Phase 1, Before You Get Your Keys
When to Schedule
Timing matters here, here's how to think about it so you're not stuck without power or paying rescheduling fees.
-
Phone-based setups (electric, gas, water), Schedule these to turn on the day of signing. Sellers typically turn off their service that same day, so this keeps you covered without any gaps.
-
In-person or installer-required services (internet, cable, security systems), Do not schedule these until after you have possession of the home. Possession can be delayed if the property hasn't recorded with the county yet, and you don't want a rescheduling fee because timing shifted.
Kelsie's rule of thumb: If someone has to physically show up at the house, schedule them for at least one day after your expected possession date. If I hear anything from the listing agent that might affect your timeline, I'll let you know right away.
Primary Utilities, All Cities
| Service | Provider | Phone | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Rocky Mountain Power | (888) 221‑7070 | Start Service → |
| Gas | Enbridge Gas | (800) 323‑5517 | Start Service → |
City-Specific Utilities
Find your city below for water, sewer, and garbage setup.
| City | Phone | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine | (801) 756‑6347 | Alpine City Utilities |
| American Fork | (801) 763‑3000 | American Fork Utilities |
| Cedar Hills | (801) 785‑9668 | Cedar Hills Utilities |
| Eagle Mountain | (801) 789‑6609 | Eagle Mountain Utilities |
| Highland | (801) 756‑5751 | Highland City Utilities |
| Lehi | (385) 201‑1010 | Lehi City Utilities |
| Lindon | (801) 785‑5043 | Lindon City Utilities |
| Mapleton | (801) 489‑5655 | Mapleton City Utilities |
| Orem | (801) 229‑7500 | Orem City Website |
| Payson | (801) 465‑5200 | Payson City Utilities |
| Pleasant Grove | (801) 785‑2941 | Pleasant Grove City Website |
| Provo | (801) 852‑6000 | Provo City Website |
| Salem | (801) 423‑2770 | Salem City Website |
| Santaquin | (801) 766‑6515 | Santaquin City Utilities |
| Saratoga Springs | (801) 766‑9793 | Saratoga Springs Utilities |
| Spanish Fork | (801) 804‑4500 | Spanish Fork City Website |
| Springville | (801) 489‑2706 | Springville City Utilities |
Alpine & Eagle Mountain Garbage: Ace Disposal, (800) 724‑9995 acedisposal.com →
Internet, Cable & Security
These are self-managed and vary by provider and availability at your address. Shop around for what works best for you.
Remember: Wait until you have possession before scheduling any installation appointments. Rescheduling fees are annoying and avoidable.
Moving from Out of State?
A few things work differently for relocation clients that are worth knowing up front.
-
Driver's license & vehicle registration, You're not just updating your address, you're transferring to Utah. You'll need to visit a Utah DMV office in person. Utah requires this within 60 days of establishing residency. Utah DMV →
-
Voter registration, Your out-of-state registration doesn't transfer automatically. Register fresh in Utah at vote.utah.gov →
-
Vehicle inspection & emissions, Utah requires a safety inspection within 30 days of registering your vehicle here. Emissions testing may also be required depending on your county.
-
Auto insurance, Let your carrier know you've moved states immediately. Coverage requirements vary by state and your rate will likely change.
-
Professional licenses, If you hold a state-issued professional license (real estate, nursing, teaching, contracting, etc.), check whether Utah has reciprocity with your previous state or if you'll need to reapply.
