#interstatemover

Hello everyone! This is V, your moving consultant! I found these helpful tips for you online to prepare you for your move. Put your move in the best hands by booking with https://www.regionalmovers.com. Regional provides moving services from Miami Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County to any state.

You’ve finally brought in the last box, the utilities are churning away, and the Internet is up and running. There’s only one thing missing: the mail. Before you can really settle in, you’ll have to make sure your bills, packages and letters are coming to the right address.

Update Your Mailing Address

Start by updating your address with the United States Postal Service. The USPS keeps a record of your old residential address and will automatically forward mail to your new address for six months. It isn’t foolproof, but the post office does catch most outdated addresses. To update:

Visit the Official Postal Service Change of Address website. The USPS charges a $1 fee to verify your identity when changing your address online, so you’ll need a credit or debit card.

Call 1-800-ASK-USPS. You’ll also need to pay the $1 verification fee for address changes over the phone.

Ask for Form 3575at your local post office. If you visit in person, the USPS will waive the verification fee.

Revise Your Billing Address

Even if the bill really didn’t arrive, your credit card company won’t likely believe you. To make sure you’re getting your bills, make a list of every bill you receive in paper form and then contact the companies to update your address. To save time, many companies will also let you update your information online.

Magazine and Catalog Subscriptions

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Where are you moving from?

In most cases you can update your magazines and catalogs online. Visit the magazine or catalog website, and plug your customer number (found on the back or inside flap of a recent issue) into the online change-of-address form. Alternatively, you can call the publication and ask for an address change over the phone.

Tell Your Friends and Family

Don’t forget to let your friends and relatives know you’ve moved. To save time, make a list of everyone you’d like to notify. Once you have your list, you can send a simple email with your new address or a more personalized moving announcement.

Your Bank

Your bank will need to send you statements and verify your debit-card billing address when you shop online. If you have online banking, you may be able to update your address through your account. Otherwise, you can visit the bank in person or call its customer service line.

Billing Address

If you frequently buy anything from a website, you can avoid a future headache if you immediately update your profile with your new address. Many online shopping sites use a one-click checkout feature to save you time, which could prove problematic if you forget and order something to your old address.

Organizations and Clubs

If you’re a member of organizations or clubs, or you get a monthly subscription order in the mail, be sure to contact these organizations or companies as well. You may be able to change your information online. With smaller organizations, you may have to call or write to have your address updated.

New Driver’s License

Finally, don’t forget to order a new driver’s license or state identification card with your new address. In most states, you have 30 days after moving to update your ID. If you don’t, you might get slapped with a fine. Many states allow you to order a new ID online. If not, you’ll have to make a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Hello everyone! This is V, your moving consultant! I found these tips for you  to help prepare you for your move. Put your move in the best hands by booking with https://www.regionalmovers.com. Regional provides moving services from Miami Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County to any state.

Every time you move house, your postal address changes so you’re going to have to change your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to keep receiving your mail.

You can change your address before the move takes place (at least 2 weeks before you move out) or right after you move into the new home. To avoid losing important pieces of mail, changing your address prior to Moving day is the preferred option.

For your convenience, there are 4 ways to change your address when moving: 1) ONLINE, 2) IN PERSON, 3) BY PHONE, and 4) BY MAIL.

All these Change of Address (COA) methods are described in detail below.

Finding yourself in your new home (FINALLY!) after a long and energy-draining moving day doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re expected to let your guard down.

On the contrary – the end of the first leg of your relocation journey only marks the start of the second leg – the immediate post relocation period which, similar to its predecessor, is also filled up to the brim with tasks of all sorts.

The good news here is that you don’t really have a concrete deadline as was the case with your pre-move preparations (the move day, remember?), and that fact alone will let you take care of the jobs ahead at your own comfortable pace.

Before you can start to really settle in, you need to make sure that you update your mailing address so that your regular mail (postcards, letters, magazines and newspapers, bills, and government benefits) continue to reach you without any problems.

