Five Borough Movers

One of the most important (but also one of the most overlooked) tasks on people’s moving checklists is to update their addresses. Changing your address will ensure you get the bills you need and do not experience any complications with existing services.

Schedule a few hours to pick up the phone, fill out an online address change form, or stop by the company’s local branch to request a change of address. It will take time, but it’s best to do it in one fell swoop. You will need to change your address with:

You should also update your address with your local:

Banks
Loan providers
Utility service providers
Subscription services
Insurance
Office payroll department
Social Security Administration
IRS
Pharmacy prescriptions

Setting up your new utilities is another top-of-the-list item. Plan to have a few days of buffer when setting up your services, because it could take the service providers some time to process your account and prepare the services in your new home. You don’t want to be without water or electricity for even a day.

The utilities that require setting up include gas, water, electricity, internet, security systems, cable TV, and possibly a home telephone. There may only be one service provider option, or you could have several companies to choose from. It’s best to discuss the options with your real estate agent, property management company, landlord, or former homeowner and then make a decision.

Once you know which service providers you want to use, call them to start your service or change your service from your old residence to your new one. It’s common for some technicians to stop by your residence to set up what you need. When it comes to electricity, it is best to have an electrical technician come to your home to perform an energy audit.

The audit includes an intense walkthrough of every room, examining some of the electrical work to ensure it is safe and up to code. They might also tell you where you are losing energy and suggest fixes in order to be more energy efficient so you can cut costs. These are some common service providers in Staten Island.

While you’re scheduling the start of your new service, don’t forget to pay the utility bills for your current location. Pay overdue bills and schedule a time for your utility companies to do a final reading of your water, gas, and electric meters. Keep a copy of the meter reports.

You’ll want the number of a trusted electrician or plumber when faced with an emergency in your new home. Do some prep work by searching for local vendors and writing them down on a list you’ll keep accessible. You’ll probably edit it over time, but this is a good starting point to reference when needed.

It’s a good idea to check out the schools in your area when moving to a new neighborhood. View the public school districts and private schools on Staten Island, settle on an option and register your children. The sooner you get this task item done, the better.

Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, the move can be stressful for your pets. Plan ahead and prepare your pets. First, you should update your pets’ ID tags with your new Staten Island address. Get all the vet and vaccine records from your current veterinarian. If your pet has any medication for your pets, collect it before the move.

It’s also a good idea to find a pet boarding place in case of emergency. You may need to board your pet during some part of the move, so shop around until you find one that you feel comfortable with. Get the phone number and address of a veterinarian close to your home, too.

You won’t know if there are any move-in restrictions unless you ask. Contact your real estate agent, landlord, property management company, or previous homeowner about any move-in regulations you need to be aware of. There might be restrictions on when and where your moving truck can park, for example. Ask in advance so you can prepare ahead of time.

Median home cost is $516,300
Food and groceries cost about $114.70 monthly per person
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,466