Moving is chaotic—even for the most organized people. Between boxes, utility transfers, and goodbyes, it’s easy to forget small but important tasks that can save time, money, and major headaches. Here are 10 things many people forget to do before moving. Check them off, and you’ll thank yourself later.
1. Change Your Address—Everywhere
Everyone remembers the post office, but what about your bank, streaming services, insurance provider, and online retailers? Update your address with any company that sends you mail, bills, or packages. Missed mail can mean missed payments or sensitive info going to the wrong place.
2. Cancel (or Transfer) Local Memberships
Gyms, yoga studios, co-working spaces—if you’ve got recurring local memberships, cancel them or transfer them in time. Many require 30 days’ notice. Forgetting this could cost you extra fees.
3. Take Photos of Electronics and Cables
Before unplugging your TV, gaming system, or Wi-Fi router, snap a few quick photos of how everything is connected. You’ll save yourself hours of frustration on the other end trying to remember which cord goes where.
4. Back Up Your Devices
You may think your laptop or desktop is safe in a box, but moves can be rough. If it gets lost or damaged, your data could go with it. Back up important files to a hard drive or the cloud before moving day.
5. Gather Important Documents in One Place
Birth certificates, passports, social security cards, medical records—keep them with you during the move. Don’t pack them away in a random box. If you suddenly need one of them (say, for setting up utilities or enrolling your kids in school), you’ll be glad they’re accessible.
6. Use Up What You Already Have
Don’t waste money or space hauling a pantry full of dry goods or a bathroom cabinet of half-used shampoo bottles. A month before your move, start using up food, toiletries, and cleaning products. The less you have to pack, the better.
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7. Label Boxes Clearly (Not Just the Room)
Yes, writing “Kitchen” helps, but go a step further. Write what’s in the box. “Pots and pans” or “Plates and glasses” is far more useful than just “Kitchen.” It makes unpacking less of a guessing game.
8. Notify Your Insurance Providers
Home, renters, and car insurance may need to be updated—or reissued entirely—depending on your move. Your new address may change your rates or coverage, so loop in your providers ahead of time to avoid coverage gaps.
9. Schedule a Final Walkthrough
Before handing over the keys, do a last walkthrough to check closets, drawers, basements, attics, and sheds. It’s surprisingly common to leave behind valuables, tools, or even documents you thought were packed.
10. Pack a First-Night Essentials Box
This is the one box you’ll open first. Pack it with everything you’ll need on your first night: toothbrush, toilet paper, chargers, meds, snacks, paper towels, pajamas, and a change of clothes. You’ll be too tired to dig through boxes looking for basics.
Final Thought
It’s normal to forget a few things during a move—it’s a lot to manage. But skipping these 10 tasks can cost you time, money, or peace of mind. Use this list as your reminder, and your move will go smoother than most. Preparation now saves frustration later.
