Moving in PA? Here’s What Most People Forget to Do 🗹

Ryan Ferrier
Jul 9
5 min read

Boxes, check. 🗹

Extra tape, check. 🗹

Your brother-in-law, check. 🗹

Ok, your moving in PA and made your moving list and checked it twice, so why do you feel that nagging sensation that you’ve forgotten something?

The reality is, even seasoned movers forget something along the way, and it’s these minor oversights that can compound, turning an exciting day into a nightmare.

But it’s not just your own stress you're inviting.

Those forgotten items and tasks often become someone else’s problem, too.

Whether it’s trash left in bins, old furniture left on the curb, or a freezer full of leftovers, those slip-ups can create real headaches for landlords and new homeowners.

As this post on leftover tenant messes explains, cleaning up after a tenant isn’t just frustrating; it can delay the next move-in, add unexpected costs, and even put a strain on an otherwise smooth landlord-tenant relationship.

A well-organized move-in starts with getting the basics right.

This rental move-in checklist points out that small details like knowing where your lease is, having cleaning supplies ready, and ensuring the utilities are on before you arrive can make or break your first day in a new place.

Skipping them turns a smooth handoff into a stressful scramble.

But fear not!

You can expect the unexpected.

So, grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started making that checklist.

Here are some of the most common things people forget when moving, and how to make sure you’re not one of them.

Forgetting to Transfer or Cancel Utilities

One of the biggest moving day surprises is not having electricity, water, internet, or any of the numerous utilities that are essential to our modern homes.

Flipping a switch and realizing you forgot to set up utilities at your new place is a hassle that can be avoided.

How smoothly the process is depends entirely on your service provider, and depending on where you live in Pennsylvania, rural, suburbs, or city, the speed and quality of that service can vary.

Also, the time of year makes a difference in determining when your service starts or if a technician needs to make a trip to your home.

Imagine getting a technician in midwinter!

That’s why it’s best to start early.

Many providers can schedule a move in advance, saving you precious brain cells and energy.

Call at least two weeks in advance to schedule your shut-off and turn-on dates for water, gas, electricity, internet, and trash.

Don’t forget to cancel subscriptions like security systems, cable, and lawn care at your old property.

No one wants to pay for trash pickup or landscaping for a property they no longer live in.

Forgetting to Update Your Address Everywhere

With the average American moving almost a dozen times in their life, it’s no wonder it's hard to keep track of mailing addresses across all the different services.

It’s not just your Amazon Prime account you need to update. Here’s a quick list of the places to update:

- Banks and credit card companies

- Insurance providers

- Government agencies (driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, voter info, etc.)

- Streaming services and food services

- USPS

Not staying on top of your current mailing address and physical address can lead to annoying delays, missed bills, and packages showing up at old residences.

Not to mention, who wants random people having access to your sensitive information?

Stay protected and ensure convenience by setting up mail forwarding with USPS.

It’s a solid first step that will catch most things and give you some time to do the rest.

Overlooking Your “Essentials” Box

You remembered to transfer your electricity.

Great.

The move is over, and you’re ready for bed and looking forward to a good night's sleep…but you can’t find your toothbrush.

Your son can’t find his favorite stuffed animal, and the dog’s leash is nowhere to be seen.

That’s because you didn’t think about packing a personal “essentials” box.

This is the most important box for keeping your sanity after a long move.

Keep it close.

You’ll wish you had it that first night and beyond.

It should include;

- Toiletries and medications

- Chargers, snacks, water, paper towels, morning coffee

- Important documents (leases, ID, utility info)

- A change of clothes

And if you have kids or pets, make sure to pack a separate bag for each.

Underestimating Cleaning (Both Houses)

Unless you’re moving into a brand new home, it’s unlikely that your new place won't have a but of dust here or there.

Depending on the property and the tenants before you, it’s more than likely that you’ll feel better about giving your new place a good once-over, if only to settle your own mind and feel nested.

With that said, it’s good practice to leave your old place in good condition, even if it wasn’t in the same condition when you arrived.

Especially if you’re renting, leaving a place clean and in good condition can mean the difference between getting your damage deposit back or not.

If you’re selling, the realtor will let you know how to proceed.

Oftentimes, it's contractually necessary to have the place professionally cleaned.

Planning on tackling the mess yourself?

Make sure to leave out basic cleaning supplies like a broom, vacuum, paper towels, and garbage bags.

Better yet, hire a cleaning company to come in after you.

Not Hiring Help…Even for the Small Stuff

Asking friends and family to help move is almost a rite of passage for Americans.

Sure, you can ask your brother, brother-in-law, cousin, second cousin, or your girlfriend's brother’s uncle.

But even if you have a large, helpful Italian family, not everyone is up for heavy lifting, especially after scaling a flight of stairs.

Save your back and your dad’s by hiring professional help for the hard stuff.

Whether it's loading a gunsafe, a piano, or that awkward sectional, Packhorse Moving has experienced movers who can fit your schedule and budget.

They know the unique challenges a move can throw up, especially in Pennsylvania, from steep driveways in the Poconos to narrow stairwells in Philly.

The Cost of Forgetting

A Forbes survey on hidden moving costs found that nearly half of Americans faced surprise expenses during their move, ranging from forgotten packing materials to last-minute cleaning and repair costs.

Many also underestimated how much time and effort it takes to pack and move everything themselves.

Forgetting the fridge leads to spoiled groceries.

Forgetting to update your address can lead to missed bills.

Forgetting the “essentials” box means buying new toothpaste at 11 p.m.

No one’s perfect, but planning ahead can avoid unnecessary headaches.

Final Thought: Measure Twice, Cut Once

Most people focus on the big stuff first: hiring movers, buying packing boxes, renting a truck, but it’s often the small things that are most overlooked, which really make a move a nightmare.

By planning ahead, staying organized, and knowing what to expect, you can move to Pennsylvania with confidence and maybe even make some happy memories while doing it.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of good help.

The folks at Packhorse Moving offer full-service support so you can focus on finding a good pizza place and not finding your wallet.

So check your list, double-check your essentials, and don’t forget the coffee machine!