Drop the boxes, order the pizza, and break out the beverages – you did it! After miles of moving, your new state is now home sweet home. Moving can be tough, but moving to a different state requires a little more planning than a local move. Before you get too cozy in your casa, make sure you don’t forget to check these things off your to-do list.
1. Forward Thinking
Change your address & forward your mail
If you haven’t already, be sure to fill out a change of address form at your local post office or do it online here. Your mail can be forwarded to your new address for a few weeks or a few months, whichever you designate. It’s quick and easy, and could be the difference between a late credit card payment and a pristine payment history. What if your bill gets sent to the wrong address? That’s one more reason to make sure you change your address everywhere: notify your bank, car and health insurance company, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and any other services that require a mailing address.
2. Won’t You Let Me Be Your Neighbor?
Make an effort to meet your neighbors
Though the logistics of a move are important, so are the things that will make up your new home once you arrive, like your neighborhood! Meeting your neighbors could be the start of a beautiful friendship. And if it isn’t? At least you’ll be aware of who’s around when you decide to throw that Pokemon Go party you’ve been talking about. (You can’t help it if you’ve gotta catch ‘em all. Rules are rules.)
3. What’s up, doc?
Get a new health provider, dentist, chiropractor, etc.
Dr. Pepper shouldn’t be your go-to when medical needs come up. If you frequent the doctor often, this is an important one. Try reaching out to your previous one to get recommendations, or ask family and friends if they’re familiar with any of the health providers in the state you’re moving to. Also, don’t forget about those pearly whites or that sun-kissed skin—dentists, dermatologists, and all other forms of personal care count! If you come up short on personal recommendations in the medical field, a great way to research and even book appointments with all sorts of industry docs is Zocdoc.
4. Drivin’ Time
Update your vehicle registration & driver’s license
Be sure to update your car’s registration and transfer your old license plates and driver’s license to your new state. Though it’s a hassle, the best way to do this is in person at your local DMV. For how, when, and where to take care of your vehicle’s needs, click on your state in the map on DMV.org. Don’t wait too long though: some states require that you update your vehicle’s information within ten days of moving there, and after that they’ll charge you a fine!
5. Exercise…Your Right to Vote!
Update your voter registration & know your polling place
Take a nice long jog…to the polls. With this year being an election year, it’s more important than ever that you make sure you’re registered in your respective state. If you’ve moved recently, you’ll need to re-register to ensure that you’ll be good to go when voting day comes. Review your state’s rules on voting, see how to register, and double check voter registration deadlines at Vote.org. They’re fast approaching!
6. Reconnect to the 21st Century
Compare entertainment costs & get connected
That Netflix isn’t going to watch itself. Once you’re mostly settled, research your best bets when it comes to Wi-Fi, internet and cable. Ask your neighbors in your new apartment complex too. Which providers in the area provide the best service? The strongest connection? The lowest prices? Or, if you’re just looking to set up internet, check out these tips for choosing the best internet provider from Life Hacker.
Now that you’re on your way to making your apartment the sweetest “home sweet home” in the building, start getting your furniture, picture frames, and hand-me-down lamps in the right place. Forget something or need a few extra pieces of furniture? Take a shopping trip, or even better (and, ahem, WAY easier), check out a furniture rental company like CORT.com to simply rent pieces that you’re missing. You can get as little or as many pieces as you want, delivered right to your door ASAP. Visit CORT.com today to see just how easy your move can be. Because one time should be the only time that you eat pizza off of your living room floor.
