Change My Address EbookBe Prepared For Your Big Move!“

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Table of ContentsWhen you begin to notify your contacts that you’ve changed addresses, you may start to think that moving was the easy part. But, this guide will help you expedite the process of notifying everyone of your address change. This includes the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), loan institutions, major credit card companies, utilities providers, your mobile and cable services, publications you subscribe to and much more!

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letting everybody know you have changed your address can be a tedious and tiring process, especially when “everybody” includes government organizations such as driver’s licensing agencies and the IRS, financial institutions like your bank and credit card companies, utilities-providers such as water and electric companies, and publication companies that deliver your newspaper and magazines. If you need to notify certain organizations and service providers that you have changed addresses, this list will inform you how to do so.

SoCiAl SECuriTyChanging the address on your Social Security card is easier than you would expect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows those who receive Social Security benefits the luxury of changing their address online. however, you cannot change the address on your Social Security card if you are managing someone else’s Social Security money, live outside the country or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To determine exactly what you need to do in order to change the address on your Social Security card, click here.

DrivEr’S liCEnSEThe difficulty of changing the address on your driver’s license varies from state to state. Some states allow you to process an address change by mail, phone, online or in person, while others allow you to do so only in person. Regardless of how you change the address on your driver’s license, you will likely be required to provide your Social Security Number, proof(s) of your new address (earnings statement, financial statement, voter registration card, utility bill, mortgage or rental agreement, etc.) and pay a fee. you should contact your state motor vehicle agency or county treasurer’s office so you know what fees apply and the methods by which you can change the address on your driver’s license.

Parties to notify

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inCoME TAx / irSWhile changing your address on your Social Security card or driver’s license entails contacting the SSA or a state motor vehicle agency respectively, notifying the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of an address change entails contacting the post office that delivered mail to your old address as well. you must also contact the IRS if you want to receive your refund check, because not every post office forwards government checks. The best way to inform the IRS of your address change is by filling out either the form for your home address or the form for your business address.

VETERAN AFFAIRSIf you need to notify Veteran Affairs of your address change, you can fill out form 50-572 and submit the completed form via the WAVE Web site.

fAMily SuPPorTIf you receive family support, that is – community assistance to help your family overcome difficult circumstances such as poverty, the temporary or permanent absence of a family member or other hardship – and need to change your address, you should contact the your state’s equivalent of the u.S. department of health and human Services (hhS). Because different states have different requirements, you will have find out what your state specifically requires.

Government & Public offices

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unEMPloyMEnT inSurAnCEStates offer different to change your address. In some states, you must complete a state form and submit it in person. other states offer the option to submit your address change request by mail, phone, online or in person. despite the differences from state to state, you will almost always be required to provide personal information such as your Social Security Number, and in some cases, you will have to submit proof of that address change. To prove you’ve changed addresses, you can supply a utility bill, mortgage or rental agreement, financial document, etc.

vEhiClE rEGiSTrATionMost states offer a variety of ways in which you can change the listed address on your vehicle registration. Some states offer up to five ways of changing the address on your vehicle registration: in person, online, by mail, fax or phone. however, keep in mind that not every state allows you to change your address five different ways. you should contact your state’s motor vehicle department or equivalent organization to find out how you can change the address on your vehicle registration.

When you change your address on your registration, the information commonly asked for is your Social Security Number, the vehicle identification number, the license plate number and your new and previous address. If you need to submit a form or appear in person to change the address on your vehicle registration, you will most likely have to show proof of your new residence, such as your mortgage or rental agreement, a utility bill or financial document.

Government & Public offices

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Making an address change to a financial or personal account is relatively simple. depending on how securely an establishment stores its information, you may or may not have to supply extensive personal information. for example, banks will typically ask for at least your Social Security Number and your bank account number, while an occupational association or union, such as the American Bar Association (ABA) or the American federation of Teachers (AfT) might ask only for a new address. The reason for different protocols is quite reasonable: your bank is protecting many individuals’ money including yours, and the risk of losing it carries major consequences. If you are a teacher and subscribe to the AfT’s monthly periodical, the stakes aren’t as high. Thus, they will usually not ask for such extensive information as your bank would.

BAnkSIf you have on online account with your bank, you can probably change your address online by updating your preferences, or personal information.

If there is no option to do so online, you should call your bank and find out how you can update your address.

you may be able to do so over the phone or by mail; or, they may require you to visit the bank in person to change the address on your account.

loAn inSTiTuTionSThe majority of loan companies require you to notify them if you change your address. That said, most loan companies provide a variety of ways to contact them (by fax, phone, online or mail).

you will be able to find contact information through either their Web site, or on a document you have that was mailed or emailed to you by the company, such as a bill or notice.

MAjor CrEDiT CArD CoMPAniESJust like banking institutions, major credit card companies offer the option of updating your personal information online, including your address, but not all do.

financial & Personal Accounts

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often enough, you will have to call a customer service number, and a representative will assist you.

