Who to Notify When You Move
Let’s face it, moving is a pain, it’s not easy, it takes work and planning. How can you make moving less stressful? Who do you need to notify when you move?
One of the lengthiest “to-do” lists is the one you’ll make when it’s time to move. From gathering moving materials to determining how you’re actually going to move, to changing your address, there’s a lot to do.
Moving Options
How do you plan to move? Are you planning to hire movers? Are you planning to rent a U-Haul truck? Maybe you’ve thought about renting a pod that you’ll fill yourself and have transported to your new location. Or, maybe you plan to do-it-all-yourself by inviting family and friends to load up their cars and trucks with your belongings snd transporting them to your next home. Whatever you decide, plan it out in advance. If you’re not hiring movers, you’ll need to get boxes, pack and label those boxes. Find out what each option will cost and how much advanced scheduling is required. It’s never too early to start this part of your research and decision-making.
What to Cancel When Moving
If you’re moving out of your area, there might be things you need to cancel. Examples include:
- Gym memberships
- Shopping memberships (Costco, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, etc.)
- Community groups, clubs or organizations with monthly or yearly fees
Who to Notify When You Move
U.S. Postal Service
This is the most critical notification you’ll make and, thankfully, they’ve made it easy for you to do. You can even specify the date on which you want to start receiving mail at the new address.
Go to USPS.com and fill out the form or pick up a change-of-address card at your local post office.
Utility Companies
When your moving date is firm, contact all utility companies with either a shut-off or transfer of service date. If you’re moving to a new area, be sure to arrange for the start of new service as well.
The most common utility services you might need to contact include:
- Electric
- Gas
- Water
- Trash Pick-Up
- Sewer
- Propane delivery
- Internet service provider
- TV
- Landline phone company (if you still use landline)
- Mobile phone provider
Ongoing Service Providers
Do you have specialty services come to your house on a regular basis? If so, you’ll want to notify them of your move. These people can include:
- Gardeners
- Lawn mowing service
- Pool service
- Pet waste pickup
- Housekeeper
- Dog walker
Voter registration, Social Security and Government Benefits Offices
Learn how to change your voter registration at USA.gov.
Social Security benefit recipients can change their address online as well. If you don’t have an account at the Social Security website, you’ll need to create one first (it’s free). You can do that at SSA.gov.
Collecting unemployment insurance benefits or public assistance? Call the offices to determine how they prefer you to file a change-of-address.
Your Financial Services
Yes, the USPS will forward your mail, but banking information is just too important to trust anyone else with it.
Take the time to notify your bank, investment companies, retirement fund companies and credit card companies of your new address.
Driver’s License and Registration
DMV.org offers a handy tool for people in all 50 states to determine what is required to change their address with the DMV.
Insurance Companies
If you’re a homeowner, don’t forget to notify your homeowner’s insurance company of you move. If you rent, don’t forget to notify the company that provides your renters insurance. Your auto and health insurance companies will also need to be notified of your new address.
Protect Your Computer When You Move
Computers are expensive pieces of equipment we can’t afford to not protect when we move. One key thing to do is to back them up before moving them. That way, if something unfortunate happens when you move, you haven’t lost everything.
Moving with Pets
If you have pets and you’re moving out of the area, ask your vet for copies of your pet’s records, including records of their shots. Your new vet will appreciate you for sharing those records.
Your Pet’s Microchip Company
Sadly, failing to keep a pet’s microchip information updated is common. Pets in unfamiliar surroundings often get loose, become disoriented and, without a way to find you, the pet usually ends up at the pound.
If you remember which company your pet’s microchip is with, go to the company’s website and file a change of address and phone number (if it will be changing).
Otherwise, take the time to visit your pet’s veterinarian. They’ll typically scan the pet for free. Then you can notify the company of your new details.
Transferring Your Medical Records
Likewise, if you’re moving out of the area, find out in advance how to transfer your medical, dental and vision records. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to fill your prescriptions before you move. You certainly don’t want to be in a situation where your prescription runs out and you don’t can’t get it refilled in a hurry.
PLANNING A MOVE?
