10 Most Commonly Forgotten Moving Tasks That Could Cost You

10 Most Commonly Forgotten Moving Tasks That Could Cost You

After moving thousands of Minnesota families, we've noticed the same tasks get forgotten over and over. Don't let these common oversights turn your smooth move into a stressful scramble.

1. Updating Your Address Everywhere

Most people remember the post office and their bank, but forget about:

• Voter registration — Update within 20 days in Minnesota
• Subscriptions — Magazines, meal kits, subscription boxes
• Insurance providers — Auto, health, life, and renter's/homeowner's
• Professional licenses — Medical, legal, real estate, etc.
• Loyalty programs — Airlines, hotels, store rewards
• Online shopping accounts — Amazon, Target, etc.

2. Transferring Utilities

Don't arrive at your new home to find no electricity, water, or internet.

• Schedule disconnection at old home for the day after your move
• Schedule connection at new home for the day before you arrive
• In Minnesota: Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and your local water utility typically need 2 weeks notice
• Internet: Schedule installation ASAP — wait times can be 1-2 weeks

3. Cleaning Out the Refrigerator and Freezer

Frozen food is heavy, perishable, and can create a mess during a move.

• Use up frozen food in the 2 weeks before your move
• Defrost the freezer 24 hours before moving day
• Clean and dry the interior
• Prop the door open during transit to prevent mold

4. Measuring Doorways and Furniture

That couch fit through the door when you moved in... but will it fit through the doors at your new place?

• Measure all large furniture
• Measure all doorways, hallways, and stairways at your new home
• Don't forget the elevator dimensions if applicable
• Plan disassembly for anything that won't fit

5. Backing Up Digital Files

While not technically "moving," changing locations increases the risk to your electronics.

• Back up computers and phones to cloud storage
• Save important documents to an external drive
• Photograph serial numbers of electronics
• Keep backup drives with you (not in the moving truck)

6. Draining Gas-Powered Equipment

Movers cannot transport equipment with gasoline due to safety regulations.

• Lawn mower: Drain fuel or run until empty
• Snow blower: Same treatment
• Generator: Drain completely
• Propane tanks: Cannot be transported — swap at new location

7. Preparing an Essentials Box

The first night in your new home shouldn't be a scavenger hunt.

Pack a clearly labeled box with:

• Toiletries and medications
• Phone chargers and power strip
• Change of clothes for each family member
• Bedsheets and pillows
• Paper towels, toilet paper, and trash bags
• Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, box cutter)
• Snacks and water
• Pet supplies (food, leash, medications)

8. Notifying Your Kids' Schools

If you're changing school districts, you'll need:

• Records transfer request from current school
• Registration forms for new school
• Immunization records
• Previous report cards and transcripts
• IEP or 504 plan documentation (if applicable)

Minnesota tip: School district enrollment can take 1-2 weeks. Start the process before you move.

9. Taking Photos of Electronics Setup

Before unplugging your TV, router, gaming console, and sound system:

• Photograph the back of each device showing cable connections
• Label cables with masking tape
• Note which HDMI port goes where
• Save your Wi-Fi network name and password

This saves hours of frustration during setup at your new home.

10. Arranging Parking and Building Access

Especially important in the Twin Cities:

• Minneapolis/St. Paul: May require street parking permits
• Apartments: Reserve the freight elevator and loading dock
• HOA communities: Some require advance notice and approval
• Condo buildings: May need a Certificate of Insurance from your mover

Pro tip: Blue Dolly handles all COI requirements and coordinates with building management for you.

Bonus: Use Our Interactive Checklist

Don't rely on memory. Our Interactive Moving Checklist tracks all these tasks and more, with progress tracking that saves automatically.

Start your checklist now and get a free moving quote.

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Blue Dolly Moving helps Minnesota families move stress-free. Call (612) 400-9989 or get a free quote online.