For Seniors · Free Resource · Print Friendly
Senior Moving
Checklist
A step-by-step guide for seniors moving to a new home in San Diego. Take your time, work through each section, and do not hesitate to ask for help.
Start Here
3 to 4 Months Before
Your Move
The most important advice: Start earlier than you think you need to. A senior move involves more decisions and more emotions than a typical move. Give yourself the gift of time.
Decluttering
3-4 months out, the biggest task
- Walk through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or gift to family
- Contact 1-800-GOT-JUNK or a donation pickup service for large items
- Consider an estate sale for valuables. Allow 4-6 weeks to plan
- Label sentimental items you want to pass on to specific family members
- Do not feel pressured to get rid of things that bring you joyImportant
Finding Your New Home
If not yet decided
- Tour at least 2-3 senior communities before deciding
- Ask about move-in windows and building rules
- Confirm what furniture will fit in the new space
- Meet the move-in coordinator. They are your best resource
- Review lease or residency agreement with a family member or attorney
6 to 8 Weeks Before
Medical & Benefits
Healthcare
Allow extra time for records transfers
- Request medical records from all doctors. Primary care, specialistsDo early
- Transfer all prescriptions to pharmacy near new address
- Find a new primary care doctor who accepts your insurance
- Find new dentist near new address
- Ask current doctors for referrals to specialists in new area
- If you use Scripps, Sharp, or UCSD, update your MyChart address
Medicare & Insurance
Moving can affect your coverage
- Update your address with Medicare at medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227Important
- If you have Medicare Advantage, confirm your new address is in the plan network
- Update Medi-Cal if you receive it. Call 1-800-541-5555
- Contact HICAP for free Medicare counseling, 1-800-434-0222
- Update any supplemental (Medigap) insurance
- Notify long-term care insurance if applicable
Government Benefits
Allow 4-6 weeks for updates to process
- Update Social Security address at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213
- Notify VA Benefits if you receive them, va.gov/change-address
- Update CalFresh (food assistance) if applicable
- Update In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) if applicableRequired
- Notify SSI (Supplemental Security Income) if applicable
- Update Meals on Wheels delivery address
Legal & Financial
Good time to review important documents
- Update bank and credit union accounts with new address
- Review and update power of attorney document
- Review and update your will or trust
- Update advance health directive
- Update beneficiary designations on accounts and insurance
- Update IRS address, Form 8822 or at irs.gov
2 to 4 Weeks Before
Utilities & Notifications
Utilities
Set up at new address before move day
- Forward mail at usps.com. Do this 2 weeks before moveDo first
- Transfer SDG&E service, sdge.com or 1-800-411-7343
- Transfer or set up internet and cable, Cox, Spectrum, AT&T
- Set up water service at new address if needed
- Update California DMV, required within 10 days of moving
- Update voter registration at registertovote.ca.gov
People to Notify
The personal touches matter most
- Send your new address to family and close friends
- Notify your church, synagogue, mosque, or faith community
- Notify your accountant or tax preparer
- Notify your attorney
- Update your address with any clubs, organizations, or associations
- Update AARP membership at aarp.org
Move Day & After
Move Day Tips
for Seniors
Most important rule on move day: Do not lift anything. That is what the movers are there for. Your job is to direct traffic, not carry boxes.
Move Day
- Have a trusted family member or friend present all day
- Keep all medications with you, do not pack them on the truck
- Keep important documents (ID, insurance cards) in a personal bag
- Have a comfortable chair and a few familiar items at new home first
- Plan for meals, have food ready at the new place
- Rest when you need to. Move day is tiring for everyone
First Week After Move
- Plan a rest day immediately after move day
- Confirm all prescriptions are available at new pharmacy
- Introduce yourself to neighbors or fellow residents
- Confirm mail is forwarding correctly
- Set up any medical alert or safety devices
- Contact 211 San Diego if you need help finding local services
Common Questions
Senior Moving FAQ
How far in advance should I start planning my move?+
Most senior moving experts recommend starting 3-4 months before your move date. The decluttering process alone can take 6-8 weeks. Booking your movers, transferring medical care, and updating government benefits all take more time than people expect. Starting early removes the stress.
What San Diego resources can help with the move?+
Call 211 San Diego first. They can connect you to moving assistance programs, volunteer help, and financial assistance if needed. San Diego County Aging and Independence Services at 1-800-339-4661 is also an excellent resource for seniors who need extra support during a move.
Will Discount Movers coordinate with my new senior living community?+
Yes. We work directly with move-in coordinators at senior living communities throughout San Diego. We arrange elevator reservations, comply with building move-in windows, handle COI requirements, and make sure everything goes smoothly on both ends. Call us at (858) 490-0155.
Can I get help packing for my senior move?+
Absolutely. Discount Movers offers full packing service for senior moves. Our crew carefully wraps every item, labels all boxes, and unpacks at your new home so you never have to lift a thing. This is included in our standard hourly rate with no hidden charges.
Before you decide what to keep, find out what actually fits: our furniture fit planner draws the new unit to scale and marks every piece fits, tight, or won’t fit.
Let Us Handle the Move
Serving San Diego since 1997 moving San Diego seniors. Patient, careful, and compassionate. $119/hr cash or $129/hr card, free in-home estimate.
Call (858) 490-0155Mon-Sun 8am–8pm · CAL-T #201759 · Free in-home estimates
Free Quote
GET YOUR FREE QUOTE
We respond within 2 hours during business hours (8am–8pm daily). No commitment.