Make the Move Without Boxing Yourself In
If a change of address is in your immediate future, be smart and get prepared. Moving can be an exciting adventure and much less stressful with just a little extra planning. Here are a few simple tips to help get you started!
Compare costs before you make your move
Before committing to a new mortgage or rent payment, be sure that the changes that come with a move fit into your budget. It's good to consider certain things-Will you have a longer drive to work (and spend more money on gas)? How much will you pay for utilities in the new neighborhood you're thinking about, and will you have to pay start-up fees? Always keep in mind how much the move itself will cost. Costs like renting a moving truck and even buying boxes can add up fast.
Listing your expenses and savings side by side can give you a good idea whether or not a potential move makes sense for your current budget. It can also help you get a clearer picture of what the long-term financial changes will be.
Organize before you pack
Moving into a new home is a great opportunity to make a fresh start! Getting organized before you even begin packing can make settling into a new place so much easier.
Get your finances in order by balancing your bank account and bringing all your current bills up to date. Gather your important papers (like auto titles, insurance documents, bank statements, birth certificates and Social Security cards) together in a secure, easy-to-access place. Write down all your computer and Internet account logins and keep them in a safe place just in case the family computer is damaged during your move.
Take the time to give creditors a heads up
It's easy to get behind on bills soon after a move simply by forgetting to provide your creditors with a change of address. Don't rely on a U.S. Postal Service change of address form to let your creditors know that you've moved. Take the time to send each one an individual change of address form, or just give them a call to pass on your new address.
Not letting your creditors know your new address can mean that you receive your bill too late to make your payment on time. Late payments, even if they're unintended, can affect your credit down the road.