But just how to change your address when you move?

Once you understand why updating your address is crucial, you have 4 options in your change of address checklist:

change your postal address online,

change your residential address at a local post office,

update your address by phone, and

change the new address by mail.

If you have no idea where to begin the change of address procedure or you don’t know what to expect in terms of time, money, and level of difficulty, then the following step-by-step guide on how to change your address when you move house is exactly what you need.

Take advantage of this detailed Change of Address Checklist to keep things running smoothly.

Top 5 things to know before you change your address

Changing your address after you’ve moved house doesn’t seem like a relatively complicated thing to do, and in most cases, it does prove to be a straightforward entry on your to-do list.

But unless you understand your options well and follow the change of address checklist step by step, you could lose loads of time, maybe a bit more money than necessary, and possibly worst of all – important pieces of mail along the way.

Briefly, here are the top 5 things to know before you register your new address with the USPS (United States Postal Service):

1. Do you know your complete and correct new address?

Welcome to your new home! Are you planning on moving house again anytime soon? If not, consider a permanent change of address.

It may seem like a silly thing to do, but it’s possible that you register an incomplete or wrong address with the U.S. Post Office due to the stress and fatigue of having moved all of your belongings and yourself to a new area in a largely unfamiliar part of the country.

Confirm with your realtor or your landlord the correct, complete and error-free postal address of your new house or apartment. Make sure the ZIP code is the right one too before initiating the change of address procedure described below.

2. Temporary or permanent change of address when moving?

When changing your address after the move, you will need to decide whether you will file a temporary change of address or a permanent change of address.

A temporary change of address when moving means that your mail will be forwarded from your old mailing address to the new one only for a specific period of time – usually up to 6 months, with the option to extend it up to 12 months. Choose this option if you’re moving temporarily, like spending the cold winter months in a place with a warmer climate, for instance.

The good news here is that business mailers won’t be given your temporary change of address (COA), and you know exactly what that means, don’t you? (Yay! No JUNK MAIL!!!)

A permanent change of address when moving means that your mailing address will be changed permanently, not just for a specified period. Choose this option if you do not plan to move house again in the near future.

The bad news here is that your new permanent change of address (COA) will be registered in the National Change of Address database (NCOA), which basically means that you should expect the usual helpings of junk mail sometime in the near future.

3. Individual or family change of address?

The USPS change of address when moving means that you are required to include in the change of address form the names of all the people who are moving or have just moved with you.

Fill out a separate change of address request if there are members in your family with different surnames or only some individuals are moving to a new location while the rest are staying behind. This is not particularly fun but the USPS will only forward mail that will match the name of the recipient written out in the request form.

If your entire family is moving as one and everyone has the same surname, then it’s much easier – you just fill out one change of address form for the entire household.

4. How long does it take for a change of address to take effect?

It’s nice to be getting your regular mail once more, isn’t it?

In general, a change of address when you move will take effect roughly 7 business days after your change COA request. Of course, the exact processing time will depend on a number of factors, including your exact location, time of year, number of requests currently being processed, and so on.

The processing time for the old address can take around business 3 days – add 3 more days to process the request for the new address and there you have the 7-day period when your mailing address will be in limbo.

Note that it’s possible that your request be processed much faster – for example, for a local change of address.

5. How far in advance to do a change of address when moving?

Opinions differ on the matter of how far in advance you should change your address when moving house. Some experts advise that you do it at least two weeks before you move so that by the time you arrive in your new home, your mail will have already been forwarded to the right mailing address.

This piece of advice does make a lot of sense but it’s still possible that some pieces of mail get lost during the chaotic move-out and move-in periods.

Speaking of chaotic periods, the main issue with changing your address before moving day is the increased chance of you forgetting to do so due to the overwhelming number of tasks you have to complete, sometimes at once.

