Moving into a new home can be exciting — but let’s be honest, it’s also chaotic. With packing boxes, change-of-address forms, and moving day stress, it’s easy to let a few critical tasks slip through the cracks. People often focus so much on the physical move that they forget about the logistical and administrative details. Unfortunately, these oversights can cause delays, lost items, or unexpected expenses. If you want to make your transition as smooth as possible, avoid these 10 commonly forgotten things that people overlook before moving.
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1. Change Your Address Early
Many people wait until the last minute to change their address, but this can lead to missed bills, delayed deliveries, and even identity theft. Updating your address with the USPS is a must, but don’t stop there. Notify your banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscription services you use. It’s also important to let your employer and any relevant institutions know, especially if you’re expecting mail like tax documents or benefits information. Make a list of all services that send you regular mail and start updating them two to three weeks before your move.
2. Transfer Utilities
It’s easy to forget about utilities when you’re focused on packing boxes, but living in a home without water, electricity, or Wi-Fi isn’t fun. Before moving day, schedule a shut-off date for your current services and set a start date at your new address. Be sure to include electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet, cable, and trash services. Some utility companies allow you to transfer service online, while others may require a phone call. Doing this ahead of time ensures you’re not sitting in the dark or without internet after the move.
3. Take Photos of Electronics Setup
Disconnecting electronics is simple—putting them back together is a whole different story. Before unplugging anything, take clear photos of your current setup, especially the back of your TV, gaming consoles, or Wi-Fi router. These photos will act as a visual guide when reconnecting wires in your new home. Label cables with colored tape or sticky notes to make reassembly even easier. Doing this now spares you from dealing with a frustrating mess later and prevents costly mistakes like misconnecting cables or damaging devices.
4. Book Professional Movers in Advance
Many people underestimate how quickly professional movers get booked, especially during peak moving seasons like summer or the end of the month. If you wait too long, you might be forced to move on a less convenient day or pay a premium for last-minute service. Booking your professional movers at least four to six weeks in advance gives you time to compare services, read reviews, and get the best value for your budget. Plus, early booking means you can plan your packing timeline around the mover’s schedule. It also gives movers a better chance to prepare for any special handling needs you might have.
5. Set Aside Essentials for Moving Day
After a long moving day, the last thing you want to do is dig through boxes looking for your toothbrush or phone charger. That’s why it’s crucial to pack a “first night” essentials box. Pack it like an overnight bag—with toiletries, comfy clothes, and any daily meds, snacks, essential documents, chargers, and anything else you’ll need in the first 24 hours. Think of it like packing for an overnight trip. Having these items readily accessible can make a chaotic day much more manageable.
6. Label Boxes Clearly
While many people label boxes with the room name, they often skip the critical details about what’s inside. Instead of simply writing “Kitchen,” try labeling boxes with “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” or “Kitchen – Pantry Items.” This extra effort can make unpacking significantly faster and more organized. Use a bold marker and consider color-coding each room for quick identification. Labeling on multiple sides of the box can also be helpful when they’re stacked during the move.
7. Measure Furniture and Doorways
It’s easy to assume that if furniture made it into your current place, it will fit into the new one — but that’s not always true. Doorway sizes, stairwells, and hallway widths can vary dramatically between homes or apartments. Measure your large furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and bookshelves, and compare them to your new space before moving day. If something won’t fit, make a plan to disassemble it or sell it before the move. Some professional movers also offer furniture disassembly and reassembly services, which can be a lifesaver.
8. Back Up Your Computer
Your computer holds essential files, photos, documents, and financial records. Moving can be rough on electronics, and the last thing you want is to lose irreplaceable data due to damage or mishandling. Backing up your computer before the move provides peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. Use an external hard drive or a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This small task can save you from a major headache if your device gets lost or broken during the move.
9. Notify Your Employer and Schools
If you’re moving far enough to affect your job or your children’s school, proper notification is key. Let your employer know about your upcoming move, especially if it may affect your availability or commute. If you’re relocating out of the area, give your child’s school plenty of notice and start the transfer process early. Taking care of this early ensures everything goes more smoothly and helps you steer clear of delays in enrollment. Daycare providers and extracurricular programs also need advance notice so they can fill your child’s spot if necessary.
10. Deep Clean the Old Place
Whether you’re a renter hoping to get your deposit back or a homeowner handing over the keys, a thorough cleaning is a must. Many people forget to deep clean once their belongings are out, but this final step is essential. Clean the floors, baseboards, appliances, windows, and bathrooms. Don’t forget commonly overlooked areas like ceiling fans, vents, and inside cabinets. Some professional movers offer cleaning services as part of their package or can recommend trusted providers, which can save you time and effort.
Final Thoughts
Moving is more than just packing and unpacking — it involves dozens of small, critical tasks that are easy to overlook. With a bit of forethought and structure, you can easily reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes. These commonly forgotten to-dos can make a big difference in how smooth your move goes. Hiring professional movers can also eliminate much of the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively), allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. With the right help and preparation, your move can be less overwhelming and a lot more exciting.