You’ve packed the boxes, hired the movers, and marked your calendar—but are you really ready for moving day? The truth is, most people forget a handful of critical tasks that can cause last-minute chaos, extra costs, or even delays.
Whether you’re hiring local Savannah movers or movers in Pooler, GA, proper planning ensures a smooth transition into your new home. This guide walks you through 7 often-forgotten tasks that can make or break your moving day experience.
Change Your Address and Notify Important Parties
It might seem obvious, but forgetting to update your address is one of the most common oversights. Many people assume they’ll take care of it after the move—but that can lead to missed bills, lost mail, and service interruptions.
Who to Notify
- USPS – Use the online change-of-address form
- Banks and credit card providers
- Insurance companies (auto, health, renters/home)
- Employer/payroll
- Utilities and internet providers
- Subscriptions (Amazon, Netflix, magazines)
If you’re moving locally—say, from Pooler to downtown Savannah—don’t forget also to update voter registration and your driver’s license address with Georgia DDS.
Transfer or Cancel Utility Services
Another task often overlooked is coordinating utilities. You don’t want to move into a new home without water or electricity, and you definitely don’t want to keep paying for a service at your old address.
To-Do
- Schedule disconnection of services like gas, water, electric, and internet at your current home.
- Arrange for activation at your new address for the same day (or before, if possible).
- Take final meter readings and photos for your records.
- Return equipment like cable boxes or routers to avoid fees.
Tip: If you’re moving to or from areas serviced by Georgia Power or Comcast Xfinity, request appointments well in advance to avoid delays.
Create a Moving Day Essentials Box
One of the biggest moving regrets people have? Not packing a personal “essentials” box or bag with everything they’ll need for the first night in the new place.
Include
- Medications and toiletries
- Chargers and extension cords
- Snacks and bottled water
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- A change of clothes
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet food, toys, and leashes (if applicable)
Label this box clearly and keep it with you, not on the truck. Many Savannah movers recommend this tip to clients to make the first night less stressful.
Confirm Details With Your Moving Company
Don’t assume your moving company has all the right information—call to confirm a few days before moving day.
What to Confirm
- Arrival time and address
- Payment method and total cost estimate
- Inventory list or service details
- Contact information for the lead mover
- Any special instructions (e.g., narrow streets, limited parking, elevator access)
If you’re working with movers in Pooler, GA, confirm they know the route and expected travel time, especially if you’re moving during peak traffic hours.
Bonus tip: Make sure your new home is ready for the movers—doors unlocked, parking available, and someone present to direct them.
Label Your Boxes Clearly and By Room
While you may have packed everything, a lack of labeling can lead to major unpacking headaches. Without clear labels, movers don’t know where to place items, and you’ll waste time sorting through a mountain of mismatched boxes.
Label Like a Pro
- Mark each box with the room it belongs to and a brief content list (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”).
- Use color-coded tape for each room to help movers identify placement quickly.
- Mark boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” where necessary.
Many Savannah movers will place boxes wherever you direct, so the clearer your system, the smoother your move-in will be.
Take Photos of Your Electronics and Furniture Setup
Once your electronics and furniture are unplugged and taken apart, reassembling them in your new place can be confusing. That’s why professionals recommend taking photos of complicated setups before disassembly.
What to Photograph
- TV and entertainment system wiring
- Computer setups and office cables
- Bed frame bolts and screws
- Bookshelves or modular furniture layout
Store cords, remotes, and small parts in labeled zip-lock bags, and tape them to the associated item. These quick snapshots will save hours of frustration during unpacking.
Deep Clean Your Old and New Home
Cleaning may not be your favorite task, but it’s one of the most appreciated—and often forgotten—moving day preparations. Whether you’re renting or selling, leaving a clean space behind is respectful and sometimes required.
What to Clean:
At the old home
- Floors, baseboards, and cabinets
- Inside appliances (fridge, oven, microwave)
- Bathrooms and kitchen
At the new home
- Dust and mop before unpacking
- Wipe down inside drawers and cabinets
- Sanitize doorknobs and light switches
Pro tip: Schedule a cleaning service for the day before or after your move to save time. Many local movers in Pooler, GA can recommend reliable cleaners they partner with.
Conclusion
It’s easy to overlook details when your focus is on packing boxes and hiring movers. But the small tasks you forget before moving day can create big issues later.
By updating addresses, confirming services, labeling strategically, and preparing for Day 1, you’ll reduce stress, save money, and settle in faster.
Here’s a quick recap of what not to forget
- Change your address with important institutions
- Transfer or cancel utilities early
- Pack an essentials box for your first night
- Confirm all moving details before the big day
- Label boxes for easy placement and unpacking
- Photograph electronics and furniture setups
- Clean both your old and new homes for peace of mind
Whether you’re working with trusted Savannah movers or movers Pooler GA, this checklist will help you move confidently and comfortably. Planning takes the panic out of the process—and helps you start your next chapter on the right foot.
