Moving is one of life’s most stressful experiences, even for the most organized among us. While people often focus on packing boxes, renting trucks, or scheduling their move-in date, they tend to forget smaller, equally important details that can cause problems later on. The process involves more than just transporting your belongings from one place to another; it also requires careful planning, follow-through, and attention to detail. Missing even a single step can make your transition more complicated than it needs to be.
At Apex Moving System, we’ve seen it all. With over a decade of moving expertise, we know that some of the most common setbacks during moving come not from packing mistakes, but from forgotten tasks before the big day. This blog will highlight the top five often-forgotten things to do before moving and help ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
Table of Content
Notify Important Parties and Update Your Address
While forwarding your mail with USPS is one thing many people remember, they often forget to notify other important parties of their change of address. This step is essential not only to continue receiving essential documents but also to ensure there are no service interruptions, missed bills, or legal complications.
Take the time to update your address with banks, insurance providers, subscription services, and your employer. Also consider notifying healthcare providers and educational institutions. These changes often take a few weeks to process, so it’s best not to wait until the last minute.
Apex Moving System always reminds customers that updating address records is especially crucial if you’re moving long distance. You don’t want sensitive information arriving at your old residence. As a bonus, many companies require address updates to keep insurance and billing information accurate.
To-Do Before You Move:
Notify Banks, Credit Card Companies, and Loan Providers: These institutions often require proof of address for verification, so provide ample time for them to process the update.
Update Government Records: Don’t forget to change your address with the DMV, IRS, and Social Security Administration. These agencies need to stay up-to-date for compliance purposes.
Dispose of Hazardous or Restricted Materials
A frequently overlooked task is properly disposing of hazardous or restricted materials. Things like paint, cleaning chemicals, propane tanks, and batteries are not allowed on moving trucks, whether you’re doing a DIY move or hiring professionals.
These materials require specific disposal methods depending on local regulations. Unfortunately, many people realize this too late and end up scrambling to find a safe disposal method while preparing to load the moving truck.
At Apex Moving System, we advise customers to sort these items out at least a week before moving. Not only does this make your packing process smoother, but it also ensures you’re not violating transport laws or putting anyone at risk during the move.
To-Do Before You Move:
Check Local Disposal Guidelines: Visit your local government or waste management website to learn how to dispose of hazardous items properly.
Set Aside a Safe Disposal Day: Dedicate a day solely to collecting, sorting, and safely discarding restricted items. In some cases, communities offer hazardous waste drop-off days.
Take Final Meter Readings and Schedule Utility Transfers
Another major task that often slips through the cracks is managing your utilities. Failing to cancel or transfer services like electricity, water, and internet can result in double billing or disconnection charges.
Before moving, it’s wise to take photos of final meter readings for water, gas, and electricity to avoid any disputes about usage after you’ve moved out. Also, make sure you schedule utility activation at your new address ahead of time, especially if you’re moving into a newly built home.
Apex Moving System can assist you with checklists that include important dates and contacts for utility services. This proactive step ensures you won’t arrive at your new home without power or water.
To-Do Before You Move:
Photograph Meter Readings: Take clear, timestamped photos for your records in case you need to challenge any final bills.
Contact Utility Providers Early: Schedule service disconnection for the day after your move-out and activation at your new address for the day before your move-in.
Pack an Essentials Box for the First 48 Hours
Once your belongings are packed and en route, having immediate access to certain necessities can be a lifesaver. Many people forget to set aside an essentials box, and they find themselves rummaging through packed boxes looking for medications, chargers, or toiletries.
This box should contain items you need for the first two days at your new home. Think of it as your survival kit: include a change of clothes, basic toiletries, kitchen items like utensils and mugs, and important documents. If you’re moving with pets or children, include their needs too.
Apex Moving System encourages all customers to pack an essentials box and keep it in their car rather than the moving truck. This gives you immediate access upon arrival and saves time and stress.
To-Do Before You Move:
Include Basic Living Items: Think toothpaste, pajamas, snacks, towels, and a first aid kit. It’s about comfort and convenience.
Don’t Forget the Electronics: Chargers, power banks, and your internet modem or router should be easily accessible.
Clean and Inspect Your Old Place
After everything is packed, cleaning your old residence is not just courteous—it’s often required if you’re renting. Many leases stipulate that you must return the unit in “broom clean” condition to get your full deposit back. Even homeowners selling a home should aim for a clean handoff.
Do a walk-through and ensure all rooms, closets, cabinets, and appliances are thoroughly cleaned. Pay extra attention to areas that collect grime, such as the bathroom and kitchen. Don’t forget to patch up minor wall holes from nails or screws used to hang items.
Apex Moving System recommends hiring a professional cleaner if you’re short on time. We can even help refer vetted cleaning services through our relocation assistance partners.
To-Do Before You Move:
Deep Clean Key Areas: Focus on the kitchen (especially the oven and fridge), bathroom, and floors.
Leave the Place Move-In Ready: It’s a gesture of goodwill and might help with lease or sale agreements.
