Before Your Move

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Changing Addresses

You may not realize how many organizations and individuals will be affected by your address change. Following are some helpful reminders of people and places you need to notify. Also, don't forget to practice your new address and telephone number with your children prior to the move.

Address Change Notification Checklist

The following checklist will assist you in making sure you don't forget to notify anyone of your new address:

  • Gas Company
  • Electric Company
  • Phone Company
  • Cell Phone Company
  • Cable Company
  • Internet Company
  • City Utilities Department (Water, sewer, and disposal services)
  • Doctor, dentist, veterinarian offices - transfer medical records if necessary
  • Bank/Financial Services/Credit Card companies (order new checks too!)
  • U.S. Post Office (www.usps.gov)
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Legal Advisors
  • Insurance Companies
  • Transfer any prescriptions you or your family members may have to pharmacies near your new home
  • Families and Friends
  • Subscriptions to Magazines (May take 4-6 weeks)
  • Pension Funds/Investment Firms
  • Lawyer, Realtor, Church, Other service organizations
  • School System (if you have children)
  • Workplace
  • Voter Registration (www.beavoter.com)
  • Motor Vehicle Bureau/Driver's License

How to Switch Your Utilities

Disconnecting services in one location and resuming them in another can be a chaotic task. Following are some guidelines that will help make your transition as smooth as possible:

  • Gas, electric, phone, and cable companies each have their own lead-time for disconnect/connect notification. Water and sewer services can be arranged directly through the appropriate town or city department. We recommend you contact their customer service departments at least 2 weeks prior to your move to avoid timing issues. Disconnecting and connecting service only takes a few simple phone calls-a painless procedure if done in advance.

  • Don't turn utilities off until you have completely vacated your home. You never know what events may arise. To avoid any problems, keep your current utilities running throughout your moving date, and connect your utilities at your new location a day before your moving date.

  • Supply companies with your new mailing address so that there is no question where to send final invoices. Not supplying the new address could lead to unnecessary late fees.

  • Finally, collect any refunds or old utility deposits. Many people forget that they may have paid a substantial amount of money to deposits months, or even years ago. What's yours is yours-so claim it while you can!

Practicing with the Kids

If you have children, it is important to help them learn their new address and telephone number.

Try this at home: Ask your children to practice writing the new contact information on the boxes and cartons that will be used during the move. This will help them remember their new address, and it will save you some time in the process!

Moving with Pets

If you have pets, it is important to make the move as easy for them as possible. Below are some tips to help:

  • Maintain your pet's normal routine before and after the move.
  • Keep your pet secure on moving day by placing your pet in a carrier or quiet location. Be sure to place a sign on the door to prevent an escape.
  • Purchase a new ID tag for your pet - with your new address and phone number.
  • Before you move, visit your veterinarian to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, get copies of your pet's records and see if he/she can recommend another veterinarian at your new location.
  • Check with a veterinarian in your new location to make sure your pet complies with the vaccination requirements and ordinances.
  • Have updated photos and a written description of your pet in case it gets lost.
  • Bring familiar surroundings and necessary items for your pet, such as bedding, food, water, food dishes, can opener (if needed), treats and toys.

Other Helpful Tips

  • While packing, collect important records like birth certificates and passports keep track of them during the moving process.
  • Return borrowed items like library books, etc., and reclaim any items that have been borrowed from you.
  • Pick up items from dry cleaners' or other service providers.
  • Locate important spots - hospital, police station, fire station, etc. - near your new home.
  • Let a friend or family member know your exact moving route and plans so someone knows where you are at all times in case of an emergency.