Travel 101: Things you need when you move from one place to another

Things to do before you move:

1. Cancel the current lease in advance to avoid fines
2. Clean up the place to avoid fines
3. Pay all bills pending or due in future
4. Cancel existing subscriptions (Internet/Gym, etc)
5. Remove all smart devices from your old home
6. Book transport/storage for your stuff before you move
7. Book transport for yourself
8. Use this organized list as a checklist and mark off each item as you complete it.
   
   

Essentials:

1. Car(s)
2. Subscriptions (Internet/Gym, etc)
3. 4K 65”+ TV
4. TV remote & 4K 60Hz HDMI wires
5. TV stand (preferably tilt+height adjustable)
6. TV table/rack
7. Sofa set (preferred set of 2) (for at least 3 people)
8. Sofa/Futon pillows for lumbar support
9. Bed (queen size for 1 person) (king size for 2 people)
10. Bedsheets, pillows and pillow covers
11. 2x Dressers / drawer sets (2x for each side of your bed and sofa)
12. Lamps/lights (for kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and open space)
13. Dustbins (for kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and open space)
14. Dining/coffee table (for open space)
15. Desk for work (in open space)
16. Chairs for coffee/dining tables (in open space)
17. Shower/bathroom curtains
18. Wi-Fi extender+Router + LAN wires
19. Microwave (preferably as air fryer combo)
20. Smart Thermostat
21. Washing machine & Dryer (preferably 2 in 1 combo)
22. Roomba Floor Vacuum (preferably with LIDAR and mop)
23. Mini/Large Vacuum cleaner (high suction)
24. Kitchen Utensils 
25. Working sink (for bathroom and kitchen)
26. Internet Router & LAN wires
27. Cleaning essentials
28. Tissue rolls (for kitchen and open space)
29. Tissue roll holders
30. Toilet paper
31. Refrigerator (with freezer or buy freezer separately)
32. Suitcases (for packing travel luggage and gifts separately)
33. Empty bags (for garbage and packing)
34. Clothes & Shoes
35. Personal Computers
36. Personal electronics
37. Phone chargers for all rooms
38. Power cord extensions
39. Shoe Rack
40. Floor mats/carpets (Entrance, kitchen, hall, bathroom)
41. Double-sided tape to stick floor mats to the floor

Optional Nice to Haves:

1. Soundbar / speakers
2. Hall & room curtains
3. Alcohol bar (furniture & bottle stand)
4. Recliner (with 180 degree flat option)
5. Cloth Iron & ironing table
6. Books (collectible encyclopedias)
7. Bookrack
8. Wall-mounted racks/paintings
9. Cold/hot water station (in open space)
10. Toilet bidet (water jet)
11. Dishwasher
12. House Plants
    

Addresses to Update after moving:

Changing your address after a move is critical to ensure you continue to receive important mail, prevent identity theft, and comply with legal requirements. Here's a structured approach:

1. Government & Legal

• USPS (United States Postal Service) Change of Address:
  • How: Submit a change of address request online at the USPS Official Change of Address website or in person at a post office.
  • Cost: Online: $1.10 (to verify your identity using a credit card). In-person: Free.
  • ETA: Mail forwarding typically starts within 7-10 business days. You can choose a temporary (up to 6 months, renewable) or permanent forward.
  • Why: Ensures your mail is redirected to your new address. Essential for bills, statements, and other critical correspondence.
• USCIS / Immigration (Form AR-11 Alien's Change of Address Form):
  • How: If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you are legally required to report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. File Form AR-11 online or by mail.
  • Why: Legal requirement; failure to do so can result in penalties or affect your immigration status.
• DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) / Local Government Offices (License & ID, Vehicle Registration):
  • How: Visit your state's DMV website for specific instructions. You'll typically need to update your driver's license/state ID and vehicle registration. This often involves visiting a physical office.
  • Cost: Varies by state for new licenses/registrations.
  • ETA: Can be done immediately in person. Some states allow online address changes for vehicle registration.
  • Why: Legal requirement for driving; ensures you receive official notices, renewed licenses, and registration.
• IRS (Internal Revenue Service) - Tax Authority:
  • How: You can notify the IRS by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, or by simply updating your address when filing your next tax return.
  • Why: Ensures you receive tax refunds, notices, and other IRS correspondence at the correct address.
• Voter Registration:
  • How: Register to vote or update your existing voter registration through your state's election office website. Many states offer online voter registration.
  • Why: Ensures you receive voting information and ballots for elections and can vote in your new precinct.