Therefore, to make sure no important job slips your mind during the crazy busy preparations, do follow your MOVING CHECKLIST – the one that is free, detailed, comprehensive, downloadable and, printable. Oh, and interactive too!

Other moving experts seem to think that the better option is to change your address right after the move is complete and you’re already in your new home. However, to make sure no mail is lost, you are advised to leave some cash with a good neighbor or the new home owners or leasers, and ask them to forward your mail to the new address until your post-move COA request kicks in.

Hello everyone! This is Natalia, your moving consultant! I found these tips from moving.com to prepare you for your move. 

Put your move in the best hands by booking with https://www.regionalmovers.com! Regional provides moving services from Miami Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County to any state.

Not sure how to get your security deposit back? You’ve given your landlord notice, paid your last month’s rent and are ready to move out. Unfortunately, your landlord hasn’t yet returned your security deposit. As anyone who’s ever rented knows, that security deposit is a hefty chunk of change, one that will undoubtedly help with covering future expenses. So how do you go about getting your security deposit back in the most efficient way possible? Follow these 10 tips to get your deposit back in full within a month’s time. 

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back 

Review your lease prior to moving out (and moving in!)

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to re-read your lease before moving out. Your rental lease should tell you how and when the tenant is required to notify the landlord of their move. It should also lay out the terms and conditions for getting the security deposit back – including the number of days the landlord has to return the security deposit back to the tenant, as well as the move-out inspection requirements. 

Document any damage to the home that already exists When you move in, be sure to document any and all damage to the home that already exists. Take photos of any holes or marks in the wall, as well as general wear and tear throughout the home. Send photos to landlord at the beginning of the rental term, so that he or she can’t hold you accountable for existing damages.

Give your landlord proper notice that you’re moving out While the rules surrounding lease termination differ from state to state (and lease to lease), it’s generally expected that you must give your landlord at least 30 days notice when moving out. Be sure to read over your lease’s terms and conditions for further details about termination. Without giving your landlord proper notice, you’ll most likely be required to pay at least one additional month’s worth of rent (yikes), and you’ll have to wait a longer time to get that security deposit back.

Ask your landlord to conduct a walk-through Before moving out, ask your landlord if they can do a quick walk-through of your home with you. This way your landlord can point out what does and does not need repairs and cleaning before you move out. This will also help you to focus on your landlord’s requests instead of wasting time on something that won’t affect your security deposit retrieval.

Repair damage Once you and your landlord have assessed the damages, spend your last month in the home fixing any and everything needed. In some instances, this may require having a landlord send professionals to the house (think: a handyman, plumber or electrician). While you should leave complicated repairs to the professionals, easier fixes can be handled by yourself. These repairs may include patching holes in the wall using spackling (putty) and painting a room back to its original color. 

Clean the home as thoroughly as possible Before bidding farewell to your old home, make sure to give it one last deep clean. This doesn’t just mean vacuuming a few floors. No – it means cleaning and scrubbing as thoroughly as possible. When cleaning, you should: clear out and wipe down the refrigerator, mop the floors, clean the toilets, scrub the sinks and showers, and vacuum the floors. A clean home will make it much more likely that your landlord will return the security deposit in full. 

Do your own final inspection Conduct a final inspection of your place either by yourself, with friends or with your landlord. Walk through each room to ensure that all repairs have been taken care of. If the landlord is with you, make sure that they’ve signed off on all of the rooms before moving out.

Return the keys After moving out, return all keys to your landlord. If you’ve lost a key to the home, make sure to let the landlord know as soon as possible. They may need to replace the key or replace the locks altogether. You should contact your landlord to find out how exactly they would like to receive the keys (i.e. mail or in-person). 

