Checklist to Help Your Moving Day Be Successful

Before Moving Day

• Change of Address:

  • Notify the post office of your address change.

  • Update your bank details: transfer funds, arrange check cashing in your new city, and order new checks with your updated address.

  • Change your address with all investment companies and banks that manage your finances.

  • Update your address with credit card companies and department store accounts.

  • Notify magazine subscriptions of your address change.

  • Inform relatives, friends, and employers of your new address. If you're listed as an emergency contact for your children's schools, update their records as well.

• Insurance and Utilities:

  • Update auto insurance and auto club memberships with your new address.

  • Adjust your health and life insurance details.

  • Arrange homeowners insurance for both your current and new home.

  • Contact your telephone company to cancel or transfer service and get a refund for any deposits.

  • Notify gas and electric companies to end service at the old address and transfer it to your new one.

  • Notify the water company and trash collection services to cancel or transfer accounts (for both old and new locations).

• Pets and Personal Items:

  • Ask for referrals to a new doctor, dentist, and veterinarian in your new location.

  • Ensure pet vaccinations are up to date and apply for any new licenses needed for your new location.

  • Make arrangements to safely transport pets.

• Miscellaneous:

  • Check with the local Agriculture Department of your new home to see if there are any plant restrictions.

  • Secure moving parts on items like copiers and printers for transport.

  • Clean and wrap rugs and clothing before the move.

  • Return cable TV boxes and cancel subscriptions.

  • Return all video rentals and cancel memberships, if applicable.

  • Return library books and retrieve laundry from dry cleaners.

  • Plan food consumption and empty your freezer before moving.

  • Defrost and clean your refrigerator; leave the doors propped open to prevent odors.

On Moving Day

• Carry enough cash or traveler’s checks to cover moving expenses and other immediate needs until your new bank is accessible.

• Personally carry jewelry and important documents, or send them via registered mail.

• Double-check closets, drawers, and shelves to ensure they are empty.

• Leave behind old keys, garage door openers, instruction manuals, and house plans for the new owners or your real estate agent.

At Your New Home

• Utilities and Mail:

  • Ensure that gas, electricity, water, telephone, and garbage collection are properly connected. (Download San Mateo County Utilities Contact List)

  • Check and light any necessary pilot lights (for water heaters or furnaces).

  • Retrieve any held mail from the post office.

• New State Requirements (if applicable):

  • Promptly register your cars with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to avoid penalties.

  • Update your driver's license and car registration with your new address.

• Settle In:

  • Register to vote (if applicable in your new state).

  • Enroll children in their new school.

  • Apply for a state driver’s license if required.

  • Visit the local Chamber of Commerce to see if they offer any new resident discount packages.

This checklist should help you make your moving day as smooth and stress-free as possible.