2. Financial Accounts

• Banks (BoA, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) & Credit Card Accounts:
  • How: Most banks allow you to update your address online through their secure portal. You may also be able to do it via phone or in person. For credit cards, log into your account or call customer service.
  • Why: Crucial for receiving statements, new cards, and fraud alerts. Prevents identity theft.
• 401k/HSA/FSA/Retirement/Roth IRA Accounts (Vanguard, Fidelity, etc.):
  • How: Log into your account administrator's website (e.g., Vanguard, Fidelity, your employer's retirement plan portal). You'll typically find an address update section under your profile or personal information. You might also contact your HR department for employer-sponsored plans.
  • Why: Ensures you receive statements, tax documents (like 1099-R), and other vital investment information.
• Trading Accounts (E-trade, Robinhood, etc.):
  • How: Similar to banks, update your address through the online portal of your brokerage firm.
  • Why: Important for receiving trade confirmations, tax documents (1099-B), and account statements.
• Credit Bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion):
  • How: While changing your address with individual creditors will eventually update your credit report, you can directly notify the credit bureaus online through their websites or by phone. This is not strictly necessary but can help ensure accuracy.
  • Why: Ensures your credit report accurately reflects your current information, which can be important for credit checks.

3. Employment & Benefits

• Employer Records (Workday, ADP for Payroll, Benefits Center):
  • How: Log into your employee self-service portal (e.g., Workday, ADP). Update your address, emergency contacts, and direct deposit information if needed. If unable to update yourself, contact your HR department.
  • Why: Ensures correct payroll delivery, benefits enrollment information, and communication from your employer.
• Health Insurance (Anthem, Delta Dental) & Doctors:
  • How: Contact your health insurance provider directly (online portal or phone) to update your address. Also, notify your individual doctors' offices and any specialists.
  • Why: Ensures you receive accurate Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements, new insurance cards, and medical bills at the correct address.

4. Shopping & Subscriptions

• Online Shopping (Amazon, eBay, etc.):
  • How: Log into each online shopping account and update your default shipping and billing addresses. Review any saved addresses.
  • Why: Prevents packages from being sent to your old address.
• Subscription Services (Netflix, Spotify, Meal/Grocery Delivery, Magazines, etc.):
  • How: Log into each service and update your billing and shipping addresses where applicable.
  • Why: Ensures uninterrupted service and correct billing.
• Memberships (Gym, Associations, Clubs, Priority Pass):
  • How: Contact each organization directly or update through their online portals.
  • Why: Ensures you receive communications and billing information.

5. Travel Accounts & Airlines

• Airline Memberships (Delta, American Airlines, etc.):
  • How: Log into your frequent flyer accounts and update your address in your profile.
  • Why: Ensures you receive account statements, promotions, and any physical membership materials.
• Travel Accounts (Greyhound, Amtrak):
  • How: Update your address in your online profiles for these services.
  • Why: Important for booking and receiving travel-related communications.
• UPS / FedEx:
  • How: While not a "change of address" in the USPS sense, you can set up a "delivery manager" or similar service with UPS My Choice and FedEx Delivery Manager to redirect packages or set delivery preferences for your new address. This is typically tied to your current address, so ensure it's accurate in your profile.
  • Why: Provides control over package deliveries and notifications.

6. Utilities & Insurance

• Utility Companies (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Cable):
  • How: This is a two-step process:
    1. Stop service at your old address, noting the final meter reading date.
    2. Start service at your new address, scheduling activation.
  • Cost: May involve activation fees at the new address.
  • ETA: Schedule these at least 1-2 weeks in advance of your move date.
  • Why: Ensures continuous essential services at your new home and avoids billing issues at your old one.
• Car & Home Insurance Policy:
  • How: Immediately contact your insurance provider(s). Your premium will likely change based on your new location's risk factors. Provide your new address and update vehicle garaging locations.
  • Why: Crucial to ensure continuous coverage and that your policy reflects the correct risks and rates for your new address. Failing to update could lead to claims being denied.
    
    
    

Feel free to bookmark this Checklist for your next move :)

Also check out our other article on 
Travel 101: Things to carry with you when you travel anywhere