Moving can be a hectic and overwhelming process, and it’s easy to overlook important tasks in the midst of packing boxes and coordinating logistics. To help you stay organized and ensure a smooth transition to your new home, here are the 10 most commonly forgotten tasks when moving.
1. Changing Your Address
It’s crucial to update your address with various institutions and service providers to ensure you receive mail and important documents at your new home.
Key Updates
- Post Office: Fill out a change of address form either online or at your local post office.
- Banks and Financial Institutions: Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions.
- Utilities and Services: Notify utility companies, internet providers, and subscription services of your new address.
2. Transferring Medical Records
If you’re moving to a new city or state, don’t forget to transfer your and your family’s medical records to new healthcare providers.
Medical Providers
- Doctor and Dentist: Arrange for your medical records to be transferred to new healthcare providers.
- Pharmacy: Transfer any ongoing prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home.
3. Canceling or Transferring Memberships
Subscriptions and memberships tied to your current location may need to be canceled or transferred to your new address.
Gym Memberships and Clubs
- Gym Memberships: Cancel or transfer your gym membership to a facility near your new home.
- Clubs and Associations: Notify any clubs, associations, or organizations you belong to of your change of address.
4. Returning Borrowed Items
If you’ve borrowed items from friends, neighbors, or libraries, make sure to return them before you move to avoid any inconvenience.
Library Books and DVDs
- Library Books: Return borrowed books, DVDs, or any other items to the library.
- Neighborly Borrowings: Return borrowed items to neighbors and friends and settle any outstanding loans.
5. Cleaning and Repairs
Leaving your current home in good condition is not only considerate but may also be required by your lease agreement.
Cleaning Checklist
- Deep Clean: Schedule a deep cleaning of your home, including carpets, appliances, and surfaces.
- Repairs: Take care of any minor repairs or maintenance tasks to ensure your home is in good condition for the next occupants.
6. Forwarding Important Documents
Don’t forget to forward any important documents related to your move, such as school records, employment documents, and legal paperwork.
School and Employment
- School Records: Arrange for your children’s school records to be forwarded to their new school.
- Employment Documents: Notify your employer of your new address and update your HR records.
7. Disposing of Hazardous Materials
Certain items, such as cleaning supplies, paints, and batteries, are considered hazardous and should be disposed of properly.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Household Chemicals: Safely dispose of any hazardous household chemicals according to local regulations.
- Electronics: Recycle or dispose of old electronics responsibly.
8. Notifying Insurance Providers
Update your insurance policies to reflect your new address and ensure coverage for your new home and belongings.
Insurance Policies
- Homeowners or Renters Insurance: Contact your insurance provider to update your policy and coverage.
- Auto Insurance: Update your auto insurance policy with your new address.
9. Securing Valuables
During the chaos of moving, it’s essential to safeguard your valuables and important documents.
Safekeeping
- Valuables: Pack valuables such as jewelry, passports, and important documents separately and keep them with you during the move.
- Digital Copies: Make digital copies of important documents as a backup.
10. Saying Goodbye
Lastly, take the time to say goodbye to your neighbors, friends, and community members before you move to your new home.
Farewell
- Neighbors: Host a farewell gathering or simply drop by to say goodbye to your neighbors.
- Community: Thank local businesses and community members who have made your time in the neighborhood special.
Moving involves numerous tasks, and it’s easy to overlook some of the essential details amidst the chaos. By keeping these 10 commonly forgotten tasks in mind you can ensure a smoother and more organized transition to your new home. Planning ahead and creating a checklist can help you stay on top of these tasks and reduce stress during your move.
