Moving to a new home—whether across town or to another state—can be exciting, but it’s also easy to overlook important updates while juggling packing, paperwork, and logistics. From changing your address to transferring utilities and making sure your pets and kids are prepared, there’s a lot to remember before the big day.

At WowMover, We’ve helped thousands of families and individuals find verified local and long-distance moving partners to make relocation smoother. With our experience in the industry, we’ve gathered the most essential tasks you should complete before your move.

Use this checklist to stay organized and stress-free as you transition into your new home.

Update Your Address and Contact Information

The first step before moving is to update your mailing address. This ensures you receive bills, paychecks, and important correspondence without interruption.

You can easily notify the post office of your change of address. Choose a forwarding date that matches your move schedule, and if you don’t have a permanent home yet, set up a temporary forwarding address.

Don’t forget to update:

Bank, credit card, and loan accounts
Insurance and healthcare providers
Employer records and tax agencies
Subscription services and online shopping accounts

By updating these early, you’ll avoid lost mail or billing confusion once you settle in.

Set Up Utilities Before Moving Day

Moving into a new home with no water, electricity, or internet can be a nightmare. Before moving day, contact your utility companies to confirm installation or activation dates for services such as:

Electricity, gas, and water
Garbage collection and cable
Internet connection and phone service

Schedule shutoff dates for your old home to avoid overlapping bills, and keep confirmation numbers handy in case of service issues.

Pro tip: Transfer or cancel subscriptions tied to your old address—like lawn care, security systems, or pest control—so you’re not billed after you leave.

Reserve a Storage Unit Early

If your move involves downsizing or a temporary living situation, consider reserving a storage unit. The best facilities offer:

24/7 surveillance and on-site staff
Climate and pest control
Flexible contracts and online payments
Convenient locations near your home or new city

Book your storage unit at least two weeks in advance, as spaces fill up fast during peak moving season.

Also Read: What are the Qualities of a Good Storage Facility

Using temporary storage gives you flexibility and breathing room when managing your belongings.

Don’t Forget About Your Pets

Pets can feel the stress of moving just as much as humans. Make sure they’re prepared by:

Scheduling a vet check-up and getting a copy of their medical records
Refilling prescriptions and updating ID tags or microchip information
Researching pet registration rules in your new state or city

During travel, keep your pet’s comfort in mind—bring familiar toys, food, and blankets to reduce anxiety.

Also Read: How to Introduce Your Pets to Your New Home After Moving

A little planning goes a long way in helping your furry friends adjust to a new environment.

Prepare Your Children for the Move

Relocation can be both exciting and emotional for kids. Including them in the process helps ease the transition.

Here’s how to make moving easier for your children:

Communicate early. Explain why you’re moving and what they can look forward to.
Show visuals. Share photos or videos of your new neighborhood.
Explore together. Visit local parks, malls, or libraries if possible.
Enroll early. The sooner they’re registered at their new school, the smoother their adjustment will be.

Consider visiting the school beforehand so your child can meet teachers and classmates in advance.

Also Read:

Plan for Vehicle Moving and Registration

If you’re moving long-distance, decide whether to drive or ship your car. For convenience and peace of mind, consider using a professional car shipping service from our network of trusted providers.

After relocating, remember to:

Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with your new state
Notify your insurance company of your new address
Research any inspection or emission requirements in your new area

Also Read: Things to Remember When Shipping a Car

Most states give you 30 days to register your vehicle—don’t delay this step, as driving with an out-of-state registration can result in fines.

Last-Minute Tasks Before Moving Day

A successful move often comes down to small details. Here’s a quick pre-move checklist:

Back up important files before packing electronics
Label all boxes by room and priority
Take photos of your old home for deposit records
Prepare a “first-night box” with essentials like chargers, snacks, and toiletries
Confirm moving dates, access codes, and parking with both old and new landlords

A bit of organization can prevent stress on the busiest day of your move.

Let WowMover Help You Find the Right Movers

At WowMover, we’re not a moving company—we’re a connection platform that matches you with the best, most trusted moving companies for your needs. Whether you’re relocating locally or across the country, our goal is to make your search easy, transparent, and stress-free.

Use our platform to compare quotes, read mover reviews, and book a company that fits your schedule and budget.

Contact us today to get started and find the best moving company for your next big move.

To Do Before Moving: Essential Checklist