Utilities, Address Changes, and the Admin of Moving
The administrative side of moving is not hard, but it is long. Here is the full list, organized by when to do it.
Nothing here is difficult. It goes wrong when it happens on moving day, when the water is off at the new house and the old provider has already closed the account.
Utilities: schedule three to four weeks out
- Electricity — connect at the new address the day before you arrive
- Gas — often requires an in-person appointment to light appliances; book early
- Water and sewer — some municipalities require the closing document or lease
- Trash and recycling — confirm collection day and whether bins are provided
- Internet — schedule installation for the day before or the day of arrival; this is the longest lead time
- Disconnect old services for the day after you leave, not the day you leave
- Take photographs of final meter readings at the old address
Mail and government
- File a change of address with the postal service about two weeks before the move
- Update your driver's license and vehicle registration — most states require this within 10 to 30 days
- Update voter registration
- Notify the tax authorities if required by your state
- Update the address on any professional license
Financial
- Banks and credit unions
- Credit card issuers
- Mortgage servicer or landlord
- Homeowners or renters insurance — update before the move, not after
- Auto insurance, since rates are location-based
- Investment and retirement accounts
- Payroll and employer records
- Tax preparer
Health and personal
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Doctors, dentists, and specialists — request records transfers
- Pharmacy
- Veterinarian, and update pet microchip registration
- Schools — request transcripts and immunization records
Subscriptions and services
- Streaming, delivery, and subscription boxes
- Gym or club memberships, including cancellation notice requirements
- Lawn, cleaning, and pest services
- Newspapers and magazines
- Online retailer default addresses — a common cause of packages sent to the old house
First week in the new home
- Confirm every utility is active and billing to your name
- Locate the water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Rekey exterior locks and reset garage codes
- Note the trash and recycling schedule
- Introduce yourself to neighbors — they know things no document will tell you
Frequently asked questions
How long does mail forwarding last?
Standard forwarding for first-class mail runs twelve months in the United States, with periodicals forwarded for a shorter period. Update senders directly rather than relying on forwarding.
When should I schedule internet installation?
As early as possible — installation appointments commonly run one to three weeks out, and it is the service people miss most.
Do I need to be present for utility connections?
Gas usually requires access to light appliances. Electricity and water can often be activated remotely.
