Common Things People Forget to Do When Moving

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience. Amidst all the packing and organizing, it’s easy to forget some important tasks that can make the moving process smoother. Overlooking these small but significant details can lead to unexpected problems and added stress. To help you avoid such a scenario, we’ll go through some of the most common things people forget to do when moving. When you’re aware of these often-missed tasks, you can ensure your move goes without any significant bumps on the road.

Change of Address

One of the first tasks to handle when moving is changing your address. Failing to update your address can lead to missed bills, lost mail, and important documents going to the wrong place. Ensuring that your address is updated with all relevant parties is crucial for a smooth transition.

The steps to take to update your address effectively

To make sure you don’t forget to update your address wherever that is necessary, follow the checklist below.

Post office: Submit a change of address form online or in person at your local post office.
Banks and credit cards: Notify your bank and credit card companies to update your billing address.
Utilities: Update your address with utility providers (electricity, water, gas) to ensure timely billing.
Insurance providers: Inform health, auto, and home insurance companies about your new address.
Employer: Update your address with your employer for payroll and tax documents.
Subscriptions: Change your address for magazines, newspapers, and any other subscription services.
Government agencies: Notify the DMV, IRS, and Social Security Administration if applicable.
Friends and family: Inform friends and family of your new address to avoid missed correspondence.

Also, if you are utilizing installation services Orange County companies provide, don’t give the technicians your old address. This is a mistake many people make in the chaos of the move, so maybe you should tell them where long before they are to arrive.

a red plate with the number 12b on it — One of the common things people forget to do when moving is to inform everyone about their new address.

Transferring Utilities

One of the most common things people forget to do when moving is to transfer their utilities. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services. It’s important to schedule these transfers well in advance to avoid any service interruptions in your new home.

Make a list of all the utilities you’ll need to transfer and contact each provider to schedule the disconnection and reconnection. Ideally, you should do this at least two weeks before your move. Some services, like internet and cable, might take longer to set up, so the earlier you start, the better.

Additionally, update your address with any subscription services, delivery services, and financial institutions. This step is crucial to avoid missing important mail or deliveries. For those using a delivery service Orange County residents often rely on, ensuring that your address is updated is a must. This especially refers to time-sensitive deliveries. Sometimes, not receiving what you need on time can set in motion a whole line of bad events you simply do not want to have to deal with.

When using OC moving services you probably won’t make such a mistake, because they often remind clients to handle utility transfers. They do this ahead of time so people would avoid the inconvenience of moving into a house without electricity or running water. However, make sure you set up a reminder so you don’t end up moving into a house without electricity or water. Ensuring your utilities are ready when you arrive will help you settle into your new home without unnecessary stress.

a person holding a card with "WIFI" written on it, indicating another of the common things people forget to do when moving — Before moving, you should arrange for WI-FI and other utilities to be active when you move in.

Collecting Important Documents is Another of the Common Things People Forget to Do When Moving

One of the most crucial yet often forgotten tasks during a move is collecting and organizing important documents.

Gathering Essential Documents

Start by gathering all your essential documents in one place. This includes passports, birth certificates, medical records, school records, and financial documents such as bank statements and tax records. These documents are not only difficult to replace but also essential for various tasks you might need to complete soon after moving. It’s a good idea to keep them in a secure, clearly labeled folder or envelope that you carry with you during the move.

Organizing and Protecting Documents

Once you’ve gathered your documents, take steps to protect them. Use waterproof and fireproof containers to prevent damage during the move. Additionally, make copies of important papers and store them separately, either physically or digitally. Having digital backups can be a lifesaver if any documents are lost or damaged. Moreover, when using packing services in Orange County, ask for their advice on safeguarding important papers to ensure they arrive safely at your new home.

Being diligent about collecting and organizing your documents can prevent unnecessary stress. Also, it can ensure you have everything you need at hand when settling into your new place.

a man holding up some documents he intends to organize, which is one of the common things people forget to do when moving — Your documents should all be in one place so you can always have them on hand.

Checking Insurance Policies

One of the common things people forget to do when moving is to review and update their insurance policies. If you want to avoid potential financial losses and stress, you must make sure that your new home is adequately covered and that your belongings are protected during the move.

Important steps in updating your insurance policies

When the moving day comes, the following insurance policies should be up to date:

Homeowners or Renters Insurance. Contact your insurance provider to update your policy with your new address. Ensure that your new home is covered from the day you move in.
Moving Insurance. Check if your current insurance covers items during the move. If not, consider purchasing additional moving insurance.
Auto Insurance. Update your auto insurance with your new address to reflect your new location and driving conditions.
Health Insurance. Notify your health insurance provider of your move, especially if you’re changing states, to ensure continuous coverage.
Life Insurance. Update your address with your life insurance provider to keep all records current.
Pet Insurance. If you have pets, make sure their insurance policies are updated with your new address.

Also, don’t think that insurance is something you don’t need. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you arrange this financial protection in time.

