Relocation Checklist for Moving to Vancouver

Planning a move to Vancouver, Washington? You’re not alone. With riverfront views, quick access to Portland, and Washington’s lack of state personal income tax, the area attracts professionals and families who want more space and outdoor access. Moving across city or state lines can feel overwhelming, but a clear plan will keep you on track. This step-by-step checklist covers what to do before, during, and after your move, plus local links for utilities, schools, transit, health care, and more. Let’s dive in.

First 30 days: quick-start checklist

Use this list to handle essential tasks right away after you arrive.

• Get a Washington driver license and transfer your vehicle registration. Review timelines and required documents with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
• Start or transfer utilities. City addresses typically set up water and sewer with the City of Vancouver. Most electric service in Clark County is through Clark Public Utilities.
• Forward your mail and update addresses with banks and insurance. Use the USPS change-of-address tool to avoid missed mail.
• Register to vote by mail. Visit Clark County Elections to confirm options and deadlines.
• Enroll children in school. Confirm your address falls within Vancouver Public Schools or Evergreen Public Schools, then follow each district’s enrollment steps.
• Transfer prescriptions and request medical records. Local hospitals include PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center.
• License pets and review local leash rules. Check animal licensing with the City of Vancouver and Clark County Animal Services.
• Review Washington tax basics. Washington has no state personal income tax. For sales and property taxes, start with the Washington Department of Revenue and the Clark County assessor pages.

Neighborhood primer and commuting notes

Vancouver sits on the north bank of the Columbia River, just across from Portland. Your ideal neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, commute, and budget. Compare commute routes, school district boundaries, and floodplain maps as you narrow options. City and county resources at the City of Vancouver and Clark County can help you evaluate addresses.

• Downtown, Esther Short, and the Waterfront: Walkable core with restaurants, festivals, and riverfront access. Expect more apartments and condos, plus easy access to parks and paths.
• Old Town and Fort Vancouver area: Historic districts near Fort Vancouver National Historic Site with quick access to waterfront parks and downtown amenities.
• Salmon Creek and Fisher’s Landing: Suburban neighborhoods with a range of single-family homes, shopping, and medical facilities.
• Hazel Dell and Orchards: Often provide more affordable single-family options with convenient retail and services.
• Felida, Lake Shore, and areas near Camas and Lacamas: Suburban to semi-rural feel with larger lots in some pockets.

Commute tips:

• Many residents commute via I-5 or I-205 to jobs in Portland. Check routes and traffic patterns before you choose a home.
• C-Tran runs local bus service, express commuter routes to Portland, and rapid service called The Vine. Review routes and passes at C-Tran.

Your moving timeline

Stay organized with a simple timeline. Adjust dates based on your contract, lease, or moving company schedule.

8 or more weeks before

• Research neighborhoods and short-list homes or apartments that fit your commute and lifestyle.
• Compare moving companies and request written estimates. For interstate moves, verify federal compliance and insurance coverage.
• Gather school and medical records, plus pet vaccination records.
• Review Washington taxes and local utility providers. Start with the Department of Revenue, Clark County, and City of Vancouver.

4 weeks before

• Book movers, moving containers, or a rental truck.
• Start address change notifications and plan mail forwarding with the USPS.
• Set up or schedule utilities at your new address: water and sewer with the City of Vancouver for city addresses, electricity with Clark Public Utilities.
• Declutter and donate items you will not move.
• Confirm pet licensing requirements with the City of Vancouver and check local parks rules.

2 weeks before

• Confirm moving day parking and any building rules. For apartments or condos, coordinate elevator reservations with building management.
• Pack a first-24-hours box with essentials: chargers, basic tools, medications, toiletries, a few outfits, pet supplies, and key documents.
• Schedule final walk-throughs or key handoffs with your landlord or closing team.

Moving week

• Disconnect or transfer utilities at your previous home and confirm start dates at your new address.
• Share arrival times and parking plans with movers.
• Take photos of home condition before loading and after unloading.
• Monitor local weather and plan for rain or heat.

First 1 to 2 weeks after arrival

• Obtain your Washington driver license and register your vehicle with the Department of Licensing.
• Enroll children in school and update immunization records as required by the districts.
• Register to vote with Clark County Elections.
• Set up internet and review trash and recycling pickup schedules.
• Update addresses on insurance, banking, subscriptions, and payroll.

