May is National Moving Month
May marks the start of the busiest moving season—the school year is wrapping up and home sales traditionally pick up. It is also National Moving Month. Whether you are settling into a new place in Virginia, relocating to the Commonwealth, or moving away, we offer practical guidance to help make your move as smooth, organized, and well-planned as possible. Bear in mind that summer is typically peak moving season. This might mean higher moving costs and less availability, so plan accordingly.
Welcome to the mother of states
Virginia is a wonderful place to call home, offering countless opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy everyday life. The Commonwealth’s history is closely tied to the story of America, with significant sites from both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. This rich heritage gives residents and visitors the opportunity to experience museums, battlefields, and historic landmarks that help bring our nation’s past to life.
Be sure to have your property and car insurance set up prior to your move. Northern Neck Insurance Company is a local Virginia-only insurer by choice. As a Virginia-only insurer, we know how to preserve and protect what Virginians value most. We also do things a little differently than the big national insurers. When you call, we answer the phone: 1-800-552-8660. You can also get a home insurance or renters insurance quote and save money by bundling your coverage with Virginia auto insurance.
Moving in Virginia checklist
Moving is a monumental task. From registering your car in VA to ensuring your valuables are protected during your move, we want to help. Consider timing— be mindful of school enrollment periods if you have children. Our checklist can also help you set up car registration in Virginia, set up utilities, and plan for expenses.
Here are more helpful Virginia moving tips:
- Notify your insurance company carriers of your new location for life, health, home insurance and auto insurance coverages. Some policies may require switching to a new carrier or coverage.
- Change your mailing address (opens in a new window) with the USPS.
- Notify the DMV of you move out of state or a new community in VA. (opens in a new window)
- Get the required safety inspection (opens in a new window) so you are ready to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving. Just search "Virginia safety inspection near me".
- (opens in a new window)Understand that Virginia has a "car tax" (Personal Property Tax) that requires you to register your vehicle with your local city or county. Title (opens in a new window) and register your vehicles (opens in a new window) within 30 days of moving. You can also register to vote and get a driver's license. You have 60 days after your move to exchange your driver’s license for a VA license using this DMV official form (opens in a new window).
- Check if your city or county requires a local sticker or decal.
- Research how to set up utilities in Virginia. Once you've chosen your providers, schedule your utility setups to coincide with your move-in date. This ensures that you'll have necessary services like water, electricity, and internet from the moment you move in.
- Learn about the general cost of living in Virginia (opens in a new window).
- Research regulations for licenses, vaccinations and tags for your pets.
- Plan to have utilities turned off on moving day from the place you are leaving and on at the place you moving to.
- Locate the essential facilities, such as the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department, for your safety and in an emergency.
- Get an E-ZPass transponder (opens in a new window) for convenient use of HOV lanes and tolls.
- Forward mail and change your address with online accounts.
- EXPERT TIP for Virginians staying in the state: you can avoid paying double property tax by returning your car decal to the DMV and getting a decal in your new location.
Research and hire reliable movers
While you do have some property protection from federal mover requirements (opens in a new window), it is minimal. Insured movers usually carry general liability ($750,000 – $1 million) and worker’s compensation, protecting you if a mover is injured on your property. Evaluate if you need full-value protection for valuable items and take the time to hire a reputable moving company with current positive online reviews.
- Ensure your moving company is a legal and bona fide moving company and check for a federal motor carrier number
registered with DMV (opens in a new window). - Always ask for proof of insurance and understand exactly what is covered before signing any agreements.
- For high-value items, consider a third-party moving insurance or a rider on your homeowner’s/renter’s insurance may be a better option.
- Ensure they have a physical address and phone number on their website.
- They should have good references.
- Make sure they offer valuation and VA DMV cargo insurance.
- Your mover should have reasonable rates, but going with the cheapest may have negative consequences.
- Ask if the mover uses blankets or pads to protect floors and walls in both the old and new home.
Creative packing tips
- Use color-coded tape on boxes to mark which room they belong to.
- Use clothing to wrap fragile items
- Put trash bags on overhanging clothing hangers
- Use suitcases as moving boxes
- Socks are great for covering wine glasses and small breakables
- Create handles for your boxes with a box cutter.
- Make a “first day move” box with items you’ll need right away like medications, pet food, and toilet paper.
Last-minute handy reminders
- Charge up all devices the day before and take great care in how you pack anything that uses lithium batteries, especially in high heat situations.
- Have cash to tip movers.
- Have a basic tool kit for quick repairs, taking things apart and installing something new. A roll of duck tape can be a lifesaver!
- Put together a good cleaning kit including paper towels and take it with you for quick clean ups.
- Give your neighbors your propane tank.
- Plan to safely secure pets and have ID tags, water, food, medication, and bathroom breaks for moving day.
- Don’t move hangry - plan simple meals for your moving week and high protein snacks on moving day.
- Stay aware of the weather.
- Secure important documents, valuables, and medications with you on moving day or use registered mail.
- Exchange cell numbers with your mover.
- Make one last sweep and secure your home before you leave.
- Check to be sure all water and lights are turned off and windows and doors are locked. Do not turn off the furnace to protect the home's plumbing.
Want to find out more about home insurance in Virginia? We're local and always ready to help!
Sources:
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/moving/new-virginia
https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Public-Utility
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
