed for the move. This is something you should carry/hold with you…

Pack the cleaning wipes, paper towels, trash bags, cleaner for other surfaces, some light bulbs, a simple tool kit, a shower curtain if they plan on using a shower, and a box cutter. Place this tote in a location on the moving truck where it is not likely to be buried under other items.

The essential items from the previous property may also include dismantling anything small mounted on the walls and removing curtains or wall decorations. If anything else is going with you, remove anything mounted and can be patched for small nail heads if the lease requires it.

Check the weather forecast and any advisories related to the road or port in the appropriate timeline that can be a factor triggered because of forecasted delays. Discuss any road or weather item(s) you may have with them if any change was needed to accommodate a schedule adjustment or concern.

Text or call the team or dispatcher to confirm arrival window, where they will be parking, and comment on who will meet them at the door.

Acquaint yourself with the lead mover and conduct a brief walkthrough to point out your fragile items, “Do Not Load” areas, along with your “Open First” boxes. Double check where you would like items staged once the truck arrives at your destination.

Always keep your Go bag, valuables, important documents, and backups on your person or in your car and never let them go on the truck.

As larger items and the main boxes leave each room, pull out the inventory or your inventory and follow along. Point out existing damage on the larger items to avoid confusion later.

Be reachable when the crew has questions but do not block pathways. When appropriate, keep doors open if the crew is loading. Ensure all doors are secured and put away pets and children.

Perform a walkthrough and check closets, doors, cabinets, behind doors, lanai, storage and bathrooms cupboards, and sinks. Take pictures of all the meter readings and lock up your home, along with confirming the estimated time of arrival or delivery with your driver.

Get beds set up, basic kitchen gear unpacked, and fans or AC running. Once everyone can sleep and eat comfortably, the rest feels easier.

As you unpack, note any missing or damaged items and review your paperwork. Contact your mover promptly if you need to file a claim.

Finish address changes for licenses, voter registration, insurance, banks, and any local memberships or subscriptions.

Find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, clinic, and beach or park. Getting oriented helps everyone settle into island life faster.