Moving day can be pretty chaotic — boxes everywhere, last-minute errands, and a seemingly endless to-do list. With all the distractions and excitement, it’s easy to overlook details and forget important items. If you’ve ever had that sinking feeling that you left something behind or overlooked moving tasks, this article is for you. The sheer number of moving tasks can be overwhelming, but knowledge (and a moving checklist!) can make all the difference. Here at Scobey, we’ve put together this guide to highlight some of the most common things people forget when moving so that your relocation is smooth, low-stress, and free of surprises.
For your convenience, we’ve created this downloadable moving checklist to help you stay organized!
Let’s take a closer look at 12 commonly forgotten tasks and items — plus practical tips to keep your move on track.
1. Medical and School Records
First on the list are medical and school records. It’s easy to forget paperwork when you’re focused on furniture and boxes. But having medical and school records on hand is important, especially if you’re moving with children or have ongoing health needs.
For instance:
- Schools require transcripts and vaccination records for enrollment.
- Doctors need your medical history to provide care without interruption.
Make sure you’ve added these items to your moving checklist:
- Request copies from your current providers and schools well in advance.
- Keep physical and digital copies in a clearly labeled folder.
2. Changing Your Address
One of the most overlooked moving tasks is updating your address. Missing this step can mean lost mail, missed bills, and confusion with service providers.
Don’t forget to change your address with:
- USPS (set up mail forwarding)
- Banks and credit cards
- Subscriptions and deliveries
- Government IDs and voter registration
Pro tip: Make a list of all the places you need to update and check them off one by one. Lists can help you stay organized — plus it’s encouraging to see your progress!
3. Canceling or Transferring Memberships
Another of the most common things people forget when moving? All those memberships! Gyms, libraries, and clubs often require advance notice to cancel or transfer memberships. Overlooking these can lead to unexpected charges or not being able to access service.
Before you move, make sure your moving checklist includes:
- Contacting each organization for their moving policy
- Submitting cancellation or transfer forms early
- Returning borrowed materials (library books, club gear)
4. Returning Borrowed Items
Next on the list of overlooked moving tasks is returning borrowed items. It’s surprisingly common to accidentally pack up tools, books, or electronics borrowed from friends and neighbors. Forgetting to return borrowed items can create awkward situations later.
Here are some ways to avoid this:
- Do a sweep of your home for items that aren’t yours before you begin packing.
- Set aside a “return” box.
- Schedule a quick drop-off before moving day.
Starting to pack and inventory early is another way to make the whole moving process less stressful. In general, it’s a good idea to start the decluttering process two months prior to the move.
5. Retrieving Stored and Hidden Valuables
Often, the things people forget when moving are out-of-sight, out-of-mind! Valuables tucked away in safes, storage units, attics, or crawl spaces are easy to leave behind.
Remember to:
- Check locations in your home where you tuck away valuables (even the ones you haven’t used in months).
- Check off-site storage or safety deposit boxes.
6. Cleaning Supplies for Move-Out
You’ve (finally) finished packing up, and it’s time to clean. But where are the cleaning supplies? Number six on our list of overlooked moving tasks is to keep cleaning supplies handy. Packing your cleaning supplies too early — or forgetting them altogether — means you might not have what you need for that final clean before the moving truck arrives.
Make sure to add these to-dos to your moving checklist:
- Set aside a small box of essential cleaning products.
- Leave it last to be packed.
- Include rags, sprays, and trash bags.
7. Turning In/Labeling Keys
After all the stress of packing and getting ready to move, the last thing you need is to misplace your keys or get confused about which key goes where. Keys are one of the most common things people forget when moving. Clearly labeling each key and placing them in a designated spot saves time and reduces stress, especially if you’re leaving keys for new owners or your landlord.
Don’t forget to:
- Clearly label all keys (front door, mailbox, garage, etc.).
- Put them in a marked envelope for easy handoff.
8. Taking Final Meter Readings
To avoid disputes over utility bills, don’t forget to record your final gas, electric, and water meter readings before you leave. Taking care of overlooked moving tasks on your moving checklist (like meter readings) protects you if any discrepancies arise after your move. You might not need this documentation, but if you do, your future self will thank you for taking a few minutes to document!
To protect yourself and have peace of mind, make sure to:
- Take dated photos of your meter readings as proof.
- Notify your utility companies of move-out dates and readings.
9. Remember Your Chargers and Cables
Chargers and cables are common things people forget when moving. Without them, your first night in a new home can be extra stressful.
Save yourself stress by:
- Designating a bag or box for all essential electronics and chargers
- Keeping essential chargers and cables with you during the move — not packed in a box
10. Important Documents
Vital records — like birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies — should never be packed away in boxes you can’t access.
Don’t forget to:
- Create a binder or file for documents.
- Take this binder with you, not on the moving truck.
11. Outdoor Items
Next on the list of overlooked moving tasks on the moving checklist: loading your outdoor items. When you’re focused on packing up the house, items like garden hoses, tools, yard décor, and even your expensive smoker can get left behind.
Make sure to:
- Walk through your yard, garage, and shed.
- Pack outdoor items last to avoid missing them.
A professional moving partner (like Scobey) helps you feel confident that all your items will arrive safely at your new home.
12. Pet Items
Your furry friends need their essentials, too. Pet food, leashes, and comfort items often get overlooked.
Checklist for pets:
- Food and bowls
- Leashes and carriers
- Vet records
- Favorite toys
Tips To Remember Things People Forget When Moving
Even the most organized people can sometimes miss things. Here are a few strategies to help you remember all the things people forget when moving:
- Create a master moving checklist: Write down every task and item, big or small. During a Pre-Move Survey, our software creates an itemized inventory of your belongings!
- Assign tasks: Get every member of your household involved to lighten the load.
- Do a final walkthrough: Check every room, closet, and storage space before locking up for the last time.
How To Take Care of Commonly Overlooked Moving Tasks
Moving doesn’t have to mean lost items or stressful surprises. By planning ahead, using a moving checklist, and having a great moving partner by your side, you can sidestep the most common things people forget when moving. Ready for a seamless move you can feel confident about? You’ve got this — and Scobey Moving & Storage is here to help every step of the way.