Moving? Here's Your Tech Checklist So You Don't Forget Anything
The week-by-week list of every account, address, and device you need to update — plus what to bring in your car so the first night in the new place is not a disaster.
Lock in the big logistics
These three things take time and have waitlists. Start them first.
Check internet options at new address
Type the new address into BroadbandNow.com or the FCC Broadband Map (broadbandmap.fcc.gov). See which providers actually serve the address before you commit. Cable, fiber, and 5G home internet are not always available everywhere they advertise.
Schedule internet transfer or new install
Install windows fill up fast in busy moving season (May-September). Book the install for the day after you take possession, not the day of. Movers and installers in the house at the same time is a recipe for delay.
Get moving quotes
Compare full-service movers, U-Haul (uhaul.com), and PODS (pods.com). The Updater app (updater.com) is bundled into many leases now and aggregates moving services in one place.
Update your address everywhere
The complete list. Print it, work through it one row at a time, and check off as you go.
- OpenUSPS mail forwarding
$1.10 identity-verification fee. Forwards first-class mail for 12 months.
- OpenDMV — license & registration
Most states give you 30 days after the move to update.
- OpenVoter registration
Update through your new state, or use vote.gov as a starting point.
- OpenIRS (Form 8822)
Required if you want refund checks and notices to follow you.
- OpenSocial Security Administration
Sign in to "my Social Security" to update your address online.
- OpenMedicare / Medicaid
Update at Medicare.gov. Medicaid is state-by-state — start at your state portal.
- Bank accounts
Each bank separately. Most can be done in the mobile app under Profile or Settings.
- Credit cards
Statements, fraud alerts, and new-card mailings all use this address. Update every card.
- Insurance (auto, home, health)
Auto rates change with ZIP. Home/renters needs a new policy at the new address. Health may need an in-network check.
- Doctor's offices
Update through patient portals (MyChart, FollowMyHealth, etc.) so prescriptions and lab results follow you.
- Pharmacy
Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near the new address. CVS and Walgreens can do this from the app.
- Employer / HR
Affects W-2, paychecks, and tax withholding. Some states require new tax forms.
- Online shopping accounts
Amazon, Target, Walmart, eBay, Etsy. The default shipping address is the one to fix.
Prep the devices
Photos, backups, returns, cancellations. The boring stuff that prevents the worst regrets.
Take photos of electronics setup
Before you unplug the TV, the router, or the desk computer, photograph the back of each device. Cables in the new place will not match the diagram in your head — the photo will save you 30 minutes per device.
Back up computers
External drive backup or cloud (iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Backblaze). Boxes get lost. Drives get dropped. The backup is the insurance.
Return cable equipment
If you are switching providers, return the modem and router to the original provider in person at a store. Get a receipt. Phantom equipment fees are one of the most common post-move surprise charges.
Cancel services not transferring
Lawn care, gym, alarm monitoring, water delivery, local subscriptions, and any service tied to the old ZIP. Schedule cancellations for moving day, not before — you will need them right up to the end.
The day-of essentials
Three things that make moving day go from "frantic" to "manageable."
Emergency tech bag
Pack a small bag separately from the moving truck: every charger you own, a 20,000 mAh power bank, USB-C and Lightning cables, a multi-port wall charger, headphones, and an HDMI cable. This bag goes in your car, not the truck.
Label cable bags
Bag the cables for each device with the device, or in a single labeled bag ("TV cables", "router/modem", "office"). Loose cables in a moving box are unidentifiable cables.
Set up WiFi at new place first thing
Before you unpack a single box, plug in the modem and router and confirm the connection. Everything that follows — smart locks, thermostats, doorbell, smart speakers — needs WiFi to set up.
Settle the new place in
The first week is when small fixes prevent large headaches later.
Test smoke detectors
Every detector in the new place. Push the test button. Replace any 9V batteries that chirp. The previous tenant probably did not.
Set up smart home devices
Smart locks, thermostats (Nest, Ecobee), doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest, Arlo), smart speakers, and any Hue/LIFX bulbs. Each one needs to rejoin the new WiFi — most can do this from the app without a full factory reset.
Update location on phone
Settings → Privacy → Location Services. Set Home and Work in Maps to the new addresses so navigation and "time to leave" suggestions work.
Update weather and news apps
Default city in Weather, AccuWeather, local news app. Saves you from getting alerts for the old neighborhood for the next year.
Find closest emergency services
Save the new urgent care, ER, vet, and non-emergency police line in your phone. Look up the local utility (gas, electric) emergency numbers. Add to favorites.
Setting Up New Internet
Before you sign a 2-year contract, compare what is actually available at the new address. Two free tools we built for this:
Internet Plan Comparator
Compare home internet plans by speed, price, and contract length. Cuts through the marketing noise to show actual cost per Mbps.
Open the toolPhone Plan Comparator
A move is a great moment to re-shop your phone plan. Coverage, price, and data needs may have changed. Side-by-side comparison.
Open the toolSpecial Situations
When your move has an extra layer — caregiving, going solo, or crossing state lines.
Moving with an aging parent
Move their device settings before the move (large text, high contrast, simplified home screen). Set up remote help (TeamViewer or Apple Family Sharing) so you can troubleshoot from your house. Pre-program emergency contacts in the new neighborhood.
Caregiver HubMoving alone (tech help resources)
AARP Tech Tutorials (free, all ages welcome), Senior Planet, the local library (most have free tech help by appointment), and Geek Squad in-home setup ($99-$199 per visit) all help with the post-move setup.
Free tech resourcesMoving to a senior community
Most communities have shared WiFi, but speeds vary. Ask the property manager about WiFi quality and whether you need a personal router. Some communities also have IT help included — find out who and how to reach them.
Moving states
New driver's license (within 30-90 days depending on state), new vehicle registration, new voter registration, possible new insurance carrier (auto rates change with ZIP), and a new state tax withholding form at work.
Need help with the tech setup?
Browse our free guides on setting up routers, smart home devices, and new computers — or book a 1-on-1 session if you would rather have someone walk you through it.