Moving is as exciting as it is stressful, especially in the middle of a pandemic. A OnePoll done on behalf of North American Van Lines said 45% of people think moving is the most stressful life event.
There are the big decisions (such as choosing a mover) and the time-sucking tasks (such as confirming your rights are being protected and you aren’t being scammed). This might also be one of the only times you want to sweat the small stuff so you don’t lose the essentials in your life. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Make a List
Start your moving process with a list. Think of every appliance and device you use from wake-up to lights out.
That means thinking about:
- Water
- Gas
- Power
- Internet
- Sewage
- Trash
- Cable
How will you get these life necessities in your new home? Plan now. They can all come with specific steps to take when moving. You need to plan for transferring your utilities as much as you need to consider moving your couch and bed.
Call Ahead
Once you have your new address, you should be able to set up the power, gas, water, sewage, and trash. Plan this at least two weeks out from your move-in date. This is a good time to fill out a change of address form to make sure all your mail is forwarded from previous utility companies.
Apply Early
If you are moving to a new utility provider, you’ll need to apply for it like a credit card. Make sure you ask about any deposits that might be required so you can add that to the budget. Also, check with the previous utility to see if you get your deposit back.
Ask Ahead of Time
If you are moving into a rental property, some of the utilities might be included. Make sure your landlord gives you a written explanation of what your responsibilities are and what they will handle. Homeowners will need to handle each element individually. You don’t want to get into your new home only to realize you forgot to get the water turned on.
Pick Your Package
This fresh start is a good time to review your internet and/or cable packages. Are you getting enough from your WiFi? If you want to do more gaming or streaming, see what kind of deals you can get as a new customer. If you are transferring your existing account, it’s worth a phone call to customer service to see if they can give you a better deal or a discount on your upgrade.
Upgrade Your Gear
You’ll also need to know if the new internet connection requires you to buy a modem or router. Make sure you are aware of what internet speeds mean. If you are happy with the speed you have now you can run a test to check the speed. Keep in mind how many devices you’ll have connected to the internet at one time as that impacts performance as well. If you are moving to a much larger home, determine if you’ll need a range extender.
Keep it COVID Compliant
If your utilities require an onsite visit from a vendor, make sure you know their COVID policies as far as masks and distancing. Most abide by the current CDC guidelines.
Remember with each service you start anew, you’ll need to cancel the previous one. You’ve already filled out the change of address so you’re ready for a less stressful move.
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