Moving in Fairfax: 4 Things to Know

Between work and family activities, county residents are always on the move. Sometimes that even means moving homes within Fairfax County.

According to historical census data, within a year, tens of thousands of people will move out of Fairfax County, while a few thousand more will move in.

What the numbers don’t show is that moving can often be a stressful and expensive experience. Here are four things to know if you have a move in your future.
 

Start your search for a reputable moving company well before your rental lease is up or your home has sold. Before you hire a moving company, you should understand your consumer rights and responsibilities.

If you are moving within Virginia, your move is regulated by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Read Your Rights and Responsibilities Moving Within Virginia

If you are moving out of the state or internationally, your move is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

• Read Your Right and Responsibilities Moving Out of Virginia or the U.S.
   

There is a lot to do when planning a move! Getting estimates from movers and insuring your belongings are just a few important tasks.

This handy checklist can help you get organized and remember key tasks for a successful move.

If you have belongings that are damaged or missing, or something else went wrong during your move, there are steps you can take:

• Contact the Moving Company for a claim form.
   
  • Claims should be filed with the mover as soon as possible, but no later than 30 calendar days after delivery.
     
  • Do not dispose of any damaged items or the packing materials used for those items since they will be needed for proof of damage.
     
• Contact Fairfax County Consumer Affairs for advice if the moving company is not helpful. Call 703-222-8435, TTY 711, (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or email consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov.
   
  • To file a complaint against a moving company located within Fairfax County, file a complaint online.
     
  • Visit Fairfax County Tips About Moving Companies for more information.
     
• Contact the Commonwealth of Virginia to file a complaint about a moving company located outside of Fairfax County.
   
  • Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section Hotline at 800-552-9963, or file a complaint online.
     
  • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at 804-249-5130 or mcsonline@dmv.virginia.gov , or file a complaint online .

Whether you are lucky enough to be moving into or within Fairfax County, or heading elsewhere, you should check with your local and state jurisdiction to take care of some essentials right away. Put these on your to-do list if you are moving into Fairfax County:

• Register your car in Fairfax County and Virginia (also driver’s license info and more)
• Register to vote, or update your voter registration
• Register for Fairfax Alerts (emergency and other important notifications) and check out our social media
• Register your kids for school at Fairfax County Public Schools