Moving Checklist for Fresno and Clovis: What to Do First

A move goes much more smoothly when the important tasks happen in the right order. This checklist covers the priorities, with specific notes for anyone moving to or within Fresno and Clovis.

Six to eight weeks before moving day

Book your movers or truck

Get quotes early, especially if you are moving in summer or near the end of a month, when demand is highest. Confirm that any moving company you hire is properly licensed for household moves in California, and read the estimate carefully so you know what is and is not included.

Start decluttering

Every item you get rid of is one less thing to pack, move and unpack. Sell, donate or recycle what you will not need. Many local charities accept furniture and household goods, and some will pick up larger items.

Make a moving folder

Keep your closing documents, moving quotes, receipts and new account numbers in one place, paper or digital. Some moving costs may matter for taxes, so ask your tax advisor if that applies to you.

Three to four weeks before

Set up utilities at the new home

This is the step people most often leave too late. In the Fresno and Clovis area, you will usually be dealing with a few different providers.

• Gas and electricity: PG&E serves most homes in Fresno and Clovis. Schedule service to start at your new address and stop at your old one on the right dates.
• Water, sewer and trash in Fresno: The City of Fresno's Department of Public Utilities provides water, wastewater and solid waste and recycling collection for city residents, and the city handles utility billing. Contact the city's utility billing customer service to set up an account.
• Water, sewer and trash in Clovis: The City of Clovis provides these services for its residents and handles billing through the city's utility billing office. Look for the "Start or Stop Utility Service" option on the city's website.
• Unincorporated areas: If your new home is outside city limits, water, sewer and trash may come from a county service area, a special district, a private well and septic system, or a private hauler. Ask during escrow so you know who to call.
• Internet, TV and phone: Check which providers serve your new address and schedule installation for your first day or two, especially if you work from home.

Plan for school enrollment

If you have children, contact the school district that serves your new address as early as possible. District boundaries in this area do not always follow city lines, so a home with a Fresno mailing address can be served by a different district than you might assume. Districts typically ask for proof of residence, such as a lease, purchase documents or a utility bill, plus immunization and prior school records. Ask the district about enrollment timelines and what documents they need.

Schedule time off and childcare or pet care

Moving day goes better when little ones and pets are out of the way.

One to two weeks before

Change your address

• USPS: File a change of address with the Postal Service so mail forwards to your new home.
• California DMV: The DMV asks you to report an address change within 10 days of moving. You can do it online. This covers both your driver's license or ID and your vehicle registration.
• Voter registration: Update your registration with your new address.
• Banks, credit cards, insurance, employer and subscriptions: Update them before your old address stops receiving mail.
• Doctors, pharmacies and veterinarians: Update records and transfer prescriptions if needed.

Confirm insurance

Your homeowners insurance needs to be in place by closing, and your old policy or renters policy should be canceled or adjusted after you move. Also update your auto insurance, since rates can change with your address.

Pack with purpose

Label boxes by room and contents. Pack a "first night" box with toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools, paper towels, a shower curtain and coffee supplies.

Moving week

• Confirm times with your movers and arrange parking if needed.
• Defrost and clean the refrigerator if it is moving with you.
• Do a final walk-through of the home you are buying, as scheduled by your agent.
• Gather keys, garage remotes, gate codes and appliance manuals for the next owner or landlord.
• Take photos of your old home's condition when you leave, especially if you were renting.

After you move in

Change the locks and codes

Re-key or replace the exterior locks and reset garage door and keypad codes. Previous owners, contractors and service providers may still have keys or codes from years past.

Learn your home's systems

• Find the main water shutoff, gas shutoff and electrical panel.
• Replace the HVAC filter and note when it was done.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check the irrigation timer and adjust it to your city's current watering schedule.

Find out your trash and recycling days

Your city's website lists collection schedules. It is a small thing that makes the first week feel a lot more settled.

Watch for your property tax bills

In California, new owners often receive a supplemental property tax bill some months after closing, in addition to the regular annual bill. Keep an eye out for it, and talk with your lender about whether it will be paid through your impound account.

File for the homeowners' exemption

If the home is your primary residence, California offers a modest homeowners' exemption on property taxes. Check with the Fresno County Assessor's office about how and when to file.

We are here for the whole move

Our help does not stop at the keys. If you have questions about getting settled in Fresno or Clovis, reach out anytime. See our resources for buyers, or book a time with our team.