Sunday, September 18, 2011

Moving Checklist for Your Finances
By Miriam Caldwell, About.com Guide
Moving is a stressful time. If you are moving to a new area for a new job or your first job, you need to make sure that you have your finances covered. Generally when people think about moving they focus on finding a place to live and packing up their things. It is important to take time to make sure you take care of all of your finances.

1. Cancel Your Utilities

Make sure that you cancel all of your current utilities. You can do this in advance and simply schedule the shut off day. It is nice to schedule a day or two after you should be moved out, in case something goes wrong. When you do this be sure that you give them your forwarding address so that you can pay for your last month of service.

2. Set Up New Utilities

Take the time to set up your new utilities before you go. It is best to do this a month in advance. This will ensure that the utilities will be turned on when you move in. If you do it in advance it is one less thing that you need to worry about as you begin to pack up and leave.

3. Change Your Address With Your Creditors

Change your address with your student loan company and any other loan or credit card companies that you have. This is essential because missing a payment or two this will negatively affect your credit score. You can do this be changing it on the form on your payment, online or by calling these companies on the phone.

4. Change Your Bank Account

Consider your banking options. Many large banks will allow you to move all across the country without changing your account. You may simply need to change your address. If there is not a branch nearby you should be prepared to open a new account when you move. After you begin to use your new account you should leave your current account open for a few months before you close it. Then write a letter to the bank requesting that they close your account and send the remaining balance to you.

5. Forward Your Mail

Fill out a change of address form at the post office. Having your mail forwarded for six months will help to catch any items that you may have missed. This can also help with magazine subscriptions. If you are on a do not call registry, you will need to update your information there as well.

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