Before the Move
8 Weeks Out
- Begin decluttering - altitude moves cost more per pound
- Research moving companies with mountain experience
- Start gathering important documents
- Create inventory of belongings
4 Weeks Out
- Confirm moving date and company
- Begin address change notifications
- Schedule utility transfers
- Arrange pet transportation if needed
2 Weeks Out
- Confirm moving details
- Pack non-essentials
- Arrange cleaning of old residence
- Transfer prescriptions to local pharmacy
After Arrival
First Week
- Update driver's license (30 days to comply)
- Register vehicles in Colorado
- Register to vote
- Locate nearest hospital and urgent care
First Month
- Find primary care physician
- Set up mail forwarding
- Get library card
- Learn local roads and shortcuts
Vehicle Preparation
- All-season or winter tires
- Emergency kit in vehicle
- Ice scraper and brush
- Jumper cables or battery pack
- Blankets and warm clothing
Home Essentials
- Snow shovels and ice melt
- Space heater for backup
- Flashlights and batteries
- Humidifier for dry mountain air
30-day pre-move checklist
Several mountain-specific tasks should happen 30 days before your move-in date. Schedule a pre-arrival walk-through with the seller’s agent if possible to verify the property condition matches the inspection from a few months prior. Set up snow removal contracts now — the best providers fill capacity by late October each year and reactive shopping in November or December often means accepting a less-reliable contractor. Arrange propane delivery (most mountain homes use propane rather than natural gas) and verify the tank size and refill schedule with the previous owner’s provider.
First-week priorities
The first week in a mountain home should focus on safety and systems verification rather than decorating. Test smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries even if they appear fresh — mountain altitude affects battery performance. Locate and test the main water shutoff (frozen pipes are a real risk and you may need to shut water off quickly). Find the electrical panel and ensure you understand which breaker controls which area, especially heat tape circuits that prevent gutter ice dams. Walk the property perimeter and identify any damage to fences, decks, or exterior surfaces that may need attention before snow accumulates.