Forget Something During Your Move? Make Sure it Isn't One of These 5 Things

Getting prepared to move to someplace new can be a hectic time for many people. Sometimes you can be so busy getting everything else squared away that you wind up forgetting to do something crucial before packing up and driving away from your old abode. The following talks about five things you shouldn't forget to do before you leave your old apartment or home.

Collect Keys from Previous Occupants

If you have a roommate or two or perhaps a few family members living with you, then chances are they have door keys of their own. Before moving day arrives, you'll want to make sure that you've collected all keys for all of the door locks for each former occupant. In addition to the door keys, you should also make sure you have all keys to any gate locks or padlocks that are on the property.

Disconnect Your Utilities at Your Old Address

When moving from one place to another, not only should you have your utilities connected at your new location, but you shouldn't forget to have service at your old apartment or home disconnected prior to moving day. Otherwise, you could find yourself on the hook for continued service you don't need at a location you're no longer living at.

The overall process for disconnecting and reconnecting utilities and other services can vary from company to company. Always read the fine print of your current service agreement or contract to see how much time is needed in advance to disconnect and transfer your services. Don't forget that you may have to pay an early termination or reconnection fee, although some companies may waive these fees if you're simply transferring service from one place to another.

Change Your Mailing Address

As you prepare to move, you'll want to make sure your mail moves with you. Unless you make an effort to change your mailing address over to your new location, there's a good chance your regular mail will still wind up at your old address. Requesting a change of mailing address gives your postmaster a heads up as to where your mail should go, so it can be forwarded to your new address.

There are two ways that the United States Postal Service allows you to change your mailing address. One option involves changing it in person at your local post office by filling out a change of address card. If you can't get to a local post office for whatever reason, the USPS also allows you to make changes through its online website.

Change Your Billing Information

If you have credit cards, auto loans, student loans or online shopping accounts, you should also have the billing and shipping information changed so that it reflects your new location. Otherwise, your billing statements and packages could end up at your old address by accident. Similar to your utilities, the process of changing over this information usually depends on the company you're dealing with. Fortunately, most companies make it relatively easy to change and confirm your billing information.

Notify Loved Ones of Your New Address

Despite most people preferring emails to handwritten letters, you may have friends and family who still send holiday cards and letters through the mail. Before you set off to your new apartment or home, you'll want to make sure your friends and family have your new mailing address on hand. This way, your family won't be in the dark when it comes to your new whereabouts, plus they won't get the unpleasant feeling that comes with getting a letter or Christmas card marked with the words "return to sender."

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