The Ultimate Estes Park Relocation Checklist
Moving to Estes Park? Our complete relocation checklist covers everything from hiring movers to setting up utilities and registering your car in Larimer County.
Welcome to the Estes Valley! Your Adventure Begins Now.
The decision is made, the home is chosen, and now it’s time for the most exciting part: your move to Estes Park! Relocating can feel like juggling a dozen tasks at once. To make your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible, we’ve created this ultimate checklist. Think of us at The Thompson Group as your first new neighbors. We’re here to help you navigate the logistics so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
8 Weeks Before Your Move: The Strategic Plan
- Create a Moving Binder/Folder: Keep all your estimates, receipts, and checklists in one organized place.
- Research Moving Companies: Get at least three written estimates from licensed and insured movers. A company that has experience with mountain roads is a plus.
- Begin Decluttering: Go through every room. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. The less you have to move, the easier (and cheaper) it will be.
- Notify Schools: If you have children, notify their current school of the move and get copies of their records to provide to the Estes Park School District R-3.
4-6 Weeks Before Your Move: Locking in the Logistics
- Book Your Mover: Finalize your choice and get a written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
- Order Packing Supplies: Get more boxes, tape, and packing paper than you think you’ll need.
- Begin Packing Non-Essentials: Start with items you won’t need in the coming weeks, like out-of-season clothing, books, and decorative items.
- Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Mark boxes with fragile items.
- Submit Change of Address: File your official change of address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS.com).
2-3 Weeks Before Your Move: The Connections
- Arrange to Transfer Utilities: This is critical. Contact utility companies to schedule service to be disconnected at your old home the day after you leave and connected at your new Estes Park home the day you arrive.
- Transfer Medical Records: Arrange for medical and dental records to be sent to your new providers in Estes Park. Transfer prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
- Plan for Pets: If you have pets, make a plan for their safe transport. Book any necessary pet-sitters or travel arrangements.
The Final Week & Moving Day
- Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm your moving date, time, and the cell phone numbers of the crew.
- Pack Your Valuables: Keep important documents, jewelry, and laptops with you in your personal vehicle, not on the moving truck.
- Empty & Defrost Fridge/Freezer: Plan your meals to use up perishable food.
- Protect Your Floors: Lay down protective coverings on moving day.
- Supervise the Load-Up: Be on hand to answer questions for the moving crew.
- Final Sweep: Do one last walkthrough of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind.
Pack Your “Day 1 Essentials” Box
This is the last box on the truck and the first one off. It should contain:
- Toilet paper & paper towels
- Basic toiletries & medications
- A change of clothes for everyone
- Phone chargers
- Snacks, water bottles, and a coffee maker
- A basic toolkit (box cutter, screwdriver, wrench)
Welcome to Estes Park! A Quick-Reference Directory
| Service | Provider / Office | Contact/Website |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Estes Park Power & Communications | (970) 586-5335 / www.estes.org/utilities |
| Natural Gas | Xcel Energy | (800) 895-4999 / www.xcelenergy.com |
| Water & Sewer | Town of Estes Park or various Water Districts | (970) 586-5331 / www.estes.org/utilities |
| Internet/Cable | TDS, CenturyLink, HughesNet, Starlink | Varies by specific address |
| Trash & Recycling | Waste Management of Estes Park | (970) 586-5770 |
| School District | Estes Park School District R-3 | (970) 586-2361 / www.estesschools.org |
| Driver’s License | Larimer County DMV (Estes Park Office) | (970) 577-2025 / www.larimer.gov/clerk/driver |
| Vehicle Reg. | Larimer County Clerk & Recorder (Estes Park) | (970) 577-2025 / www.larimer.gov/clerk/motorvehicle |
| Post Office | USPS – Estes Park | (970) 586-8177 / 215 W Riverside Dr |
| Hospital | Estes Park Health | (970) 586-2317 / www.eph.org |
Your Resource for the Estes Valley
Our service doesn’t stop when you get the keys. We are your resource for all things related to living in the Estes Valley. Need a recommendation for a great local restaurant or the best hiking trail? Just ask!
The Thompson Group | Trusted Real Estate Advisors
Call (970) 480-7820