Tips On Hassle Free Relocation - Part 1
This is part 1 of the series "Tips On Hassle Free Relocation". Also have a look at Part 2 During Moving and Part 3 After Moving
Before Moving
If you are an IT consultant and working with a Desi Company then relocation should be a well known buzz to you, if it has not yet, it would be soon. Reason for relocation varies, the client is moving its business, project is being moved to a different location, project is over and the new project is somewhere else, better pays, if both married partners are working in separate locations and wants to live together so on and so forth.
If you are a bachelor then there is very less to worry about but if you are married and also have kid(s) then there are lists of things that you should take care before, during and after the moving. Give due priority to the tasks based on their significance. Here is a short list to tick, before moving out of the current place.
Part I - Before Moving
1. Give forwarding address at USPS.
a. If you have the new address ready then no problem
but if you have not then you have to provide a
forwarding address. Give the address of a reliable
person who can open and inform you regarding any
letter of importance.
b. While giving your forwarding address, if you have a
cell phone, mention it as primary contact number.
2. Give Move Out notice and forwarding address to the
current apartment leasing office.
a. In case your lease is going to expire then you are
at ease, in case not, then figure our before leaving
the place how much would be your final due. It is very
common that leasing office would send you notice of
unnecessary payments and you can not fight afterwards.
This is sometime very dangerous as it might hamper
your Credit History (in case you refuse to pay and the
leasing company gives the case to a Collection Agency.
b. Get your apartment pre inspected (inspection before
formal inspection) and making sure everything is in
place and then get your final inspection done.
c. Try to get the settlement (move out paperwork) done
at the time you move out, read and understand all the
comments carefully before giving your autograph.
3. Change/Cancel of Address for Utility bills/Cable
TV/Internet Connection.
a. Not always same utilities companies exist in both
the places, so it is advisable to cancel and take
fresh connection. While cancelling take note of the
confirmation number for your future reference. Ask for
the final due amount and make sure that they are going
to send the same to the new/forwarding address. If you
are given option to settle the due then and there then
do it.
4. Change/Cancel of Address for Phone Connection/Cell
phone Connection.
a. Most Cell Phones Companies have networks all around
US but not in case of land line. Make sure you cancel
them. Follow above rule while cancelling.
5. Change of Address for Credit Cards.
6. Change of Address for Bank Accounts.
a. This is needed too but can be done later.
7. Change of Address for Mail in Rebate.
a. Seems like most MIRs companies do not accept
new/forwarding address service and in this case you
have to call and pursue for your rebate amount.
8. Hiring a Mover (a good Mover).
a. Always take quotations from multiple movers and ask
their insurance coverages. Try going for higher
coverage; remember not all the movers provide this
facility.
b. Take a few opinions/reviews of the Mover; about
their charges, timely delivery, packing style, packing
charges and any other hidden charges.
c. Pack most of your personal items yourself; like
kitchen items, spices and valuables.
d. Most Movers provide complementary boxes and
packing, ask for it.
e. It is advisable to schedule the pick up early, if
they miss a day or two, you would have time in hand.
Try to avoid last minute pick up.
9. Car Insurance (Not all the car insurance are
covered in all the states in USA).
a. Check this with your insurance provider and make
sure your car is covered during the move. Though Auto
movers provides insurance but up to a certain extent.
10. Moving the Car, hire a very good mover for moving Auto preferably a certified one like triple A or something of that kind.
11. Book air tickets in advance to avoid last minute
high price.
12. If you are moving in Jan-Feb months, then notify
your current employer regarding the change in address
in the W2 form.
13. If you on H1 then I guess, you might need a new
labor certificate also which would be taken care
mostly by your employer.
15. Take note of every confirmation you get while changing/cancelling connections.
16. Book hotel at the new location and if you are fond of eating at home, find a hotel room with kitchen.
17. Pack food items (including baby foods) for a day or two to avoid any emergency purchase.
18. Have some cash in hand, this might be handy paying taxi, tips and restaurant bills.