company, packing belongings, and filling in all those change of address forms. With so much to do during a move, it is easy for some things to go overlooked. Here are 8 things which people commonly forget when they move.
1. Items You Let Friends Borrow
Have you lent any items to your friends or neighbors? If you have kids, what about them – how many of their favorite toys or clothing items are at friends’ houses? Be sure you ask for these items well in advance or they may be lost to you forever.
2. Spare Keys
Did you leave a spare key with a friend or maybe you have one carefully hidden in the yard somewhere?
3. Your Records
Because everything is electronic these days, you can usually get your personal and financial records even from another state. However, it is often a lot easier (not to mention cheaper) to collect all of your important records before you move. Depending on your situation, you may need to get:
• Medical records (including dental)
• Veterinary records
• School records
• Bank records
• Bill records
• Other financial records
4. Moving Permits
When moving somewhere which doesn’t have a driveway to pull into, you may need to have a moving permit. This is just one more reason to hire a local moving company – a good mover will know exactly what permits you need and how to get them.
5. Cancel Subscriptions
You will need to call and have all subscriptions canceled, such as for magazines, medications, Netflix, bottled water delivery and gym memberships.
6. Automatic Payments
Even if you cancel a subscription, you might still end up paying for it if you have automatic payments set up. Be sure to cancel these! If you are changing banks, then you will also need to be careful to set up new automatic payments for any continuing subscriptions.
7. Shutting Off Utilities
Unless you want to gift the new tenants of your old house with free electricity, gas, and water, then you better make sure to turn off the utilities before you go. It is generally advised to turn them off a day or two after you leave and have the utilities in your new house turned on 2-3 days in advance.
8. Defrost the Freezer
It takes a couple days to thoroughly defrost some freezers, so make sure you are doing this well before moving day! Otherwise, your freezer will be leaking murky water over all of your stuff and into your new home.
If you are moving in or around Orange County, don’t forget to get a moving quote.