Moving to a new home can be a great achievement and accomplishment with great prospects to look forward to new beginnings. At the same time however, it can either be simple or a logistical nightmare with lots of hard work.
Sugendhree Reddy, Head of Personal Banking for Standard Bank says, “Amidst the busy planning and excitement that we are focused on in moving house, we tend to forget about other important factors, like remembering to update your personal details so that a business can verify the identity of their clients or to notify your bank of the move. Neglecting this can result in missed opportunities, fines and even a negative credit rating.”
Reddy explains that any bills forgotten to be paid, will reflect as a default on your credit rating, potentially preventing you from getting credit in the future or it even being delivered to the incorrect address.
She provides the following checklist to help ensure you cover all of your bases:
- Inform the Post Office of your move and leave a telephone number – this way they will be able to redirect your mail or let you know if they have a parcel for you. When you arrive at your new home take the time to register yourself at the local Post Office and neighbours that you have arrived in the neighbourhood.
- Contact the TV licensing and Motor Vehicle Licensing Departments – so that you can get your renewal notices.
- Inform SARS of your change of address – It is important to ensure that your details are always updated.
- Notify your bank and any creditors of your relocation – the last thing you want are credit cards going to the wrong address.
- Inform your Insurance Company of your move – this includes life cover, motor, household, retirement savings, medical aid and all other policies you may have. Motor insurance is particularly important as the move may affect your risk profile and negate a claim. So for example, if your car was parked in a locked garage in your previous residence, but after the move, it will be parked in the street, your premium will probably increase because the risk of theft is higher.
- Clubs or societies need to be notified – if you are a member of a gym or any other club or society they need to be informed of your relocation
- Magazines and newspapers – if you have a magazine or newspaper subscription you need to notify them of your change of address so that they can deliver to the correct address or terminate your subscription.
- Chemists, doctors and dentists need to be informed – this way they will update their records of your relocation and may even be able to recommend an alternative medical service provider in your new area that’s closer to home.
- Lawyer and tax consultant – Change of address and relocation need to be given.
- Friends and family – it is important to keep friends and family in the loop of your whereabouts. Friendships should also be maintained with people who have purchased your home or who rent from you as items may still be delivered there.
- All religious organisations – to which you belong such as the Church, synagogue or mosque should be given your new address and informed of the move.
- Internet providers, Telkom or cellular providers – should be notified for ADSL and new landlines to be installed Monthly statements are also sent to your address.
- Municipal services – are to be contacted and given your new place of residence.
Ms Reddy suggests that this list be used as a guideline for those who don’t have a file in which to keep bills as it will assist with organisation.
“Taking care of all the details of the move is especially important if you are moving far away from your old home. There is nothing worse than trying to solve problems at a distance. Being thorough about your move will give you peace of mind and it will be easier to settle into your new home,” she concludes.