Contact your landlord After you’ve moved out, contact your landlord to request your security deposit back. Most leases give the landlord up to 30 days to return their tenant’s security deposit. However, rules vary from lease to lease, so be sure to read yours to get a better understanding of the security deposit return deadlines. If the landlord informs you that they will be taking part of your security deposit to pay for damages, don’t hesitate to ask for an itemized list of all deductions and damages. Finally, be sure to give your landlord your new address, so that they can return your security deposit as soon as possible.

Know your rights When it comes to getting your security deposit back, it’s important that you know your rights as a tenant. While renters’ rights may vary depending on the state where you are renting, many of the general rules are still the same. According to LegalZoom, some states set caps on security deposits, preventing landlords from charging tenants a higher than usual security deposit without reason. The legal website also points out that your state’s laws will dictate how many days the landlord has to return the security deposit to the tenant, as well as whether or not there will be interest accrued. If the entire or part of the security deposit isn’t returned, tenants must receive an itemized list of deductions. For more information on renters’ rights, check here.

Want to find the best and cheapest cities for renters?

We’ve rounded up the best midsize to large cities for tenants. These cities all offer affordable rentals, plenty of culture, good schools and a strong job market. Check them out here.

Ready to move out of your rental?

When you’re ready to leave, make sure to hire the right moving day pros for the job. To find a trustworthy moving company, check out Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers – all licensed and insured. By choosing a Moving.com mover, you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.

Hello everyone! This is Natalia, your moving consultant! I found these tips from moving.com to prepare you for your move. 

Put your move in the best hands by booking with https://www.regionalmovers.com! Regional provides moving services from Miami Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County to any state.

Moving long distance can be logistically daunting, not to mention expensive. We’ve rounded up some tips to help you haul your goods from Point A to Point B.

Ditch as Much as Possible

Will those Ikea shelves survive the journey? Do you really need clothes you haven’t worn in three years? A long move can be a good reason to finally clear out all the clutter you’ve accumulated. Be picky, more than you would for a local move. Plus, what works in your current home may not fit or look right in your new place. If you have the time and patience, hold a garage sale to sell all the items you don’t need, or post them on Craigslist. Save the cash you earn for buying new furnishings for your new place.

Inventory What’s Left

Staying organized wards off so many potential headaches. You’ll have a better idea of how many boxes to get, what size you’ll need (for moving yourself, or for hiring movers), and you’ll be able to easily pinpoint anything missing when you unpack at your destination.

Set Your Budget

Some estimates suggest a modest cross-country move will cost around $8,000. Movers might offer a discount during the off-season, October through April – it’s worth asking. There are other ways to cut moving costs. You can pack yourself, hire movers just for the heavy lifting, or go fully DIY with generous friends and pizza. If you’re moving for a new job, your employer might help cover the costs. If not, some of those costs may be tax-deductible.

Pack Tightly

Movers and shippers charge by box, not weight. So it behooves you to put as many items as possible in one container. You’ll still need to be careful with your valuables, of course.

Give It Time

You took your inventory, set your budget, packed your goods, and planned a route. However pets, children, the weather, road work if you’re driving, or flight delays if you’re flying, are just a few of the things that could hamper your plans. The longer the distance and the more parts to your move, the more opportunity for delays. Build in plenty of extra time, and some extra cash, so bumps along the way don’t derail you.

Hello everyone! This is V, your moving consultant! I found these tips from moving.com to prepare you for your move. 

Put your move in the best hands by booking with https://www.regionalmovers.com! Regional provides moving services from Miami Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County to any state.

Whether you’ve landed a new job in a new city or you’re simply ready for a change, moving to a new state is sure to be an exciting adventure. You just have to get there (with all of your stuff!) first. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Here are our tried-and-true tips for successfully moving to a new state without losing your mind!

Research ahead of time

Before you move, research as much as possible about your new city. From restaurant suggestions and local businesses to recreational activities and social clubs, you’ll find a wealth of information about your new home on the internet. I also suggest visiting the area and exploring the city for yourself. Speak to locals, ask questions, look at maps, and drive around neighborhoods to get a real feel for the area.

