As college graduation approaches, you may be planning a move for a job or grad school. Be sure you've taken care of essential tasks with this handy checklist.
Change your address.
Start by filling out the U.S. Postal Service form online or at your local post office. You'll want to notify your family and friends of your new address, but don't forget your college, student loan servicers, employers, credit card providers, service providers and anyone else who may need to mail you items like paychecks, tax forms or diplomas.
Contact your insurance providers.
Besides advising of your new address, you'll want to be sure you have the appropriate coverage for your new circumstances. Also ask about coverage for your items that could be damaged in transit during your move.
Establish a non-school email.
If you generally use your school email for electronic communication, establish one that you can use after you leave college. Check that service providers and others who may need to get in touch with you have the new email address.
Update bank information.
If you will be switching banks, make sure any automatic payment arrangements, bill pays and other services are correctly set up with your new banking information. If you have a safe deposit box at your current institution, make sure it's empty and cancel your rental agreement.
Join a local chapter.
If you are a member of a professional society or other organization, look for a local chapter in your new location. Attending a social event or reaching out to members can help you network and create connections.
Establish new health relationships.
Ask your current doctor, dentist or specialists for recommendations of providers in your new area. Arrange to have your records transferred to the new practice or ask for a copy to take with you. Don't forget about any Power of Attorney, HIPAA or other documentation you may have on file that allows providers to speak with others about your information.
Service your car.
If you are moving to a different state, you may have to meet different regulations as far as car inspections or services. Look online and have your mechanic check your car over to be sure it meets requirements. A change in climate could also require different fluids or parts.
Fill prescriptions.
If you have prescriptions filled at a local pharmacy, fill these before you move so you don't run out during the transition. Also set up the transfer of prescriptions to a new pharmacy, or consider an online pharmacy that will mail your medications to your new address.
Gather all your belongings.
Make sure you pick up any cleaning, stored items or stuff stowed away in lockers at your gym or college.
Fulfill the terms of your lease.
Work with your landlord for a final inspection, the return of cleaning or security deposits, final rent payments and turning over the keys before you leave town.
Cancel or change scheduled deliveries.
Contact any suppliers who regularly deliver items to your address or with whom you have subscription services.
Get new documents.
Once you're established in your new home, register to vote. You also may have a limited time to get a new driver's license or auto registration in your new location.
Take care of your pets.
Different areas may have different requirements for vaccinations or various conditions that could affect your pets. Work with your veterinarian to ensure your furry friends are up to date. Then, if your new city requires it, be sure to license your pet. Also, provide your new contact information to any microchip or other pet location and retrieval services.
