Buying a Home -- A Checklist For Moving to a New Address

Buying a new home and then moving to the new address requires taking care of many details. Here is a checklist:

Close your old bank accounts if you are moving to a state where your bank does not have a branch. Open new accounts where you live. Make sure to leave a forwarding address with your old bank so they can forward all your new statements and communication.

Discuss your changed circumstances and new needs with your home and auto insurance agent. Make the necessary changes.

Contact your utility companies (electric, gas, water, garbage collection, cable TV, Internet provider) and give them your new address to have all bills forwarded correctly. Do the same for the utility companies serving your new neighborhood (if they are different) and arrange a start date for new service.

Stop delivery of newspapers and all subscribed materials to the old address and arrange their delivery to your new home.

Get a copy of medical records from your family doctor, dentist, podiatrist, etc. If you have pets, do the same with your veterinarian.

Visit your local post office and fill out a Change of Address Request card. Make sure the following parties receive your new address one way or the other:

All your loved ones, family members, associates and clients (if you’re using your home office for business).

Accountant and lawyer.

Social Security Administration, IRS and other government agencies.

Election Board.

Banks, mutual fund companies, pensions funds.

Clubs, alumni and membership associations.

Motor Vehicle Administration.

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Ugur Akinci is the Editor of Your Home Buying Assistance Program of New Hampshire and Eastern Massachusetts