Phase 2, After Closing
0 of 0 complete
Mail & Government
USPS Mail Forwarding Update →
$1.25 fee online · do this first, ideally 2 weeks before move · go directly to moversguide.usps.com
Utah Driver's License / ID Update →
Required within 30 days of moving
Vehicle Registration
Update at Utah DMV, can do same visit as license
Voter Registration Update →
vote.utah.gov
IRS / Tax Records Update →
File Form 8822 or update when filing next return
Social Security Administration Update →
Update via my Social Security account online
Financial
Bank(s) & Credit Unions
Log into your online banking portal · update billing address on all accounts
Credit Cards
Update each card individually, billing address mismatch can block purchases
Apple Pay / Apple Wallet Update →
Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay → update billing on each linked card
Google Pay Update →
Update payment method billing addresses
PayPal Update →
Settings → Account Info → Address
Venmo Update →
Update in profile settings
Investment / Brokerage Accounts
Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, etc., log in and update profile address
Student Loans Update →
Federal: studentaid.gov · private: contact servicer directly
Shopping & Subscriptions
Amazon Update →
Update default shipping AND billing · check all saved addresses
Walmart / Sam's Club Update →
Update saved shipping address in account
Target Update →
Update shipping and Target Circle address
Costco Update →
Update membership address
Apple ID Update →
appleid.apple.com, update billing and contact address
Google Account Update →
Update personal info and billing address
Subscription Boxes (HelloFresh, Stitch Fix, etc.)
Update before next scheduled delivery
Insurance & Healthcare
Health Insurance Provider
Log into member portal or call member services · especially important if coverage is location-based
Auto Insurance
Rate may change based on new ZIP code · update immediately
Homeowner's Insurance
Set up new policy at new address if not already done at closing
Life / Disability Insurance
Update address with each provider
Doctor / Dentist / Pharmacy
Update at each office, pharmacy update ensures correct prescription routing
Utilities & Home Services
Electric / Gas (Rocky Mountain Power / Enbridge) Manage →
Confirm service is active at new address · cancel old service if applicable
Internet / Cable Provider
Transfer or set up new service · check availability at new address first
Water / Trash (local municipality)
Contact your city, see the utilities tab for your city's contact info
Cell Phone Plan
Update billing address with carrier
Security System / Smart Home
Set up ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, etc. at new address, schedule after possession
Personal & Miscellaneous
Employer / HR Department
Update address for W-2, direct deposit, and benefits
Kids' School / Daycare
Update enrollment records and emergency contacts
Pet Microchip / Vet Records
Update microchip registry and veterinary office records
Loyalty / Rewards Programs
Airlines, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations
Magazine / Newspaper Subscriptions
Update mailing address with each publication
Friends & Family
Send your new address, the low-tech one people always forget
0 of 0 complete
Mail & Government
USPS Mail Forwarding Update →
Do this first · moversguide.usps.com · $1.25 online · schedule before closing date
Utah Driver's License / ID Update →
Required within 30 days of moving
Vehicle Registration
Update at Utah DMV when you update your license
Voter Registration Update →
vote.utah.gov
IRS / Tax Records Update →
File Form 8822 · especially important for capital gains exclusion documentation
Social Security Administration Update →
Update online via my Social Security account
Mortgage Servicer, Final Payoff Confirmation
Confirm payoff was received · get written confirmation for your records
Financial
Bank(s) & Credit Unions
Update billing and mailing address on all accounts
Credit Cards
Update each card, important for billing verification on purchases
Apple Pay / Apple Wallet Update →
Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay → update billing on each card
Google Pay Update →
Update payment method billing addresses
PayPal Update →
Settings → Account Info → Address
Investment / Retirement Accounts
Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, 401(k), update profile address in each portal
Shopping & Subscriptions
Amazon Update →
Update default shipping AND billing · clear out old saved addresses
Walmart / Sam's Club Update →
Update saved shipping address
Target Update →
Update shipping and Target Circle address
Costco Update →
Update membership address
Apple ID Update →