Decluttering and Donating

Decluttering and donating items you no longer need can make your moving process less complicated in many ways. It can help reduce moving costs and make unpacking easier.

Benefits of Decluttering

Decluttering before you move can significantly reduce the number of items you need to pack and transport. This can save you money, especially if you are charged based on the weight or volume of your belongings. Additionally, having fewer items makes unpacking at your new home quicker and more efficient. Take the time to go through each room and decide what you truly need to keep. In case you really want to keep something, you know you won’t use any time soon, there’s always the vaulted storage in Orange County. You can put some items there that you can revisit later and evaluate their value to you.

Where to Donate Items

Once you’ve decided what to get rid of, consider donating items that are still in good condition. Many local charities, thrift stores, and shelters accept donations of clothing, furniture, and household items. If you’re in Southern California, you might want to look into local movers in Orange County who often collaborate with charities to make donating easier. This ensures that your unwanted items go to a good cause and are put to use by someone who needs them.

several storage units with blue doors and numbers on them — When you are decluttering, you can always put the stuff you can’t part with into a storage unit.

Taking Inventory

One good idea is to Take a detailed inventory of your belongings. This will help you keep track of everything you own and ensure nothing gets lost or damaged during the move. Additionally, an inventory can be very useful for insurance purposes if any of your items are damaged or go missing.

How To Create an Effective Inventory

A good inventory can be an extremely useful tool, and here’s how to make one:

Categorize your items. Group your belongings by category (e.g., kitchen items, clothing, electronics).
List each item. Write down every item in each category, including a brief description.
Photograph valuables. Take clear photos of valuable items to document their condition.
Note serial numbers. For electronics and appliances, record serial numbers.
Estimate values. Assign an approximate value to each item, especially for high-value belongings.
Use inventory apps. Consider using inventory apps to organize and store your list digitally.
Update regularly. Keep your inventory updated as you pack and move items.
Label boxes. Label boxes clearly with their contents and corresponding inventory numbers.

If you’re using furniture movers Orange County offers, provide them with a copy of your inventory list to ensure they handle your items with care. Taking a detailed inventory will help you stay organized and protect your belongings throughout the moving process.

One of the Common Things People Forget to Do When Moving is to Pack an Essentials Box

Packing an essentials box is a crucial step that many people overlook when moving. This box should contain all the items you’ll need for the first few days in your new home, making the transition smoother and more comfortable. Think about the essentials you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, basic kitchen items, medications, and some snacks.

In case you don’t know what to put in this box, try to imagine your first week living in the new home. What will you wear to work, or around the house? What cosmetics will you be using? Additionally, ask all the members of your family to pick out the things they need for that first period after moving in. If you feel lost, there are professional organizers who can help you with this step. In essence, taking the time to prepare this box can significantly reduce stress and help you feel more at home in your new place from the moment you arrive.

Securing Valuables

Another of the common things people forget to do when moving is to secure their valuables. Items such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics need special attention. Instead of packing these items with the rest of your belongings, consider keeping them with you during the move. In case that is not an option, make sure you label the boxes with such items so the professionals, such as the residential movers Orange County caters to, take special care of them.

For smaller valuables, use a secure, lockable box. For larger items, like electronics, ensure they are packed in sturdy boxes with ample padding. Label these boxes clearly and note which ones need extra care. By taking these precautions, you can protect your valuable items from loss or damage during the move.

two rings one man intends to secure, which is one of the common things people forget to do when moving — Don’t forget to put your valuables in a safe place before moving.

Final Walkthrough

Performing a final walkthrough of your old home is essential to ensure nothing is left behind. Before you leave, check all rooms, closets, and storage spaces. Look behind doors, inside drawers, and under sinks. Make sure all windows and doors are locked, and turn off all lights and appliances. Confirm that nothing essential is forgotten and that the home is left in good condition for the next occupants.

Here’s a checklist for your final walkthrough:

Rooms: Check each room thoroughly, including behind doors and under furniture.
Closets: Open all closets and cabinets to ensure they are empty.
Storage spaces: Inspect basements, attics, and garages.
Windows and doors: Make sure all are securely closed and locked.
Appliances: Turn off and unplug all appliances.
Lights: Turn off all lights and check for any burned-out bulbs.
Trash: Remove all trash and ensure the home is clean.
Personal items: Double-check for any personal items that might have been left behind.

This last step can help avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth handover.

a house that has just been sold and a couple entering in one final time — In the end, go through all the rooms once more and see if you haven’t forgotten something.

Avoid Common Things People Forget to Do When Moving and You’ll Avoid a Lot of Stress

Moving is a major life event that is very complex and mistakes are normal. However, if you take a look at all of the common things people forget to do when moving, you’ll be able to avoid such overlooks. As always, proper planning and attention to detail can help make your move less stressful and more organized. By following these tips, you can settle into your new home with peace of mind, knowing you haven’t left any crucial tasks.