Overview

Amid the chaos of moving, don't overlook the essential tasks of clearing out your safe deposit box, retrieving items from your dry cleaner, and ensuring all hidden valuables are accounted for, while also being considerate to the new occupants of your home by providing them with important information and items they may need.

Things people forget when moving

Moving can feel like a whirlwind, there’s a lot to keep track of, and even the most organized person can overlook a few details in the chaos. That’s why it’s so important to make a list of the small but significant things that people tend to forget when moving. These forgotten items may not seem like a big deal at first, but once the moving truck pulls away, you might find yourself wishing you had remembered.

To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the most frequently forgotten things during a move. Use it to double-check your progress as you get closer to moving day.

Safe Deposit Box

Many people forget about their safe deposit box entirely, usually because it’s not in the home and not part of everyday routines. But it’s a crucial item, especially if you're moving long-distance. Be sure to empty it out and either close the account or transfer it to a new branch near your new home. The last thing you want is to leave important documents, family heirlooms, or other valuables behind.

Dry Cleaning

It’s easy to forget about the clothes you dropped off for dry cleaning or tailoring, especially if they’re not part of your regular wardrobe. A quick call to your dry cleaner a week or two before your move will give you time to pick everything up. Don't wait until the day before moving when you’re already juggling a hundred other things.

Hidden Valuables

Do you have a secret drawer in your dresser? A stash in the back of your closet? Or maybe a cash envelope hidden in the freezer? Many people forget the items they’ve tucked away in hidden spots around the house. Go room to room and check your usual (and unusual) hiding places. It’s also a good idea to inspect attics, basements, crawl spaces, and sheds for anything you might’ve stored and forgotten about.

Memberships & Subscriptions

It’s common to forget to cancel local memberships and subscriptions. That gym you rarely use? The yoga studio you visit once a month? The local magazine subscription delivered to your old doorstep? These small expenses can add up if you’re no longer in the area. Cancel, pause, or transfer them to your new address as early as possible.

Library Books and Borrowed Items

Return all borrowed items before moving. This includes library books, tools you borrowed from a neighbor, or a casserole dish a friend let you use last Thanksgiving. If you’re not sure what you have, take a look around for anything that doesn’t belong to you. Likewise, retrieve any items you’ve loaned out that you want to bring with you.

Garage Door Openers, Keys, and Home Access Information

Before you leave, be sure to gather all spare house keys, garage door openers, and any access cards or gate remotes. These should be left for the new homeowners or tenants. It’s also helpful (and courteous) to leave behind a list of important contacts, like your plumber, electrician, landscaper, and HVAC contractor, especially if they’ve worked on the property recently.

Important Documents

Documents like birth certificates, medical records, school transcripts, passports, and financial records should always be packed carefully and kept accessible. Many people accidentally pack these with less essential items or forget where they placed them. Make a file of all your important papers early in the process and label it clearly.

Plants and Perishables

If you're not moving far, you might take your plants and perishables with you. But if it’s a long-distance move, these are often best given away. Either way, don't forget to check your fridge, freezer, pantry, and even storage bins in the garage for anything that needs to be used, thrown away, or donated before the move.

Medications

Medications are another common item that gets overlooked. Be sure to refill prescriptions ahead of time and pack them where they’ll be easy to find, especially if you or a family member needs daily medication. You should also gather pet medications, supplements, and first-aid supplies.

Forwarding Your Mail

Many people forget to submit a change-of-address form to the post office until after they’ve moved. Make sure to set this up ahead of time to avoid missing important bills, checks, or personal correspondence. It only takes a few minutes online and can save you lots of hassle later.

Don’t Overlook the Big Picture

Preparing to move isn’t just about packing boxes. It’s about planning, timing, and organization. For a complete guide to staying on track, check out our five-part moving checklist series. Each post breaks down your move into manageable time frames:

• • Three to Five Months Before You Move
  • Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving
  • One Month Before You Move
  • Two Weeks Before Moving
  • One Week Before Moving

Using these checklists will help ensure nothing slips through the cracks as you prepare for your next chapter.

Final Thought

Forgetting things during a move is common, but with a little extra planning and the help of resources like our checklist series, you can stay ahead of the game. Bookmark this list, refer to it often, and you’ll be much better prepared come moving day.

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