Moving can be as exciting as it is stressful. Embarking on new adventures or starting a new job can make the move worth it. However, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when moving and that can be overwhelming.
Big tasks, like packing or renting a moving van, will get the most of your time and energy. However, sometimes smaller tasks that make your move easier in the long run get lost in the hustle and bustle. This checklist is intended to help you remember things you’ll want to update before your big move this summer.
1. Change Your Home Address
The first thing you’ll need to update when you move is your mailing address. You’ll want to ensure that any relevant mail is being delivered to the right place. You can use the USPS change-of-address form to forward mail to your new address for up to six months. If you have pre-ordered items, be sure to contact the companies and update your information directly.
Update your patient profiles with your new address as soon as you can receive mail there. If you receive regular deliveries of prescriptions such as birth control, you want to make sure your service is uninterrupted. If you’re moving across state lines, check with your pharmacy to make sure that changing addresses won’t affect your deliveries.
If you use GPS to get around town, be sure to change your “Home” address on your devices. This makes it easy to navigate to your new home no matter where you might be. While out and about in your new environment, getting directions home with a single button can make exploring easier.
2. Change Your Banking Profile
Whether you’re moving down the road or relocating across the country, let your bank know your new address promptly. You don’t want bank statements to be delivered to anyone but you. Additionally, banks may flag repeated purchases in a different state as suspicious activity. When you move, update your bank profile with the new address. This will make them aware of the change in your purchasing pattern and better protect your accounts.
Changing your billing address can also help detect and prevent fraud. Matching up your billing address with your current address makes it easier to verify your identity. Bank statements with an accurate address can also help you when applying for new documentation, like a driver’s license. Your billing address should be updated for any credit cards you use and any online payments you make, such as recurring subscriptions.
3. Check In With Your Mechanic
One of the things you should update before making a journey with your possessions is your vehicle. If your car is going to be driving a long distance in a single trip, it needs to be in tiptop shape. Before you travel, have a trusted mechanic inspect your car and make any required updates, such as:
- Changing the oil
- Replacing worn tires
- Checking air pressure
- Cleaning the headlights
- Filling up windshield wiper fluid
- Testing the air conditioning
- Double-checking the spare tire
Each item you check off the list removes a potential risk factor that could stall or complicate your trip. No one wants to make a summer move without AC or with a flat tire.
4. Find New Service Providers
When you live in one area for long enough you start to develop relationships with certain service providers. This could be a family doctor, your go-to repairman, or even your favorite salon. Making a move means you’ll have to say goodbye to them and look for service providers near your new home.
One of the first things you can do is look to see if the local community has a social media group. These groups will be full of residents who are very knowledgeable about the surrounding area. You can search past posts or create your own, asking for suggestions about doctors, mechanics, and more. You can also search online ratings and reviews to find a good replacement for your every need.
If you’re happy with your current providers, you should ask if they have recommendations or referrals for the new area. They may even be able to seamlessly transfer your information to new providers.
5. Get Rid of Outdated Possessions
Let’s face it: You probably have way more stuff than you could possibly need. Moving is the perfect time to cull the excess so that your new home doesn’t immediately feel packed to capacity. It’s not always easy, but lightening the load will make moving out and into your new home much simpler.
As you empty out closets and dresser drawers, decide what needs to stay and what you can let go of. For example, your kids might have some old toys they no longer play with that can be donated to a local charity. There’s no need to pack up an entire box if it’s not likely to be reopened after the move.
Many outgrown or obsolete items can be donated or discarded in the midst of a move. You may also check with local social media communities and donate directly to individuals. You don’t have to go minimalist, but moving can be your opportunity to set yourself up for a fresher start.
The summer is the perfect time to change locations without disrupting major school and work cycles. By following this checklist, your moving experience is much more likely to be a smooth one.
Last Updated on by kalidaspandian
