By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Change Your Address. Officially register with the post office your change of address. The United States Post Office will forward your mail for up to a year after your move. You can let the post office know about your move as much as 30 days in advance. This will ensure that all your final bills, financial statements and other important mail is forwarded to your new home at the same time as the moving company arrives with your belongings. If you have children in school, let their school know your new address, as well, in case you need their transcripts sent to you. Once you reach your destination, start to notify each institution individually. Also, don't forget to let friends and family know that you have moved.
Cancel Utilities and Home Services. Call your utilities ahead of time and let them know your final billing/service date. This includes your phone, cable, electric, water, lawn care, cleaning services, pest control, home security company and other occasional services like a dog walker or the Sunday paper delivery. Make sure and coordinate this date with your moving company. You don't want to have the electric, gas or water cut off before moving day. If you belong to an HOA, make them aware of your last day of residency to avoid any additional fees.
Update Your Insurance and Registration Information. If you have an insurance representative, give them a call to notify them of your move. This includes car, home, life and health insurance. A move to a new city or a new state could impact the rates you are paying so be sure to do that as soon as possible. In addition, while updating your car insurance, be sure to update your vehicle's registration.
Notify Your Employer. If you are moving locally, and not changing jobs, be sure to notify your employer. They will need to update their company records and, in some cases, if you are moving across state lines, may need to adjust payroll.
Clean Your Old Home. After the professional movers have left and before you turn over the keys to your old residence, be sure to clean, or schedule a cleaning of, your old home. This will ensure that you get back your security deposit if you are renting. If you are selling your home, and your home is still on the market, this is a must to help attract potential buyers.
Change/Delete Passwords for Home Environment Systems. Many homes today have smart technology installed including locks on front doors, heating and air conditioning, lighting, and security. In some cases, you may have password protected apps that you use to regulate and monitor these systems. If so, be sure to provide the necessary information to the future homeowner but then be sure to logout or delete any information pertaining to these systems.
Update Your Online Accounts. If you regularly order items online, remember to change your delivery address. This is also a great opportunity to update your profile with your bank, doctors, and any other vendors you regularly interact with online.
Do a Walkthrough of Your New Home. When you first arrive at your new home, do a quick walk through to help familiarize yourself with some of the key features of the house. You should be able to quickly locate the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, the electrical panel and sump pump--if there is one. Check to be sure they are all in good working order.
The key to maintaining your cool when moving is to have a plan. Using checklists can help you stay organized and ensure that your move is as easy as possible. Contact your local professional mover, A-1 Freeman Moving Group for more tips on how to have a stress-free move.
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