Find a new home

At least a few months before you move, I recommend contacting a local real estate agent in your new state to help you find a home. Regardless of whether you’re renting or buying, you’ll need someone who’s an expert in the area’s housing market to show you around. Realtors possess a deep knowledge of the market and can narrow down your search, so that you spend less time looking at houses and more time preparing for your move. To find the right Realtor for the job, check Realtor.com’s Find a Realtor tool.

Hire a reputable moving company

With so many moving companies vying for your business, hiring the right one can be tricky. First, I recommend asking friends, family and neighbors for recommendations to see if they’ve had good experiences with local movers in the past. Second, double-check a moving company’s online reviews and ratings. Moving.com’s Moving Company Directory includes customer reviews of more than 600 moving companies nationwide. The reviews also include the moving company’s U.S. DOT number, Better Business Bureau rating, any official complaints filed with the FMCSA, and whether the moving company has any association with the American Moving & Storage Association.

Third, check to see if the moving company is properly licensed by the Department of Transportation. If so, you can check the company’s USDOT number for information. Finally, contact three to four reputable moving companies about your upcoming relocation. Each company should perform either an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings before giving you a quote.

Where are you moving from?

To find the right moving company to handle your next move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.

Gather all records

Don’t forget to pack important documents before the move in a separate and clearly labeled box or folder. These documents should include Social Security cards, birth certificates, tax forms, health records, school records, etc. Make sure all records are in a safe and secure place at all times.

Pack, pack, pack!

Word of advice: start packing as soon as possible! If you’re planning to pack yourself, don’t procrastinate. Not only will you have to box up all belongings, but you’ll also have to spend time deciding what to keep and what to toss. Remember: the cost of your long distance move will be based on the overall weight of your things. The less you bring with you, the cheaper your move will be. So, with that in mind, start the packing process by eliminating all of your unused clothing, out-of-date electronics and any items that only weigh you down. Sell what you can on Craigslist or another online marketplace. Consign gently used items at your local consignment stores. Donate the rest of your unwanted belongings to a local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill.  

Once you determine exactly what you are bringing with you, calculate the number of moving boxes needed using our handy Packing Calculator. I recommend starting with all of your non-essentials (everything you won’t need during the last month in your home) first. As the weeks progress, move room-to-room and pack as much as you can. Don’t forget to label your boxes. Finally, pack the kitchen and all other essentials last, as you’ll need to use these items leading up to the move.

Forward your mail

Several weeks before you move, notify USPS of your upcoming change of address. All you have to do is go to USPS.com and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your snail mail. If you’re interested in renting a PO Box in your new city, check out Moving.com’s helpful guide to setting up a PO Box when you move.

Save all moving receipts

Save all moving receipts for three reasons: First, By donating your things to a Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, you may be able to deduct a portion of the value of these donations against your income tax. Second, if you’re relocating for work, you may be able to deduct moving expenses from your taxes come tax season. For more information on moving expenses and taxes, read the IRS’s information sheet here.  And third, if your company plans to reimburse you for the move, you’ll need to show HR all of the receipts in order to get your money back.

Notify utility companies

Unless you want to walk into a house with no electricity, I suggest notifying the new utility companies of your upcoming move. This way you’ll have all utilities up and running within the first week of moving in. You’ll also need to call your current utility companies to make sure your cable, electricity and gas are turned off the day after you move out. 

School

Moving with school-age children? It’s never too early to start thinking about schools in the new town. To find top-rated schools in your new neighborhood, use Moving.com’s School Ratings tool, which includes GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.

Transfer an out-of-state driver’s license

Planning to drive in your city? You’ll need a new driver’s license for that. Many states require you to get a new license within a certain time window after establishing residency. To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. While requirements vary from state to state, you’ll most likely need: your current driver’s license, proof of residency (lease, electric bills, etc), proof of your social security number and an additional form of identification, such as a birth certificate.