5 Things To Do After Moving

Dated: August 19, 2020

Moving can be an overwhelming experience. It can be hard to prioritize in the chaos what is important and what can wait. From our team of experienced mortgage lenders, here are five pieces of advice you should do after settling in.

 

  1. Update Your Account Information at Your Financial Institutions.

    Whenever any of your information changes, including an address, e-mail, or phone number, you need to alert your financial institution of this change. Sensitive information is often mailed to your address. This includes credit and debit card reissues, check orders, account statements, and account notices. Your personal information is also key in identifying ownership of your account. By clearing out old information, you eliminate the possibility of scammers using it in the future to target your money.

 

  1. Double Check Your Automobile Registration.

    There are two important steps in making sure your car is ready to move: notifying the Division of Motor Vehicles and letting your insurance company know. Wisconsin Department of Transportation asks you update your address within 10 days of moving. Failure to notify your insurance company may lead to the nullification or termination of your insurance policy, so make sure to consult your agent as soon as possible to avoid repercussions.

 

  1. Set Up Mail Forwarding.

    Sometimes you can forget to update an address. The United States Postal Service has a mail forwarding service that will reroute mail sent to an old address for up to a year. Setting up mail forwarding ensures you don’t miss important updates, and that new tenants aren’t getting your sensitive information. Get something forwarded from the wrong address? Refer to tip #1 and make sure to update it!

 

  1. Take Interior and Exterior Photos, every nook and cranny!

    Document your new home as soon as you move in. It will help identify any potential warranty claims. In addition, it will help you notice any unusual changes, such as cracks or water damage. Save these pictures somewhere secure as they may be important for an insurance claim in the future. Photos are perfect for renters too as they can help retain your security deposit when you leave.

 

  1. Locate water shut off, electrical panels, and all applicable valves.

    In case of emergency, you will want to work fast. Knowing where all shut offs are inside your new home eliminates the scramble when seconds matter. Consider sitting down with all members of your household and creating a fire evacuation plan too, including which windows and doors are easy to open and access. Double checking fire alarms is also a great idea to accompany your new plan.

 

This is only a snippet of a long list of important things to do after you move. Don’t forget to take a breather and kick your feet up when you are done. If you are interested in purchasing a new home, give one of our mortgage lenders a call at (920) 729-2999. We would be happy to share our experience. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, Calumet, or Winnebago counties in Wisconsin. Evergreen Credit Union is an equal housing opportunity lender.

*Information valid as of 8/19/20. Terms and availability may vary by lender. Please consult your financial institution for eligibility and rates. Photo by cottonbro from Pexels.

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