Top 10 Things People Forget to Do Before Moving (And How to Avoid Them)

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure—but it’s also one of the most stressful life events. Between packing, scheduling movers, and updating your address, it’s easy to overlook a few important tasks. Even the most organized people forget things that can cause last-minute stress, added expenses, or post-move headaches.

To help make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve created this checklist of the top 10 things people forget to do before moving, plus simple ways to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

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1. Change Your Address Early

Why it’s often forgotten: Many people assume they can do this after the move, but waiting too long can cause delays in important mail and packages.

How to avoid it:

• Visit the USPS website and submit a change of address form at least 7–10 days before your move.

• Don’t forget to update your address with:

  • Banks and credit cards

  • Insurance providers

  • Subscriptions and delivery services

  • DMV and voter registration

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months for most items, but it’s better to update senders directly.

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2. Transfer or Cancel Utilities

Why it’s often forgotten: With so many moving parts, utility accounts are easy to overlook until you arrive at a dark or uncooled new home.

How to avoid it:

• Make a list of all utilities tied to your current home, including:

  • Electricity

  • Water

  • Gas

  • Internet and cable

  • Trash collection

• Schedule disconnection and new service setup for your move-out and move-in dates.

Some utility providers let you transfer service online—easy and fast!

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3. Take Final Meter Readings

Why it’s often forgotten: People assume the utility company will handle this, but it’s better to document everything yourself.

How to avoid it:

• Take photos of your water, gas, and electricity meters the day you move out.

• Send the photos to your utility provider for final billing.

• Keep them for your records in case you’re incorrectly charged.

This simple step can protect you from paying for someone else’s usage after you’ve left.

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4. Gather Important Documents

Why it’s often forgotten: In the chaos of packing, essential paperwork is often boxed up and misplaced.

How to avoid it:

• Pack a clearly labeled “Important Documents” folder or box with:

  • Birth certificates

  • Medical records

  • Financial documents

  • School records

  • Moving contracts or leases

  • Passports and IDs

Keep this folder with you during the move, not in the moving truck or storage container.

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5. Back Up Your Electronics

Why it’s often forgotten: Until something breaks or goes missing during the move, we take our data for granted.

How to avoid it:

• Back up your computer and devices to the cloud or an external drive.

• Remove batteries and SD cards from cameras and electronics.

• Label power cords and store them in bags with their corresponding devices.

This protects not only your devices—but all your data, photos, and files.

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6. Notify Schools and Employers

Why it’s often forgotten: When moving locally, people assume nothing needs to be updated. But even short moves can affect logistics and records.

How to avoid it:

• Inform your child’s school and request a records transfer if needed.

• Update your employer with your new address for payroll and tax purposes.

• Update any professional licenses or memberships tied to your address.

This keeps everything current and avoids disruptions in communication.

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7. Empty the Hidden Spots

Why it’s often forgotten: It’s easy to focus on furniture and boxes and forget about tucked-away items.

How to avoid it:
Before moving day, check these often-forgotten places:

• Medicine cabinets

• Dishwasher and washer/dryer

• Attics, basements, and sheds

• Safe deposit boxes

• Storage units

• Under the bed and behind appliances

Don’t forget to clear out your fridge and freezer too—perishables should be used or donated ahead of time.

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8. Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly

Why it’s often forgotten: Paint, propane tanks, and cleaning chemicals can’t be moved by professional movers—and many people find out too late.

How to avoid it:

• Dispose of or donate hazardous items like:

  • Paints and varnishes

  • Fertilizers and pesticides

  • Car batteries

  • Aerosol cans

• Contact your local waste management for hazardous waste drop-off options.

Trying to move or store these items is not only illegal with many companies—it’s dangerous.

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9. Take Photos of Your Setup and Valuables

Why it’s often forgotten: In the rush to disassemble furniture and unplug electronics, it’s easy to miss this step.

How to avoid it:

• Take photos of:

  • Your home setup (for easy furniture arrangement later)

  • TV, modem, and cable setups (to simplify reconnection)

  • Valuable items (for insurance documentation)

• Keep these photos on your phone or cloud storage.

Visual references can save hours during unpacking and provide proof in case of damage or disputes.

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10. Plan for Pets and Kids on Moving Day

Why it’s often forgotten: Everyone is focused on boxes and logistics—until it’s time to wrangle a nervous cat or distracted toddler.

How to avoid it:

• Arrange for childcare or pet sitting on moving day.

• Pack a pet/kid essentials bag with food, toys, snacks, and comfort items.

• Set up a quiet, safe room with water, bedding, and familiar items if they’re staying in the house.

Keeping pets and children calm and out of the way makes moving safer and less stressful for everyone.

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Bonus Tip: Use Portable Storage to Stay Organized and Avoid Mistakes

If managing everything above sounds overwhelming, Mobile Attic Portable Storage can make your move more manageable and less chaotic.

How Mobile Attic Helps:

• Delivered to your home, so you can pack on your schedule

• Load gradually, reducing the chance of forgetting essentials

• Weather-resistant and secure, perfect for temporary storage

• No truck rental required, saving time and money

• Ideal for staged, multi-day moves or downsizing

Using portable storage helps you stay organized, calm, and in control, even when life gets hectic.

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Final Thoughts

Even the best-prepared moves can come with surprises—but forgetting these 10 often-overlooked tasks can cost you time, money, and frustration. By staying proactive, keeping a checklist, and using tools like Mobile Attic Portable Storage, you’ll ensure a smoother, smarter moving experience.

🎯 Ready to move without the chaos?
Let Mobile Attic deliver a portable storage container to your door and make your move easier from start to finish.