Moving to a new home can be exciting, but also stressful. You have to pack your belongings, find a reliable mover, and deal with the logistics of changing your address and utilities. One of the most important aspects of moving is managing your bills. You don’t want to miss any payments or incur any fees or penalties during this transition. Here are some tips on how to manage your bills during a home move.
- Make a list of all your bills: This includes your rent or mortgage, utilities, phone, internet, cable, insurance, credit cards, loans, subscriptions, memberships, and any other recurring payments. You can use a spreadsheet or an app to keep track of them.
- Update your address and contact information:As soon as you know your new address, you should notify all your billers and update your account information online or by phone. This will ensure that you receive your bills on time and avoid any late fees or service interruptions. You should also update your address with the post office and any other institutions that send you mail, such as your bank, employer, school, etc. Click here for more info.
- Set up automatic payments or reminders: If you have the option, you should set up automatic payments for your bills. This will save you time and hassle and prevent you from forgetting any due dates. You can also use a calendar or an app to set up reminders for your bills. Make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover the payments and check your statements regularly for any errors or discrepancies.
- Cancel or transfer your services: Depending on where you are moving to, you may need to cancel or transfer some of your services, such as your utilities, phone, internet, cable, etc. You should contact your service providers and find out what their policies are for moving. Some may charge you a fee or require a notice period for cancellation or transfer. Others may offer you a prorated refund or credit for the unused portion of your service. You should also compare the rates and plans of different providers in your new area and see if you can save money by switching.
- Budget for moving expenses: Moving can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional mover or rent a truck. You should plan ahead and budget for these costs and any other unexpected expenses that may arise during the move. You should also set aside some money for emergencies and contingencies. You can use a savings account or a credit card with a low interest rate for this purpose.
- Review your bills after the move:Once you have settled in your new home, you should review your bills and make sure everything is in order. You should check for any errors or overcharges and dispute them if necessary. You should also look for any opportunities to save money or reduce your expenses in your new location. For example, you may be able to lower your energy bill by using energy-efficient appliances or adjusting your thermostat.
