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Critical planning phase
File USPS change of address online ($1.05) or in-person (free)
Mail forwarding only lasts 12 months for first-class mail, 60 days for periodicals
Update address with all banks and credit unions
Update investment and retirement accounts
Update all credit card companies
Update mortgage lender/servicing company
Schedule internet installation (2-3 weeks lead time typical)
Shop around - moving is prime time for deals
Update health and dental insurance - VERIFY COVERAGE IN NEW LOCATION
Contact before move to confirm network coverage in new area
Update auto insurance - get quotes for new location
Moving changes your auto insurance rate — your new zip code, state minimums, and commute all affect pricing. This is the best time to compare quotes and potentially save hundreds per year.
Add moving insurance or full-value valuation coverage
Standard mover liability is minimal (often $0.60/lb). Full-value protection covers actual replacement.
Book a move-in deep clean before unpacking
A one-time deep clean of an empty home is far easier before furniture arrives.
Reserve a moving truck or trailer (DIY moves)
Book early — trucks sell out at month-end and during summer peak season.
Rent portable storage or a moving container if needed
Useful for staggered move-out/move-in dates or staging a home for sale.
Enroll children in new school district
Some districts have waiting lists
Find new daycare/after-school care
Finalize utilities and services
File USPS change of address online ($1.05) or in-person (free)
Mail forwarding only lasts 12 months for first-class mail, 60 days for periodicals
Update address with all banks and credit unions
Update investment and retirement accounts
Update all credit card companies
Update retail credit cards (Target, Amazon, etc.)
Notify accountants and tax advisors
Update student loan servicers
Update personal loan lenders
Schedule gas disconnection for day after move
Schedule electric disconnection for day after move
Schedule water disconnection for day after move
Cancel trash service at old address
Cancel internet service or schedule transfer
Cancel cable/satellite TV or schedule transfer
Schedule gas connection for moving day or day before
Schedule early - utility companies book up weeks in advance
Schedule electric connection for moving day or day before
Schedule water connection for moving day
Schedule internet installation (2-3 weeks lead time typical)
Shop around - moving is prime time for deals
Schedule cable/satellite TV installation
Update life insurance address
Update auto insurance - get quotes for new location
Moving changes your auto insurance rate — your new zip code, state minimums, and commute all affect pricing. This is the best time to compare quotes and potentially save hundreds per year.
Get homeowners/renters insurance for NEW address
Your current policy won't cover your new address. Whether you rent or own, you need active coverage on move-in day. We'll help you compare top insurers and find the right plan.
Transfer medical records
Update all magazine subscriptions
USPS mail forwarding ends after 60 days for periodicals
Transfer gym/fitness membership
Schedule junk removal before move — furniture, appliances, clutter not coming with you
Best 1–2 weeks before your move. By then you’ve started packing and made the real decisions about what’s coming with you. Schedule earlier and you’ll find more junk after the hauler leaves. Schedule later and you’re racing the clock during moving week with tighter weekend availability.
Set up home security at new address
Whether you want professional monitoring or DIY cameras, set this up around move-in. ADT installations typically require 1-2 weeks lead time.
Enroll children in new school district
Some districts have waiting lists
Request school records transfer
Final preparations
Schedule gas connection for moving day or day before
Schedule early - utility companies book up weeks in advance
Schedule electric connection for moving day or day before
Schedule water connection for moving day
Set up trash & recycling at new address
Transfer or set up landline phone service
Get homeowners/renters insurance for NEW address
Your current policy won't cover your new address. Whether you rent or own, you need active coverage on move-in day. We'll help you compare top insurers and find the right plan.
Find new pharmacy and transfer prescriptions
Update Amazon Prime shipping address
Update newspaper delivery
Update meal kit subscriptions (HelloFresh, Blue Apron, etc.)
Update subscription box services
Cancel cleaning service at old address
Schedule junk removal before move — furniture, appliances, clutter not coming with you
Best 1–2 weeks before your move. By then you’ve started packing and made the real decisions about what’s coming with you. Schedule earlier and you’ll find more junk after the hauler leaves. Schedule later and you’re racing the clock during moving week with tighter weekend availability.
Set up home security at new address
Whether you want professional monitoring or DIY cameras, set this up around move-in. ADT installations typically require 1-2 weeks lead time.
Consider pet insurance for your move
Moving is when pets are highest-risk — new environment, new hazards, stress. Pet insurance covers accident and illness vet bills, and plans have a waiting period, so it is worth setting up around move-in. A free Lemonade quote takes about two minutes.
Update address with employer/HR department
Day of move
Cancel homeowners/renters insurance at OLD address
Find new pharmacy and transfer prescriptions
Cancel lawn/snow removal service at old address
Cancel pest control at old address
Change garage door code
Set up home security at new address
Whether you want professional monitoring or DIY cameras, set this up around move-in. ADT installations typically require 1-2 weeks lead time.
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Update address with employer/HR department
Immediate settling in
Notify accountants and tax advisors
Update PayPal, Venmo, Cash App addresses
Update life insurance address
Cancel homeowners/renters insurance at OLD address
Update disability and long-term care insurance
Build a home inventory for insurance
Photo or video every room. Speeds any claim and right-sizes your coverage at the new address.