Moving-day logistics and local rules

• Parking and street use: If your moving truck needs curb space, coordinate with your building and confirm city rules on temporary no-parking signs or street use. Start at the City of Vancouver and Clark County Public Works pages to understand local procedures.
• Oversize moves: Very large or oversize vehicles may require permits through state authorities. Confirm requirements well in advance.
• Building access: Reserve loading docks and elevators early. Ask about time windows and protective coverings for hallways.
• Avoid moving scams: Get written estimates, a detailed inventory, and proof of insurance. Be cautious with large upfront deposits.

Weather and seasonal tips

Vancouver’s climate includes wet winters and drier summers. From October to April, plan for rain, slick roads, and the need to keep boxes and furniture dry. In late summer and early fall, be mindful of potential heat waves or regional smoke. Build flexibility into move dates during stormy or high-heat periods, and pack weatherproof materials like plastic wrap and sturdy totes.

Set up utilities, internet, and services

Utilities are address specific, so confirm providers for your exact home.

• Electricity: Most of Clark County is served by Clark Public Utilities. Start or transfer service and explore conservation tips.
• Water and sewer: City addresses typically use City of Vancouver utilities. County addresses may be on different systems.
• Natural gas: Providers vary by neighborhood. Confirm by address during your inspection or lease signing.
• Trash and recycling: Service is often contracted by neighborhood or city. Check your new hauler’s schedule and rules.
• Internet and TV: Options vary by street. Run an address lookup with providers to confirm availability and speeds.

Schools and higher education

Two main districts serve Vancouver-area addresses. Boundaries determine assignment and enrollment steps.

• Vancouver Public Schools: Check boundaries and enrollment steps through Clark County and the district’s online resources.
• Evergreen Public Schools: Confirm your address and enrollment requirements via Clark County and the district’s site.

Higher education options include Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver. If you plan to take classes or transfer credits, request transcripts before your move.

Healthcare and emergency basics

Identify providers early and transfer prescriptions to a local pharmacy. Major hospitals include PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. For public safety information and city services, start at the City of Vancouver.

Transit and commuting options

C-Tran operates local routes, express buses to Portland, and rapid service on key corridors called The Vine. If you plan to commute or prefer not to drive, review routes, park-and-ride options, and fares at C-Tran. TriMet service centers on Portland, so plan connections at designated transfer points.

Documents to keep handy

Keep digital and physical copies in a secure, easy-to-carry folder.

• Photo ID, passport or birth certificate, Social Security card if needed
• Vehicle title and registration, auto insurance
• Lease or purchase agreement, closing documents, moving contract
• School records and immunization forms
• Medical, dental, and veterinary records and prescriptions
• Utility account numbers and provider contact info
• A small essentials kit for your first day and night

Where to get help: local links

Bookmark these for quick reference during your move.

• City services, permits, utilities, parks: City of Vancouver
• County assessor, elections, public health, GIS: Clark County
• Driver license and vehicle registration: Washington State Department of Licensing
• Washington tax information: Washington Department of Revenue
• Transit and commuter routes: C-Tran
• Electric service and resources: Clark Public Utilities
• Mail forwarding and change of address: USPS
• Hospitals and care: PeaceHealth Southwest, Legacy Salmon Creek
• Higher education: Clark College, WSU Vancouver

Moving to a new city is a big step, and the right plan turns stress into confidence. If you want a local guide who knows Vancouver neighborhoods, timelines, and the fine details that save time and money, reach out to Joy Johnson for concierge-style support from first search to first day in your new home.

FAQs

How long do I have to get a Washington driver license after moving to Vancouver?

• Timelines can change, so confirm current requirements and documents with the Washington State Department of Licensing before you visit.

Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Vancouver city limits?

• Rules vary by street and building; start with the City of Vancouver for temporary no-parking guidance and coordinate with your building manager.

Which school district is my new Vancouver address in and how do I enroll?

• District boundaries determine enrollment; verify your address and start enrollment steps through Clark County resources for Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools.

How do I set up utilities for a Vancouver address?

• City addresses usually start water and sewer with the City of Vancouver and electricity with Clark Public Utilities; confirm providers by exact address.

How do I forward my mail when moving to Vancouver, WA?

• Use the online change-of-address tool at the USPS to forward mail and update addresses with banks, insurers, and subscriptions.

What transit options connect Vancouver and Portland?

• Review local and express routes, fares, and park-and-ride locations with C-Tran, which operates service within Vancouver and express buses to Portland.

Where can I find hospitals and urgent care near my new home?

• Major hospitals include PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center; check their sites for clinics and urgent care.

Where can I learn about Washington taxes and local property information?

• Start with the Washington Department of Revenue for tax basics and the Clark County assessor pages for property details and rates.