appleid.apple.com, update billing and contact address
Google Account Update →
Update personal info and billing address
Subscription Boxes & Services
HelloFresh, Stitch Fix, etc., update before next scheduled delivery
Insurance & Healthcare
Cancel / Transfer Homeowner's Insurance
Cancel old policy on closing date · confirm buyer's coverage is in place · request refund if prepaid
Auto Insurance
Update address with carrier, rate may change based on new location
Health Insurance Provider
Update address in member portal or call member services
Doctor / Dentist / Pharmacy
Update at each office · pharmacy update ensures prescriptions route correctly
Utilities, Cancel at Old Address
Electric / Gas, Cancel Service Manage →
Schedule disconnect for closing date · don't leave buyer without power
Internet / Cable, Cancel or Transfer
Schedule cancellation · return equipment to avoid charges
Water / Trash, Notify Municipality
Contact your city to transfer service out of your name on closing date
Security System, Cancel or Transfer
ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, cancel contract or transfer to new owner · check for cancellation fees
Cell Phone Plan, Update Billing Address
Update address with carrier after move
Personal & Miscellaneous
Employer / HR Department
Update address for W-2 and benefits, do this before end of year
Kids' School / Daycare
Update enrollment records · may require new enrollment if changing districts
Pet Microchip / Vet Records
Update microchip registry and vet office records
Loyalty / Rewards Programs
Airlines, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations
Magazine / Newspaper Subscriptions
Update mailing address with each publication
Friends & Family
Send your new address, easy to forget in the chaos of closing
Moving Week, Packing Guide
Moving Supplies Checklist
Stock up at least 2 weeks before move day, stores run out of boxes and movers sell supplies at a markup.
Small boxes
Books, canned goods, tools, heavy items stay manageable in small boxes
Medium boxes
Most household items, the workhorse of any move
Large boxes
Bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, lightweight items only, don't pack heavy things in large boxes
Dish pack / cell boxes with dividers
Worth every penny for glasses and stemware, regular boxes break them
Wardrobe boxes with hanging bar
2–3 per household, clothes go straight from closet rod to box and back
Packing tape + tape gun
Get two tape guns, you'll lose one. Buy more tape than you think you need.
Packing paper or newsprint
Wrap dishes, fill box gaps to prevent shifting, cheaper than bubble wrap for non-fragile items
Bubble wrap
Reserve for truly fragile items, mirrors, artwork, electronics screens
Thick black markers (at least 4)
Label every box: room name + contents + which side is up. You will thank yourself.
Mattress bags
One per mattress, protects from dirt, moisture, and scuffs in the truck
Stretch wrap / furniture wrap
Wrap furniture legs and drawer faces to prevent scratches
Furniture pads / moving blankets
Usually included by movers, confirm before renting your own
Ziplock bags (quart and gallon)
Screws, bolts, and hardware from disassembled furniture, tape the bag to the piece it came from
Color-coded labels or stickers
Assign a color per room, movers can stack in the right room without reading every box
What to Pack When
Work backward from your move date. The goal is to avoid packing things you still need, and to avoid scrambling at the end.
-
6+ weeks out, Seasonal items, holiday decorations, books you won't read again before the move, guest room contents, rarely used kitchen gadgets, sentimental items that need extra wrapping time
-
2–4 weeks out, Extra linens and towels, artwork and wall décor (photograph walls before taking anything down), most toys, games, and hobby supplies, non-daily kitchen items, garage tools you won't need
-
1 week out, Most clothing except what you'll wear that week, most bathroom items except daily use, living room décor, books and media, most remaining kitchen items
-
2–3 days out, Remaining kitchen items (leave out a few plates, cups, pots), furniture you can live without temporarily, remaining bedroom items
-
Night before / morning of, Open First box items, your Keep-With-You bag, phone chargers, daily medications, pet supplies, coffee maker. These go last on the truck and first off.
The rule: If you'd panic at 10pm on moving day without it, it goes in the Open First box, not in the pile, not "I'll remember." In the box.
Room-by-Room Tips
-
Kitchen, plates: Stack plates vertically like records, not flat like pancakes. Flat stacks break under their own weight on a moving truck. Vertical stacks survive. Use dish boxes with cell dividers for glasses.