Update driver's license (DMV requirement: typically 30-60 days)
Check state requirements - some require proof of residency
Update voter registration
Find new primary care doctor
Find new specialists (if applicable)
Transfer medical records
Find new therapist/mental health provider
Update Netflix, Hulu, streaming services
Transfer gym/fitness membership
Update airline frequent flyer programs
Update hotel loyalty programs
Update Apple ID/iCloud address
Update Google Account address
Update Microsoft Account address
Update all online shopping accounts (Target, Walmart, etc.)
Update eBay, Etsy, marketplace accounts
Find new cleaning service
Set up pest control at new address
Find new dog walker/pet sitter
Set up grocery delivery (Instacart, etc.)
Schedule junk removal after move-in — cardboard, packing material, what didn’t fit
Best 1–3 weeks after move-in. You need a week or so to unpack, organize, and live in the space — then the real decisions surface. The dresser that doesn’t fit, boxes you forgot you owned, the cardboard mountain at peak volume. Wait too long and the pile becomes permanent garage furniture.
Book a move-in deep clean before unpacking
A one-time deep clean of an empty home is far easier before furniture arrives.
Change all door locks and get new keys made
Do this ASAP for security — you don't know who has copies of the old keys. Prior owners or tenants may have given them to cleaners, contractors, neighbors, ex-partners, or maintenance staff.
Change garage door code
Replace HVAC air filters
Set recurring reminder: every 3 months
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Replace smoke detector batteries
Locate and test main water shutoff valve
Locate circuit breaker panel and label circuits
Clean dryer vent and lint trap
Fire hazard - do this early
Schedule carpet cleaning/deep clean
Test garage door safety sensors
Get a home warranty for the new home
Covers repair or replacement of major systems and appliances that fail after move-in.
Schedule a solar consultation for the new home
Moving is a natural time to evaluate rooftop solar and available local incentives.
Test water quality and set up a softener or filter if needed
Water hardness and contaminants vary by area — test before assuming your old setup fits.
Update pet microchip registration
Consider pet insurance for your move
Moving is when pets are highest-risk — new environment, new hazards, stress. Pet insurance covers accident and illness vet bills, and plans have a waiting period, so it is worth setting up around move-in. A free Lemonade quote takes about two minutes.
Update direct deposit information (if needed)
Update address for W-2 tax forms
Fall lawn aeration and overseeding
Best in early fall — cool nights and warm soil help new grass establish before winter.
Fall pest-proofing and rodent exclusion
Seal gaps before the first cold snap — mice and insects move indoors as temperatures drop.
Insulate exposed pipes before the first freeze
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter home failures. Foam sleeves are cheap insurance.
Schedule an HVAC duct cleaning and heating tune-up
Do it before you rely on the furnace. Improves air quality and catches problems before peak season.
Get a whole-home standby generator quote
Storm and winter outage season is the time to price backup power. Installs book out weeks in advance.
Set up heating-fuel delivery (propane or heating oil)
If your new home uses propane or oil, establish an account and top off before winter pricing climbs.
Line up a winter snow-removal or plow contract
Seasonal plow contracts fill up before the first snow. Lock one in before you need it.
Reverse ceiling fans and seal drafts for winter
Clockwise fans push warm air down; weatherstripping doors and windows cuts heating bills.
First month tasks
Update driver's license (DMV requirement: typically 30-60 days)
Check state requirements - some require proof of residency
Update vehicle registration
Update voter registration
Update Social Security Administration (if name/citizenship change)
Update IRS address (Form 8822)
Update passport address
Update professional licenses (doctors, lawyers, contractors)
Update concealed carry permits (if applicable)
Find new primary care doctor
Find new dentist
Find new specialists (if applicable)
Find new therapist/mental health provider
Update professional organization memberships
Update retail loyalty programs
Find new cleaning service
Set up lawn/snow removal at new address
Schedule junk removal after move-in — cardboard, packing material, what didn’t fit
Best 1–3 weeks after move-in. You need a week or so to unpack, organize, and live in the space — then the real decisions surface. The dresser that doesn’t fit, boxes you forgot you owned, the cardboard mountain at peak volume. Wait too long and the pile becomes permanent garage furniture.
Schedule HVAC system inspection/cleaning
Annual maintenance recommended
Clean or replace range hood filter
Schedule carpet cleaning/deep clean
Clean gutters and downspouts
Do twice yearly: spring and fall
Inspect and clean chimney/fireplace
Inspect foundation and basement for cracks/moisture
Test sump pump (if applicable)
Update pet license with new municipality
Transfer pet vaccination records to new vet
Find a vet near your new home
Line up a vet before you need one. We surface the best-reviewed clinics near your new ZIP, ranked by rating, reviews, and distance.
Update address with former employers (pension, 401k)
Ongoing maintenance
Clean gutters and downspouts
Do twice yearly: spring and fall
Check attic for proper ventilation and insulation
Inspect foundation and basement for cracks/moisture
Check exterior caulking and weather stripping
Flush water heater to remove sediment
Annual maintenance extends water heater life
Seal driveway (if needed)
Winterize outdoor faucets and sprinkler system (seasonal)
Before first freeze
Power wash exterior and deck/patio
Annual maintenance tasks
Flush water heater to remove sediment
Annual maintenance extends water heater life
Power wash exterior and deck/patio
Schedule annual termite inspection
Service garage door opener
Inspect roof for damage/wear
Annual inspection recommended
Long-term maintenance
Inspect roof for damage/wear
Annual inspection recommended
