Changing Address/Phone Number

An address change can take a week or so to process, so change your address early. You can do this by picking up a form at a post office. The form is actually in a packet that also contains coupons pertaining to things needed by movers. For quite a while, perhaps up to a year, the post office will forward mail for you. However, to get your mail quicker, you should also change your address with the people who send you your mail. Utilities of course will be aware of your move, sine you will be either shutting them off, or transferring the account, which will be discussed later. Many times, companies have a spot on every bill for you to note an address change. In addition, you can call them yourself to update it. Here is a partial list of some to get your mind rolling:

• Family and friends- Stationery stores have a selection of postcards just for this
• Credit card companies
• Student loan holders
• Bank- do you need to order new checks?
• Insurance companies- vehicle, life, etc.
• Department of Transportation- you will need to change your license and car registration
• Voter Registration- your ward / district may be changing
• Magazine/Newspaper subscriptions- change address, or cancel
• Your employer
• Credit bureaus
• Any other accounts/memberships you may have (Such as, do you get Schwan’s delivered? Are you in AAA?)

In addition to notifying companies about your address change, you may also need to make changes to things you use that contain your address and phone number. Do you use a rubber stamp for your return address? Do you use labels? Do you need new checks? Do you have a home-based business with stationery, and business cards? Do you need to change the number on your fax machine? (My fax machine still prints my old number on the sheets…)

Utility Turn On/Turn Off

You will need to get new utilities hooked up. If you will be between places for a little while, you may need to have service at both for a little while, especially things like electric and water. If moving within the same area, you can have the option of keeping the same number. If you choose to change it, you may want to list your number so people who do not know of your move can locate you. You can also consider having a prerecorded message announcing your new number on your old one. If you are staying in the same general area, you can just transfer your account. Or, if you are moving to an area where you will use a new company, you will need to sign up for a new account.

Other Services/Bills

In addition to the necessities of utilities, you will need to get the extras.

• Cable- Does the area you have offer cable television? Digital cable?
• Satellite TV- is satellite a better deal in this area?
• Internet Service Provider- you may be with AOL or MSN, but if you are signing up through your local cable or phone company (for DSL) you may need to cancel an existing account, and notify everyone about your new e-mail address.
• Security- were you subscribed to a home security monitoring service? Are you going to continue your subscription at your new place?
• Renter’s Insurance- if you are renting, did you have a policy you needed to change? Do you want to sign up for a new service?
• Trash pickup- does your municipality pick it up, or do you need a private contractor?
• Schools- are you registering?