Senior Moving Checklist San Diego

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

San Diego County Resources

Help Is Available
Right Here in San Diego

You do not have to figure this out alone. San Diego has excellent senior support services. All of the resources below are free or low-cost.

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211 San Diego

One call connects you to every local service available to you — housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and more. Available 24/7 in multiple languages.

Call or text 211 · 211sandiego.org

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San Diego County Aging & Independence Services

The county's primary resource for seniors. Connects you to in-home support, transportation, caregiver services, legal help, and community programs.

1-800-339-4661 · sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa

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Meals on Wheels San Diego

Home-delivered nutritious meals for seniors who have difficulty preparing food. Set up service at your new address well in advance of your move.

619-295-5006 · meals-on-wheels.org

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HICAP — Free Medicare Counseling

Free, unbiased counseling from trained volunteers who help seniors understand Medicare, Medi-Cal, and long-term care insurance options.

1-800-434-0222 · aging.ca.gov/HICAP

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MTS Access — Senior & Disability Transportation

Paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses. Requires advance registration and booking.

619-238-0100 · sdmts.com/access

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San Diego Public Library — Senior Outreach

Free homebound delivery service, digital literacy programs, and senior-focused programming at branches throughout San Diego County.

619-236-5800 · sandiego.gov/public-library

View Full San Diego Resources Page →

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.

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3 to 4 Months BeforeYour Move

Medical & Benefits

Utilities & Notifications

Move Day Tipsfor Seniors

Help Is AvailableRight Here in San Diego

Senior Moving FAQ

Let Us Handle the Move

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE

3 to 4 Months Before
Your Move

Move Day Tips
for Seniors

Help Is Available
Right Here in San Diego