6 Things People Forget to Do Before Moving Day

1. Pack an Essentials Box

After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to do is dig through a dozen boxes looking for your toothbrush or phone charger.

Pack a separate bag or box with the things you'll need right away. Keep it somewhere you can easily access instead of loading it with everything else.

A few things to include:

• Toiletries
• Medications
• Phone chargers
• A change of clothes
• Snacks and water
• Important documents
• Basic cleaning supplies

Think about what you would want to have with you if you were staying somewhere for a night or two. Those are the things that should go in your essentials bag.

2. Change Your Address

Changing your address is one of those things that's easy to put off. Then you realize a bill, package, or important piece of mail is still going to your old address.

Try to take care of it before you move.

You'll want to update your address with:

• USPS
• Banks and credit card companies
• Insurance companies
• Your employer
• Subscription services
• Friends and family

You may not remember every account right away, but getting the important ones changed before moving day will save you some trouble later.

3. Empty and Defrost Your Refrigerator

If you're bringing your refrigerator with you, make sure it's ready to move.

Empty out the food and give the freezer enough time to defrost. Depending on the refrigerator, you may want to unplug it and let it sit for around 24 hours before moving it.

This helps prevent water from leaking while it's being moved and keeps the appliance from creating a mess.

It also gives you a chance to clean out any old food before it makes the trip to your new home.

4. Label Your Boxes

You don't need a complicated system for labeling your boxes. Just make sure you can tell what's inside and where it needs to go.

Instead of writing only "Kitchen," try something like "Kitchen - Pots and Pans."

For fragile items, make sure that's clear on the box, too.

A simple labeling system can make a big difference once you start unpacking. It also helps your movers know where each box belongs when they're bringing everything into your new home.

5. Set Up Your Utilities

This is one you definitely don't want to forget.

Imagine arriving at your new house after a full day of moving and realizing the electricity hasn't been turned on yet. Or finding out your internet won't be installed for another week.

Before moving day, contact the companies you'll need and schedule your services.

Depending on your home, this may include:

• Electricity
• Water and sewer
• Natural gas
• Internet
• Cable
• Trash and recycling

You'll also want to schedule the shutoff of services at your old home after you're finished moving out.

It's much easier to take care of this ahead of time than to deal with it after you've already moved.

6. Do One Last Walkthrough

Before you lock the door for the last time, walk through the entire house one more time.

Check the closets, cabinets, garage, basement, attic, and any other storage areas. It's surprisingly easy to leave something behind when you've been focused on getting everything packed and moved.

Keep an eye out for things like:

• Phone chargers
• Tools
• Cleaning supplies
• Garage door openers
• Important paperwork
• Seasonal decorations

Taking a few extra minutes to look through the house can save you a trip back later.

Make Moving Day Easier

There are plenty of things to think about when you're moving, and it's normal for a few smaller tasks to slip your mind. Taking care of these things ahead of time can make moving day go a lot more smoothly.

And if you'd rather not handle the heavy lifting yourself, the team at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Fort Wayne can help with your next move. From loading and unloading to getting your belongings safely from one home to the next, our movers are ready to help.