Miscellaneous Tasks to Complete During the Moving Process

Miscellaneous Tasks to Complete During the Moving Process

Couple looking at moving checklist

You made the calls, got the deposit, and are about to start packing, but did you check off those small tasks? Those miscellaneous chores that can literally make or break your first night? I’m talking about connecting all your utilities and ensuring your mail gets to the right place. Here’s what to keep in mind before you move into that new house.

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Connecting power

It is arguably the most crucial miscellaneous task in your moving process as it determines if the lights will flick on when you walk in.

For people moving into an apartment, make sure to check with your landlord to see if it will already be provided for you via rent or other means. In most cases, you won’t have to make any calls to local providers and set up your connection through them.

‘But I’m moving into a house, not an apartment!’ I hear you say. Well, if that’s your case, it’s best to research the providers in your area and their plans so you can find one that fits you. Then, with your company and plan picked, give them at least a week in advance so that if anything comes up, you’ll have no problems before you flip that switch.

Water and sewer services

What’s more important than using your sink? Probably flushing your toilet. I’ll walk you through what to do next.

Again, ask your landlord if they will provide water and sewage services to your unit. If they don’t, you’ll have to contact your city via their website before moving into your new house. You’ll need to fill out an application for services, and it’s best to hand it in two to three weeks in advance.

Who’s picking up your trash?

Can you tell me who they work for before saying, ‘garbage man?’ Usually, most neighborhoods have a local company that deals with trash pick up. By chance, you have to set it up, go to your city’s website, and fill out a garbage request form. Try to have it filled out a week before you move in to avoid stinky garbage bags by your door.

Did you change your address yet?

This one can easily slip under your radar as you juggle mountains of boxes and utility switching.

Unfortunately, this will not be in your rent, nor will your landlord have it set up for you. You’ll have to make a trip to the post office to fill out a change of address form, or it could be done via their website. Do this two weeks before you move to avoid bills and other mail getting to you late. Also, try to change your address on any subscriptions you may have. You might have changed it for your regular mail, but those magazines will still have your previous address. Also, be sure to change your address directly with important places like your bank, doctor, and your children’s school.

What about internet?

If you’re lucky, this might be included in your rent, but here’s what to do if it’s not.

You’ll have to make a call to your internet provider of choice and set up the plan right for you. Have this scheduled about two weeks in advance if their technicians need to make a trip for installation.

Does your house need cable?

Do people even use cable anymore? If you’re an avid channel surfer by heart, check to see if it’s included in your rent.

When setting up cable, it is pretty much the same as dealing with the internet. First, you’ll need to find a company you wish to do business with (likely, it’ll be the same company you got internet from), choose the plan that’s best for you, and have it established two weeks before you move in, in case they need to install anything.

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Are you moving the phone too?

I know cellphones are in everyone’s pockets, but what about an old-fashioned landline?

A phone usually isn’t provided by your landlord, so you’ll need to find the right provider for you. Again, this might all be bundled with your internet and cable, but find the plan that fits your budget the best, and give them about two weeks in advance for installation.

Cross your t’s and dot your i’s

If you’re not careful, those miscellaneous tasks can hinder you in your moving process. But, lucky for you, you’re already on top of it! I wonder what other jobs might come up; how about the hassle of moving massive furniture into your new house? You know the ones, couches, beds, should I go on? Check out “The Ultimate Guide To Moving Heavy Furniture” on our ever-so-growing UniMovers Blog!

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Evan Tovar recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in English/Creative Writing with a minor in history. When he's not working, he's at his desk practicing the art of world-building.