Do you have an exit strategy in place for your next move? If not, you should!
I know with me, with each move comes increased experience of what NOT to do the next time! I’ve put together a list of helpful hints (gentle reminders) of how to avoid some common moving mistakes.
During the hustle and bustle (read: confusion) of a move, it’s easy to forget to contact service providers to either shut off services at your old location or to turn on services at your new location. Failure to turn off services could result in charges being added to your account for others’ use of said services. And, need I point out the obvious; failure to turn on services at your new location could result in a frozen bum, depending on the season!
If you’ve ever arrived at your new home and wondered where all of your adoring fan mail is, chances are you’ve made the mistake of forgetting to forward your mail to your new address. Years ago, it was a bit more difficult to change your address. You had to go pick up a packet from the post office and fill out the required information and then drop it in the mail. Nowadays, the internet has made it a breeze to relocate: simply go to the USPS change of address page ) and fill out your information. There is a bit of a drawback to filing online- the USPS has to verify your identity by charging $1.00 to a credit or debit card. Now, I’m a bit suspicious about the whole “verify your identity” thing because, if the USPS is merely verifying your identity, couldn’t they just AUTHORIZE your card like a million other online verification systems do instead of actually charging a fee? Ok, I digress… $1.00 is a small fee for the convenience, I suppose! (Side note: If you’re not opposed to showing up at the post office and grabbing a mover’s guide packet, go for it. They have some VALUABLE coupons that are highly sought after on the net from places like Home Depot and Lowe’s.)
Another oft-overlooked “thing to do when moving” is the matter of insurance. In short, get you some! While your homeowner’s or renter’s policy is unlikely to cover damage or loss during a move, (you need true, affordable moving insurance for that) you will be covered when you arrive at your destination. Believe it or not, recently a friend’s parents were moving from one location to another about 2 hours away and the new destination caught on fire, with complete destruction AND most of their stuff was already at the new location. Unfortunately, they only had insurance at the home they were moving FROM and, frankly, I’m afraid to ask how that insurance nightmare turned out! Again, just go get some!
If you’re renting a house or apartment, there’s probably certain move out procedures that you must follow in order to a.) get your security deposit back and b.) to not get the pants sued off of you. Make sure you follow the move out procedures to a “T” and also make CERTAIN you are present for any final inspections, signing your name on the dotted line ONLY to properly filled-out move out reports.
Following these guidelines for move out can help you avert the common moving mistakes that many individuals make, and can save your sanity (and hair!)
