Who to Contact Before You Move

Without a doubt moving is not something most people look forward to. Quite often after having gone through the home sale process, you’re downright exhausted. One of the things homeowners, however, can’t forget to do is to notify everyone of your impending move. Your moving notification list is one of the most critical things to do before packing the house/

Cross country movers are saying, there’s no denying that moving is stressful, whether you’re moving across town or the country. You have to deal with packing, logistics, hiring movers, and a ton of other things that you have to remember.

Here, we’re going to take a look at those things you need to change, and the people you need to notify before you move, so you’ll have less to worry about when you arrive at your new home.

Address

Go to your post office and request a change of address form, or you can do this online. Doing this makes sure that you get your mail at your new place, and it’s recommended that you fill out these forms about 30 days before you move. On those forms you can specify the date you want the post office to begin forwarding your mail, so you should start receiving your mail at your new place exactly when you’re ready.

According to the post office, they will forward First Class, Priority, and Express mail to your new location for 12 months. Magazines, periodicals, and second class mail get forwarded for 60 days.

Your Bank

Although technology allows us to do our banking from virtually anywhere, there still might be a need for you to visit a branch for service. If your preferred bank doesn’t have an office in your new town, consider moving your accounts to a bank that’s local. You never know when you’re going to want to have a face-to-face conversation about a loan or some other financial advice like picking a lender, and having a local branch makes this more convenient.

Credit Cards

Just as you did with your bank, you want to tell your credit card companies that you’re moving and provide them with the new address. This isn’t as important today since most people do all of their payments and correspondence online or via a mobile app, but it’s still a good idea just in case your credit card company ever needs to mail you something important. Just as with the post office, you can do this online via the credit card company’s website.

Utilities

Having utilities turned on and ready to go in your new home is essential. The last thing you want is to spend your first night, exhausted after moving, with no electricity, running water, or internet. Consider getting these utilities set up and ready at your new location, and turned off at your current location: electricity, internet service, water, gas, electric, trash removal, and cable.

It’s recommended that you arrange to have these services end on the last day you’re in your new place, which allows you to use the electricity and bathroom if you need it while you’re in the process of moving.

Your Doctor

As much as you may like your current physician, you may not be able to see them anymore depending on how far away you’re moving. Talk to your doctor and explain the situation and see if they can refer you to another provider. You’ll also have to ask them to transfer your medical records after you’re established with a new physician.

Insurance Company

As with your bank, you can often continue to use your current insurance provider if they’re one of the major companies wherever you move. However, if you’re with a local agent, you’ll have to look for new insurance for your car, your home, and your life if you carry life insurance. If you’re dealing with a nationwide company, you can notify them of your new address to ensure you continue to get communication from them and their records are up to date.

Your Employer

Unless you’re being transferred within your company, you have to notify your boss that you’re moving, and it’s best to do this as soon as possible to give them ample time to find a replacement. While two weeks is considered standard, it’s best to provide at least a month’s notice if you can. Also, remember to give your employer your new address so they can get your tax information to you and any unpaid salary they owe you.

Your Landlord

If you’re renting a house or apartment, you need to let your landlord know that you’re moving. Most renters have clauses in their lease agreements which detail the amount of notification you need to give your landlord before moving out, but it’s considered standard to give at least 30 days notice. It’s also a good idea to inform your landlord in writing and make sure the condition of the apartment is well documented before you leave, so there are no disputes regarding your security deposit.

Department of Motor Vehicles

When you move to another state, you have to change over your driver’s license, your registration, your insurance, and you have to get new plates. Notify your local DMV of your plans to move so you can be ready to change over once you’re settled at your new home.

The IRS

The Internal Revenue Service will need to know your new address so that they can get essential tax documents and information to you so you won’t be filing your taxes late. As with most things on this list, you can do this via the IRS website.

Church

Whether you’re a member of a mainstream church or a local community church, you’ll want to tell them that you’re moving and see if they can recommend a similar church in your new town. Most mainstream churches have locations in virtually every city, and they can direct you as to who to contact when you get there and what groups you might want to be involved in.

There’s nothing that can take all the stress out of moving, but if you plan ahead, and get as many things ticked off your list beforehand, you should have an easier time once the big day arrives and once you’re settled in your new place. The more planning you do ahead of time means fewer hiccups along the way.

Final Recap

Moving takes a lot of planning and patience. Make sure you do your due diligence and get your moving notification list squared away early. You’ll find your stress levels will rise when people are not getting important documentation you need them to have.

Additional Helpful Moving & Selling Resources

• More people to notify you are moving via Maximum Real Estate Exposure.
• Smart advice for your next move via Paul Sian.
• Helpful real estate articles at Snapzu.

Use these additional resources to make excellent decisions when you are selling a home.

About the author: Adrian has lived in the Dallas Fort Worth area his entire life. Currently he lives in Denton County with hid wife of 12 years & 2 children. He loves to travel, go to my kids sporting events, & festivals with the family.