1) Forward Mail:
A)This can now be done online at www.usps.com. Click on the Change Your Address heading and follow the steps. There is a $1.00 charge, per person, for this service that can be applied to your credit card.
B) Yes, you can still go with the old fashion method, and ask your letter carrier for the Change of Address forms, (they carry them on their truck). Remember, you will need one form for each item of mail you regularly receive, ie. bills, magazines, bank statements, etc..There won't be a charge for this service.
2) Cancel / Transfer Service:
A) I know it sounds like an obvious thing to do but their are many who forget this little detail prior to moving and get stuck with a surprise bill, or worse, get sent to collections over a mistake. Below is a common list of services that will require a phone call, usually one month out from the date of your move works best.
1) Phone; Both mobile and landlines
2) Cable / Satellite providers: Keep in mind, that if your are leasing / renting the latest equipment they may have you deliver these items to a location close to you or they will send you a box with pre-paid postage so you can mail them back to the company. Failure to do this will result in a pricey fee!
3) Internet provider
4) Gas / Electric company: If a deposit was required to activate this service, and the payment history is perfect, you may be entitled to a refund for the amount of the deposit. Please note that some companies automatically send a refund check out after so many months of service.
5) Waste Removal company
6) Water / Sewage
7) Blockbuster / Netflix: For those accounts that are having DVD's or Blu Ray's mailed to the residence.
3) Activate Service:
A) Equally as important as canceling your old service is activating the service at your new residence. Again, plan on getting all of this accomplished about a month out from your targeted moving date. Keep in mind that utility companies may require a deposit before turning your service on, this can be waived if you can convince your current carrier to send the new company a record of your payment history.
4) Moving Truck:
A) This is a no-brainer, but if I didn't add it, the list just wouldn't be complete. Make sure you have one on reserve, again, about a month out from your target moving date, to ensure one will be available when the time comes.
B) It is a good idea to research the companies before making the final selection as there are many details to consider;
1) If you are planning on using U-Haul, Budget, Penske or any of these types of providers, make sure that your new location has a drop off point close to your new residence. Also, keep in mind the weather conditions from point A to point B as these companies usually do not provide snow chains for their trucks, you will need to purchase them from another company. (Les Schwab Tires is a great company to purchase from, if you end up not using the chains you can return them, after a specific date, for a full refund.)
