Most Commonly Forgotten Moving Tasks

Moving can be a stressful affair.

From closing on the property, packing, transporting, unpacking and everything in between, it is easy to forget some of the most important jobs associating with a move.

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these most commonly missed moving tasks to help ensure your next move goes a little more smoothly.

Address Change

Putting a change of address is something a lot of people, surprisingly, forget.

U.S. postal service logo

In the past, residents would have to go to the post office to file a formal change of address. Today, address changes can be filed from the comfort of your own home.

Though the task can be completed after you have moved, it may be easier for you to get your mail squared away before leaving your old address.

On your phone, laptop or tablet, visit the U.S. Postal Service website where there is an easy and quick change of address form.

The form provides spaces to put your new address and when mail should start being forwarded to that address. You can also mark whether the residence will be permanent or temporary.

A lake home that serves as your primary residence in the summer qualifies as a temporary change of address.

Contact Utility Companies

When moving into a new home, your utilities will need to either be canceled or transferred. This depends on where your new home is located.

Some companies only operate in certain areas so it is important to determine whether your current provider services your new address.

If not, these companies may be able to provide an alternative servicer in the area to whom you can take your business.

In the event that information cannot be provided, websites like InMyArea provide databases of service providers that serve your zip code.

It may also be possible, if your new home is part of a homeowner’s association, that a list of preferred companies is provided.

Before cancelling your utilities and your current address, it is a good idea get final readings and reports to keep for your personal records.

This is the time to settle up any unpaid balances with these companies, as well.

Also, you should strive for utilities such as water, electric and gas to be connected at your new residence on the same day.

Smoke Detectors and Emergency Exits

Once in your new home, check that all smoke detectors are in working order. Be sure to check that all batteries have been changed.

Additionally, discuss a fire escape plan with your family. This discussion should include determining a family meeting place and what to pack in an emergency go-bag.

Change the Locks

High on the priority list is changing the locks.

key in door lock with house keychain

Though this may seem trivial, your family’s safety is number one. You never know how many people have copied keys to your new home.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by eliminating the chance that the previous owners, or other unwelcome guests, might try to gain reentry into the house.

Update Important Documents

It is important to ensure that all significant documents are updated with your new address as soon as possible.

These documents include your diver’s license, voter and car registration, insurance, student loans and professional memberships or licensing boards.

Subscription service services and mailing lists should be updated, as well.

Moving into the next home of your dreams may be a little nerve wracking, but checking these items off your to-do list will help ease that stress, even if only by a little.

Try reading our “Tips to Make the Moving Process Easy” and “Moving on a Budget” articles for more advice and tips.

Moving? Follow These Tips to Make the Process as Easy as Possible

Moving can be easy or hard depending on how you go about it. It is an exciting time; new home and a new start, but it can be difficult. This list will help you make the transition easier and help you to enjoy the excitement.

Organize Early

Moving boxesYou need to avoid leaving anything to the last minute. You will need to organize early. It will help you make sure that the chaos is limited when it is time to move.

Rid yourself of any items that you do not want anymore. Recycle and donate any items that you do not want.

Moving Strategy

You will need to make sure that you have a strategy for moving. Moving day will be chaotic, especially if your plan is not into place. You will need to hire a moving company or get a group of family or friends together to help you move.

Make sure to have the boxes and bags labeled and ready to go by the time you have your group ready to move you.

Talk to the Movers

Moving It is important to communicate with the moving company that will be helping you with your big day. You can write where a box goes on the side, but when it comes to large furniture or other items, it may be hard to know where to put it.

Do not leave them standing there holding a large, heavy object asking where it goes. Utilize post-it notes if you need too. You also need to make sure the movers are aware of any stair cases or elevators they will be needing to use when moving your items.

Proper Transportation

If your new home is not far away, you might be able to get away with performing more than one trip to retrieve all of your household items. However, if you are moving far away, then you must get everything in one trip. This means that you need to have adequate storage for the trip. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your trip.

  • Cargo van to 10′ truck: studio apartment
  • 12- to 15-foot truck: three rooms or less
  • 20-foot truck: four or five rooms
  • 24–26-foot truck: six, seven or eight rooms

Moving is an extremely exciting time. In order to keep it exciting and not stressful, take the tips listed here in order to help you keep it fun. If lists help you, then make a list to ensure that you do not forget any task that may be important. It will help you keep your peace of mind and enjoy the move.