-
Electronics: Photograph every cord setup before unplugging anything. Future you will be very grateful when setting up the TV at 9pm in a new living room.
-
Closets, hung clothes: Slip a large garbage bag over a group of hanging clothes (opening at the bottom), bunch the hangers together at the top, and tie or twist the bag closed around the hooks. Entire section of clothes moves in one trip, wrinkle-free.
-
Bedroom, heavy books: Pack books in rolling suitcases instead of boxes. The wheels carry the weight, and you don't need to lift them onto the truck the same way.
-
Refrigerator / freezer: Defrost at least 24 hours before moving day. Any moisture that freezes in transit can damage the compressor. Use up or donate frozen food in the weeks before the move.
-
Free packing material: Towels, bedsheets, socks, and clothes make excellent padding for fragile items. Wrap breakables in clean laundry and you're packing two things at once.
-
Jewelry: Egg cartons or pill organizers keep small pieces separated and tangle-free. Anything irreplaceable travels with you, not on the truck.
-
Furniture hardware: When disassembling furniture, put every screw, bolt, and dowel in a labeled ziplock bag and tape it directly to the furniture piece it belongs to. Never loses it. Never guesses at reassembly.
-
Box labeling: Write the room AND a quick contents note on at least two sides of every box. "Kitchen, Pots" is infinitely more useful than just "Kitchen" when you're living out of boxes for the first three days.
Your Open First Box
Pack this last. Load it last. It comes off the truck first. Check each item as you pack it in.
Bathroom
Toilet paper
Shower curtain liner + rings
Hand soap
Towels, one per person
Toothbrush + toothpaste + deodorant
Kitchen
Coffee maker + coffee
Non-negotiable. I don't make the rules, I just enforce them.
Paper plates + plastic cups + utensils
Dish soap + sponge + paper towels
Trash bags
Bedroom
Sheets + pillow per person
Phone chargers
Daily medications
Misc
Box cutter
All-purpose cleaner
Power strip
Snacks + easy food
Cash, movers + tips + takeout
Pet food + bowls + leash
Keep These With You, Not on the Truck
This one I feel strongly about. Moving delays happen. When they do, your belongings can sit in storage for weeks. Keep what matters most in your car or on your person, always.
Identity & Legal
Passports + birth certificates
Social Security cards
Closing documents
Insurance cards + policies
Financial + bank documents
Irreplaceable Items
Jewelry, especially family pieces
Kids' school + IEP records
Pet vaccination records
Medications, especially controlled substances
Firearms if applicable
Transport unloaded in a locked case, know both your departure state and Utah laws
External hard drives + irreplaceable photos
What Movers Won't Take
Every moving company has a list of items they will not transport. Most people find out about this list on moving day. Here it is in advance, do a walk-through of your entire property two weeks out with this list in hand.
-
Propane tanks, BBQ tanks, camp stoves, patio heaters. Use them up, exchange them at a hardware store, or give them away before moving day. I have personally left four of these behind across four moves. Four. Deal with them early.
-
Potted plants, Most interstate movers will not transport plants. USDA and state agricultural rules restrict what crosses state lines, and movers won't take liability. Plan for your plants early, sell on Marketplace, gift to neighbors, or check if a local nursery will take them. (Speaking from real heartbreak on this one.)
-
Gasoline and flammable liquids, Drain lawn mowers, generators, and power equipment completely before moving day
-
Paint, stain, and varnish, Use it up or donate to a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore
-
Pool and yard chemicals, Chlorine, fertilizer, pesticides, dispose of properly before the move
-
Perishable food, Plan meals for the last 2 weeks to use up your pantry and freezer. Frozen food is not moveable and your freezer needs to be defrosted 24 hours before loading anyway.
-
Fire extinguishers, Most movers decline these. Check with your specific company.
The two-week walk: Two weeks before your move, walk your garage, shed, back patio, and side yard with this list. The propane is always by the grill. The paint is always in the garage. The plants are always the last thing you think about.