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After your move checklist

Moving can be a stressful event, and if you're not organized, tasks can become overlooked.  A post-move checklist can help mitigate your stress and keep you in line with everything you may need to tackle. It can also be useful by providing structure and ensuring a smooth transition for paramount tasks and deadlines. It can serve as a good memory aid or reminder of things that could go missed.
 
Whether your move includes buying, renting, or selling a home — whether your move is local, across the state, or moving to a new state, planning in advance for after you're settled can be a major benefit to you.
 
Here are some important things to remember to do after you move out.

Essential things to do after you move

Cancel your homeowner's or renter's insurance. For homeowners, you’re still liable for your old house until the sale officially closes and the house changes possession, even if you’ve moved out. Wait until the title has transferred or the deed has been recorded and then call your insurance agent to cancel your policy.  For renter's insurance, contact your insurance or submit your written request along with your policy number to either transfer your policy or provide an effective cancellation date. If necessary, follow-up with your landlord.

Take time off work. If possible and needed, determine how many days you may need to get settled and situated. Then, submit a request for time off. 

Help your pets adjust. Monitor your animals for any signs of unusual behavior that could indicate separation anxiety or sadness, like less interest in eating. Introduce the new environment to your pets calmly and help them get familiar with the new move. Familiarize yourself with local animal hospitals and pet providers. 

Help your kids adjust. If necessary, for school aged children, enroll them in their new school. Encourage socializing with new peers and watch for unusual behaviors that could indicate sadness or trepidation. 

Close and transfer utility accounts. Once you’ve moved, be sure to cancel electric, gas, water, cable, and other utilities, so you’re not stuck paying for utilities you didn’t use. If the same provider is available where you’re moving, you can often transfer services to your new address.

Change your address and set up mail forwarding. Once you’ve moved, you’ll want to update your address with all credit cards, financial institutions, magazine or newspaper subscriptions, and other accounts, as well as your employer. Also, be sure to set up a mail forwarding address with the US Postal Service®. Pay attention to any forwarded mail you receive—this can help you catch senders you may have missed as you initially updated your address.

Register your vehicle. If moving to a new state, you may need to register your vehicle or even transfer your driver's license. 

Find a new doctor. Depending on your medical needs, you may need to find a new primary doctor or specialist who is the right fit for you.

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The US Postal Service® and Fidelity Investments are independent entities and are not legally affiliated. The trademarks and service marks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

This information is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only.

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