5 People to Talk to When Moving Apartments

First and foremost, you'll want to give your new address to all your family and friends. Anyone you want to keep in communication with, whether you talk with them every day or once a year, should be sent your new address.

Many people continue to send out moving announcements to those whom they want to keep in touch with. These are announcement cards that include your new contact information. Moving announcements, however, aren't cheap to send. With first class stamps costing $0.49 each, just the postage for 100 cards would be $49.00. This doesn't include the cost of cards themselves.

There are a couple ways to save on moving announcement costs. If you've moved because you got married or had a child, you can include a little moving announcement in your wedding or birth announcement. Since the moving announcement is accompanied by another, more significant, announcement, you can just include a small, printed piece of paper that has your new address.

Alternatively, you can choose to send an electronic announcement rather than mail it. Ecards and emails cost nothing to send, although they may be overlooked by some recipients.

Second, take the time to meet your new neighbors. Not only is introducing yourself the friendly thing to do, but you may also learn a lot from your neighbors. For instance, your neighbors may have tips on:

• How to place maintenance requests with your property management company
  
• Which local pizza place has the best pies and specials
  
• What nearby bar offers the cheapest happy hour deals
  
• How safe the surrounding neighborhood is at night and on the weekend
  
• Who else in the building shares interests you have
  

No one will know what it's like to live in your apartment complex better than your neighbors.

Third, call your insurance agent before you move into your new apartment. You'll have to give them your new address, and you may want to change coverages when you move. You should also confirm that your belongings will be covered throughout your move. Your insurance agent will be able to help you figure this out.

Sometimes it even makes sense to switch insurance policies when you move from one apartment to another. Another insurance company may offer you lower rates after you move than your current insurer offers. Your insurance agent can help you compare quotes for different policies.

Fourth, you'll need to contact your utility providers, so they can turn off service at your old apartment and turn on service at your new place. Contact all of the following:

• Your electricity provider
  
• Your gas provider (if you have gas appliances)
  
• Your internet service provider
  
• Your cable provider
  
• Your phone provider (if you have a landline)
  

Each provider should be contacted several days before your move, so they have time to schedule service calls for your utilities.

Finally, call your pet's veterinarian before moving if you have any animals that live with you. Moves can be stressful on animals. Your pet's vet may have recommendations on how you can minimize their stress and help them acclimate to your new apartment.

For help finding a new apartment that meets your needs, contact the experts at Wilson Property Management.