Welcome back to the GoMovers.com ecourse on packing and moving. So far we've covered a lot of ground, from choosing a moving company to packing, involving the family to getting insurance.
As moving day gets closer, it's easy to get caught up in packing and preparing for your new place so that you forget there are still vital things to be done in your old place. Changing your address, transferring services and other "chores" need to be done in advance of your move so you don't miss important mail or packages or have to pay for services you aren't using.
Here's a quick rundown of some things you need to do before your move:
Complete a Change-of-Address form from the Post Office or online at usps.com. This kit provides you with additional moving tips and tools to easily inform both personal and business contacts of your move.
Cancel and/or Transfer Services: Cable television, phone, Internet accounts, newspaper delivery, yard work and other services.
Cancel Appointments/Get Referrals: If you have appointments you'll be unable to keep or you will need referrals, such as for a doctor or an attorney in your new location, it is best to give plenty of notice.
Update your Driver's License: In most states your license is required to have your new address within 30 days of your move. Most people don't worry about this, but if you get a ticket and are cited for not having a current license, you'll wish you'd taken the time to fix it in a timely fashion.
Also think about things like changing your address with the county clerk's office if you are moving across town or into a different nearby city. It's likely your polling place and voting precinct will change along with your move.
If you have other companies you want to keep doing business with that you don't get mail from often, make sure you send them a note or change of address card. This could include your doctor and dentist if you're staying in town.
Once you've tackled all of that and are packed and ready to go, you should be able to have a nice, smooth moving day. Next time we'll talk a little more about moving day itself and what you need to do to ensure everything goes well.
For more tips, tricks and advice, visit GoMovers.com and check out our ebook on packing and moving.
