Whether you're moving into your newly purchased home or into a new apartment, moving can be stressful and people often overlook some things to do. With proper planning and organization, you can help relieve stress on moving day and focus on enjoying your new digs. Here are twelve things you shouldn't forget to do.
- Separate valuables and important documents and plan to move them yourself. Don't let your passport, checkbook, medications, jewelry, or any other critical items end up on the moving truck. If you're selling, do this step before the first house showing to prevent strangers from rifling through your things.
- Take photos of your electronics. There's likely a sea of cables and wires behind your television and computer. Save yourself time and stress by taking a picture of where everything plugs in and labeling those components before you unplug them.
- Give your hired helpers a heads up. If you have a cleaning service, gardener, nanny, pet sitter, etc., let them know of your impending move and determine whether you can continue to use their services.
- If you're renting, give notice. It's a risk to do this step before escrow closes, so if possible, work out the timing as part of your contract. For example, if the seller needs time to find their new home (very common), you could agree to a 30-day rent back starting the day after closing. This way, the seller stays put, you give notice to your landlord, and then a month later, everyone moves to their new location.
- Fill out a change of address form with your local post office or at usps.com as soon as possible—don't wait until moving day.
- Set up appointments with all your utilities, cable/internet, etc. for transfer to your new address. Don't forget to contact your current providers about cancelling services.
- Notify important parties of your address change. This includes your financial institutions, your job, your kids' school, credit card and insurance companies, your doctors, the DMV, and any business where your billing address is on record and linked with a form of payment (e.g., a gym membership, online shopping sites, subscription services, etc.). Also, if you have recurring payments for any memberships and you're no longer going to use their services, don't forget about cancelling them.
- Don't forget about your pets. Notify your veterinarian, the pet licensing authority, and the microchip manufacturer (if your animal is chipped), and get a new collar tag for Fido or Fluffy. Also, arrange for animal care on moving day – it will be less stressful for the pet, you, and the movers.
- Pack a 24-Hour Survival Kit filled with paper towels, paper plates and cups, disposable utensils, toilet paper, clean sheets and towels, and cleaning supplies.
- Schedule a thorough cleaning. Leave time after you move out to come back and clean (or have a service do it) before the new occupants arrive.
- Turn off the heat or air conditioning before you leave the house and take a meter reading so you can compare the numbers on your final statement from that address.
- Leave behind all keys, remotes, garage door openers, manuals, guarantees and warranties that stay with the house. Remember to collect that spare key you left with the neighbor for emergencies.