The logistics of long distance moving can challenge anyone’s organizational abilities. Hopefully, you have settled the major logistics of your move. You’ve secured the moving company and have a set plan for the packing and loading of your household and making the move. What else needs to be done before you say goodbye to the house? PLENTY!
We put together this last minute checklist to help you remember those things that need to be done by anyone who is moving, but particularly by those making a long distance move. When you are miles from your original location, it’s not so easy to make a trip back to do the things you forgot to do. Before your move, check off the list below and you will be off to your new home with peace of mind.
Change your address
Remember to notify the U.S. Postal Service of your change of address as early as possible to keep mail arriving without interruption.
Cancel home services
Cancel cable, electricity, internet, and home telephone services a few days prior to moving. If you are moving long distance and still able to use the same utility company at your new address, ask about special promotions for transferring service to your new location.
Cancel local memberships
To avoid recurring membership fees from organizations you will no longer be part of, cancel a month or so before moving. These include gym memberships, networking groups, park districts, sports teams, and other geographically based, in-person clubs.
Check your car insurance
States and even neighborhoods have varying levels of required coverage on your automobile. Call your insurance company, notify them of the move and address, and adjust your coverage accordingly.
Cancel your home insurance
Make sure the homeowner’s insurance on your old house ceases when you vacate the property. Otherwise, you may end up paying an insurance premium for the people who purchased your home! Also make sure a subsequent home insurance policy is in place at your new location from the moment you arrive. You may or may not be able to continue the insurance you have depending on your carrier and their service area. Not all insurance companies are licensed in every state.
Change the billing address on credit cards
Some transactions require you to use your billing zip code when using your credit card, i.e. at the gas station. If your zip code has changed, be sure to change it on your credit cards. Otherwise, you may be denied a transaction simply because the address on your card has not been changed.
Change your driver’s license
Along with the change of address for mail, you also need to update your driver’s license because it is a valuable form of identification. This can be done online or in-person at the appropriate office in your new town. You will most likely need to present proof of residence at your new home, such as utility bills, deed to the house, etc. to do this. In Illinois, contact a State of Illinois Secretary of State facility. Out of state, check out the local DMV or secretary of state website.
Change your automatic payments
Take the time to set up automated payments for utilities and expenses at your new home. In the whirlwind of moving, paper bills can be misplaced or lost. Automatic payment will make sure bills are paid and eliminate any possibilities of late fees and/or discontinued service.
Transfer medical records
If moving means a new healthcare team closer to your new location for you and/or your loved ones, be sure to have your medical records sent to your new physicians as soon as possible.
Empty safety deposit boxes
Before leaving your local bank, be sure to clear out your safety deposit box and transfer it to a closer bank to your new home. Even if your banking institution has a branch in your new location, you may still want your safety deposit box close and more easily accessible.
Think about pickups and returns
Remember to pick up those things you have dropped off in the neighborhood and may need to return, like dry cleaning, library books, mail at post office boxes, or those tools and kitchen gadgets you borrowed from local neighbors and friends. Also, if neighbors and friends have borrowed items from you, make sure you retrieve them before moving day so they move with you.
Register kids for their new schools and send their transcripts
If you are moving with school-aged children, be sure to promptly enroll them at schools in their new location so their education continues seamlessly. Order your children’s school records to be sent to the new school. Also find out if the new school does anything special to acclimate new students to the school, like give special tours, pair them with a buddy, etc. and arrange it for your child/children.
Arrange daycare or after school care for the children
If you are moving with young children who are in the care of others during the day and/or after school, be sure to arrange continued services for them at your new location. Having this arranged ahead of time will help give you a seamless transition back to work after your move.
The minute you are set with a mover, it’s time to start concentrating on the details of moving long distance, like those on this list. Soon, any feeling of overwhelm will slowly melt away as you realize all is taken care of and great memories are on the horizon. Century Moving can help with excellent moving resources, including storage, during your long distance move. When you’re ready to make the move, call Century Moving and we will get you and your memories to your new home, hassle free. Call for an estimate at (630) 889-2700.
