Over the last five years, an average of 13% of Americans moved each year. While most moves are local, 14% are across state lines.
If you’re getting ready for a long-distance move, you know there are a lot of things to keep track of. Of course, you want to hire a moving company that has professional movers and great reviews. But you also need to notify a variety of people and companies about your new address.
What are some of the documents and notifications you should take care of during your move? Here’s a simple list.
Utilities
One of the first groups that need to know about your move is the utility companies of your current home and your future home. You should let the appropriate companies know when to shut off your phone, electricity, internet, and cable at your old home. Then, notify your new providers of when you’re moving into your new space.
Common utilities that you want to consider include:
- Home security
- Electric
- Water
- Phone or cell phone
- Internet
- Gas
- Sewage
- Trash collection
- Television services
Some of these utilities are easy to forget about until you need them! This checklist will help you hit everything you need. Once these people are notified, you can rest assured that you’ll be comfortable and safe in your new home without paying unnecessary bills at your old location.
Insurance Companies
Most people carry various insurance policies, and all of the companies need to know that you’re moving. This is especially important for a long-distance move since coverage needs could change and specific plans may not be available.
Types of insurance to consider include:
- Home insurance
- Car insurance
- Medical coverage
- Dental & Vision insurance
- Life insurance
Let the insurance companies know where you’re moving and when. They can help you understand what new insurance options, doctors, and coverage limits you might need.
You might, for instance, need to update your car insurance limits if you’re only carrying minimum coverage in your old state. This is because each state has different minimum limits. Or, you may need to choose a new health plan if the plan you were using isn’t available at your new address.
Administrative — Mail and Licenses
When you undertake a long-distance move, there are administrative updates to make. This includes letting the new local government know you’ve arrived and advised your old community that you’ve left.
Start by filing a change of address with the postal service. This will ensure that first-class mail is forwarded to your new address for 12 months and magazines for six months. However, the address change does not redirect packages, so make sure that purchases or packages have the correct address.
Next, you’ll need to head to the DMV to update your driver’s license. Many states require a license update within 60 days of your move, so don’t put it off. If you don’t update your license on time, you could get a ticket and a fine if you’re pulled over.
You’ll also need to register your car at your new address. You’ll get new license plates, and you may need to return your old plates to your previous state. Some states, such as New York, are very strict about this, so don’t overlook the requirements.
Finally, update your banking information and subscriptions. If you don’t use a national bank, you may need to choose a new financial institution in your community.
Updating Pet Information
Pets are part of the family and need great care at your new location. Moving can also be very stressful for animals, so you want to keep them safe. If they escape from your new home, they may not know the way back, so registering them is important.
You’ll want to think about getting a new veterinarian. Not all doctors are created equal, so don’t be afraid to look at reviews, get suggestions, and try a few vets until you find one you’re comfortable with. Transfer your animal’s medical records to the new veterinarian once you’re ready.
Next, update the registration of your pet’s chip to your new address. If someone finds your lost animal, you want to ensure they return it to the correct address.
Finally, check and see if your new community requires pets to be registered. If so, you’ll want to take care of that as soon as you arrive.
When your pets are safe and healthy, you’ll have much better peace of mind about your long-distance move.
Are You Ready for Your Long-Distance Move?
A long-distance move is a significant challenge, and notifying everyone can seem like a lot of work. However, if you take it step-by-step, you’ll get everything done without as much effort as you expect.
One thing you can’t skip in a long-distance move is working with the right moving company and professional movers. That’s where we can help. Contact us for a quote on your move today!
