Miscellaneous Tasks to Complete During the Moving Process

Miscellaneous Tasks to Complete During the Moving Process

Couple looking at moving checklist

Updated 08/08/2024

Moving to a new home involves many tasks. Setting up essential utilities, changing your address, and connecting to the internet are all important to your everyday life.

Many movers often look miscellaneous, but critical tasks are in the chaos of moving. However, they are essential for a smooth transition into your new living space. Here, we will guide you through the pre-move tasks, making sure you are well-prepared to start life in your new home!

Graphic reading, "moving blog, miscellaneous tasks to complete during the moving process"
Save our post to Pinterest!

Connecting Power

One miscellaneous but essential task is ensuring power is connected to your new home. Having electricity is crucial for running appliances, having a home office, charging electronics, and ensuring general comfort in your new living space.

If you are moving into a rented property, contact your landlord. Oftentimes, power and electricity are included in your rent. In most cases, you won’t have to do much.

If you have to find a provider, research your area and their plans to find one that best fits your needs and budget. Once you have found a plan that is right for you, call at least one week in advance. This will give them enough time to connect your new property to power.

Water Services

Setting up water services in a new home is an important step in moving. Access to clean water is essential for a healthy, clean, functional living environment.

First, contact the local water utility company. Most likely, they will request that you fill out an application and create an account with them. Then, the utility company will then schedule a date to turn on the water service at your property.

Setting up water services may vary depending on your location and local regulations. To have the smoothest experience, research and understand your new area’s specific requirements and procedures.

Sewage Services

In addition to setting up water services, arranging for sewage services is equally important. Most homes are connected to a municipal sewage system. If that is your case, contact your local sanitation department if your property is connected to municipal sewage.

Furthermore, if your new home has a septic tank, it has to be inspected and serviced. Regular septic tank maintenance is crucial for preventing issues with sewage disposal and maintaining a healthy living environment.

Woman washing an apple under running sink water

Trash Collection

When registering for trash collection, find your city’s website and fill out a garbage request form at least a week before you move into your new home. That way, you don’t have to wait for the service.

Changing Your Address

Whether you’re moving across town or the country, updating your address is crucial. This will ensure that you continue receiving important mail and services. Many different organizations and services need to know your new address.

USPS Change of Address

The first step in the process is to visit the United States Postal Service (USPS) website or stop by the nearest post office. There, you will fill out a change of address form.

Looking to move soon?

Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!

Financial Institutions

Make sure to update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions that you have accounts with.

Utilities and Service Providers

Contact your utility companies to inform them of your move and provide them with your new address. This can include electricity, water, gas, and internet/cable providers. Then, your final bills will be sent to the correct location.

Government Agencies

Update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other relevant government agencies. Then, you will continue to receive your important documents and information.

Subscriptions and Memberships

If you have news subscriptions, online streaming accounts, or memberships to clubs or organizations, be sure to update your address with them to avoid confusion or interruptions in service.

Healthcare Providers

Inform your healthcare providers (including your doctor, dentist, and any specialists of your change of address. This will ensure that you continue to receive important healthcare information and bills.

Employers and HR

If you’re changing jobs or moving to a new location, remember to update your address with your employer’s HR department to avoid payroll or communication issues.

Brown envelope with an address written on the front

Connecting to Internet

Setting up internet in a new home is often a challenging task, but it is very important. Internet is essential for checking in with friends and family, working in your home office, and streaming movies and television shows.

With an overwhelming amount of options available, finding the best provider and plan can be difficult. However, here are some easy steps to follow when choosing a provider and connecting to the internet:

  1. Make a list of personal internet necessities.
    • How many devices does your plan need to support?
    • What will you use your home internet for?
  2. Research and choose a provider.
    • How much do they charge?
    • What equipment do they use?
    • How fast is their internet?
  3. Choose an equipment Installation method.
    • Install the router (and other equipment) yourself.
    • Hire a professional to get the job done right.
  4. Connect your devices.
    • Connect all devices that need internet.
    • Test the speed and reliability.
Multiple devices laid out on a wooden desk

Conclusion

When determining what to do before moving, the small miscellaneous tasks are just as important as the big ones.

Electricity, water, sewer, and trash services are essential to everyday life. Look up your city’s website to find out what your options are. Then, pick which plan is best for you! Make sure to look at the price, reliability, and coverage of each plan before entering a contract.

Furthermore, changing your address is a very straightforward task, but there are usually many places you have to consider. First, go to your local post office and fill out a change of address form.

If mail slips shows up at your old address, the post office can forward it to your new home. Then, change your address for financial institutions, utilities and service providers, government agencies, subscriptions and memberships, healthcare providers, and employers.

Also, connecting your new home to the internet is an easy but important task. Make a list of personal internet necessities. What is important to you? Then, research and choose a provider. Finally, install equipment and connect your devices.

Furthermore, so you don’t forget anything, make a list of tasks you need to complete before your move. Although moving can be overwhelming, keeping track of all the necessary tasks will help you stay organized and ensure a smooth, stress-free move!

FAQs

How can I change my address for all important mail and subscriptions?

To update your address for subscriptions and important mail, visit the websites of your subscription services and look for the address update option in your account settings. For crucial mail like bank statements and bills, notify each sender directly by filling out a change of address form at your local post office or online through the organizations’ websites. Additionally, set up mail forwarding with the postal service to ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence during the transition.

What are some tips for decluttering before a move?

When decluttering, it’s helpful to start early and tackle one area at a time. Begin with items you don’t use daily like clothes, books, and decorations. Create three categories for items: keep, donate, and discard. Consider the layout and size of your new home to help determine what to keep. Sell or donate items that you no longer need.

Will changing my address update my voter registration and driver’s license information?

Yes, changing your address should update your voter registration and driver’s license information. Additionally, when you update your address with the postal service, they typically offer the option to update your voter registration as well. Furthermore, when you change your address with the DMV for your driver’s license, your voter registration address is often updated simultaneously. However, it’s always a good idea to directly confirm these updates with the respective offices to ensure that your information is accurate and up to date.

Are there any important utility-related tasks to take care of before moving?

Before moving, it’s important to take care of several utility-related tasks. You should contact your current utility providers, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet, to schedule disconnection or transfer of services to your new address. It’s incredibly important to settle any outstanding bills and provide final meter readings!

What mail will be forwarded to my new address after I change it?

Once you’ve changed your address, the postal service will typically forward first-class and priority mail to your new address for a limited time, including letters, packages, and some magazines. However, this service does not cover catalogs or standard mail, so it’s essential to notify senders directly to ensure you receive all important correspondence. Remember, mail forwarding is temporary, so be sure to update your address with all relevant contacts and organizations promptly.

Blogger/Journalist at  |  + posts

Caroline is an undergraduate at the University of Iowa studying Business Management and English Publishing. When she's not studying, she spends time reading, hanging out with friends, working out, traveling, and calling her family. After college, Caroline will enter the publishing industry, where she will help authors and their stories find their perfect audience.