6 Things People Don’t Do When They Move

You’ve packed all of your clothes. You’ve bubble-wrapped your delicate collectible items, and even tucked newspaper between your stacks of plates to prevent too much shifting. Everything is boxed, labeled, and ready to go. In the scheme of things, it looks like you’re ready for your move. But are you? These are six of the most common things people forget (or neglect) to do before they move:

1. Compare the cost of living. Can you afford to live in your new neighborhood? There are countless cost of living calculators (like this one) available on the internet. These tools will show you how far your salary will go in your new home, factoring in the cost of food, utilities, and other miscellaneous costs associated with being a homeowner!
2. Cancel recurring charges. Keep an eye out for other recurring charges on your credit card, like mail-order medications and other subscription-based services. Cancel any recurring charges that won’t move with you. If you have a local health club membership, it’s important to let them know you’re moving. If they’re franchised, you can usually transfer your membership to a new location.
3. Update any bills set on auto-pay. Scheduling your payments makes it easy to stay on top of your bills, but it’s important to update the information when you move. Think major services like cable, phone, and internet. Do this a week in advance to give their systems time to update.
4. Take pictures of your electronics. It might sound silly, but taking this extra step can save you a lot of time and frustration once you’re settled in your new home. Computers and televisions come with a number of cables and hookups – taking a picture will help you put the technology puzzle back together.
5. Let everyone know. You might have informed your family and friends of your new location, but you’ll also have to let everyone else in your life know! This includes:
   • Professional Services: Attorneys, accountants, tax assessors, insurance companies, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and vets.
   • Community Members: Schools, alumni associations, charity/non-profit organizations, church clubs, pet licensing.
   • Home Services: Telephone, internet, cable, gas, electric, home security, magazines, newspapers, home delivery services.
   • Post Office: Changing your address and establishing mail forwarding with the post office will help ensure that your mail gets rerouted to you in the event you miss anyone.
6. Locate important stores. You’re going to need to buy groceries, tools, and the like. Before your move, map out which stores your new home will be closest to. For a better handle on your surroundings, take a drive through your new neighborhood to get a grip on your bearings. This way, when you need a bite to eat or have to run out for a tool, you’ll know exactly where to go.