Typically, you will have to provide your Social Security Number, your credit card account number, along with answering security questions.

DEPArTMEnT STorE CrEDiT CArDSIf you need to change the address on a department store credit card, check the store’s Web site for information on making changes to your account.

follow their directions regarding changing your name if such information is available. If not, you can always find a mailing address and write the company a letter requesting that the address listed on your account and card be changed.

Note that if you want a new card issued to you, the store may charge you a fee.

inSurAnCE AGEnCiES (hEAlTh, hoME/lifE AnD AuTo)Some insurance companies allow you to change your address online if you have created an online account with them, but some companies offer only a customer service number for assistance.

If your insurance company does not offer an option of changing your address online, you will have to call a customer service number and change your address via phone.

PEnSion PlAnSIf you would like your pension plan to reflect your new address, you should contact the company that manages your pension or other retirement plan (401k, IRA). If you are unsure what company manages your pension, ask your employer and they should be able to tell you.

financial & Personal Accounts

ForwardMyMail.org

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Air MilES rEwArDS ProGrAMBecause your air miles rewards are typically tied to a credit card account, you should contact your credit card company to have your new address listed on your account.

ACCounTAnT / TAx ConSulTAnTTo change your address with your accountant or tax consultant, call your consultant or agency to provide notice of your address change.

ProfESSionAl MEMBErShiPS / liCEnSinG BoArDSIf you are a member of a guild or association for a certain profession such as a teacher, a nurse, an attorney or a doctor, you should contact your association (e.g. the American Bar Association [ABA], the American federation of Teachers [AfT], etc.) to modify your address.

financial & Personal Accounts

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It is important that you notify your utility providers when you change addresses. If you are moving out of your city, county or state, you may have to change providers. If not, then you should notify your existing utility providers of your new address, so you can continue receiving service at your new address.

ElECTriCdepending on how far you move from your current or previous home, you may not be able to receive service from the same electric company. If you did not move to a different state, you will probably keep the same electric company.

If you’ve moved to a different state, however, you will need to create a new account because you will need a new electric company—electric companies rarely service two states.

GASIf a gas company delivers gas to your residence, they should also be sending you billing statements as well. find the company’s contact information on your statement, and inform them of your new address.

utilities & Services

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Chances are you will have to contact your gas company by phone or pay an in-office visit, unless the company offers an online account service. Provide documentation and credentials as requested.

wATErMany water companies are county-owned, but there are private water service companies as well. Regardless of whether your water is provided to you by the county or by a private company, you will need to notify them of your move.

find out who provides your water service. do not cancel the water service at your current home until you have moved into your new one.

on the other hand, be sure to have the water turned on at your new home before you move in.

wASTEdepending on where you live, you may or may not be able to have your garbage picked up at your new address, as the city you live in decides which waste disposal service to employ.

If you are unsure as to what company disposes of your garbage, contact your city commissioner’s office, and they will be able to tell you. you can then contact the company directly and arrange for them to service your new address.

fuElusually fuel companies provide services to businesses because they supply a variety of different fuels including gasoline, kerosene, diesel, aviation fuel etc.

If you change your address, you should notify the company that provides your service. They will then meet your fuel needs at your new address.

lAnDlinE TElEPhonEIf your landline service provider allows you to correct your personal information online in the event you change addresses, that would be the easiest method.

utilities & Services

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If your provider does not offer that luxury, you can find a contact number on an invoice that has been mailed to you. In order to change your address, they may ask for your account number, Social Security Number and other personal information.

MoBilE TElEPhonEIf your mobile service provider allows you to change your personal information online, that would be the easiest way to change your address.

If not, find your provider’s contact number on an invoice they’ve sent you, and notify them by phone of your address change.

If you cannot change your address with your provider by phone, then find the company’s ad-dress and send them a letter requesting they change your address.

CABlEIf your cable service is also your internet-provider, then notifying the company that you have changed addresses will be that much easier. If not, call your cable company and notify the customer service team of your change of address.

you will likely need to provide personal information such as your Social Security Number, your account number and perhaps provide a PIN number.

See if you can have the cable turned on when you move into your home to avoid paying for unused service. Contact a Cable Mover to handle all your connectivity needs.

If you are in search of a new cable company, call 888-878-5208 to find out which comprehensive TV package is right for you.

inTErnETIf your internet company is also your cable provider, then notifying the customer service team that you’ve changed addresses will be that much easier. If not, you will have to contact your cable company.

utilities & Services

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Make contact by phone, mail or e-mail. you can obtain contact information either online, or on an invoice they’ve mailed you. Provide your old and new address as well as any additional information as requested.

If you have a pool-maintenance, a lawn or a housecleaning service, you should make a list of company names, along with corresponding phone numbers. once you have made this list, call each service with notice of your address change. other people you should notify about your address change are your physicians – this includes dentists and other specialists, such as dermatologists and orthopedists – as well as any attorneys and veterinarians. This way, any mail they may send to you will find you at your new address, and you have eliminated the risk of strangers opening your mail, which could possibly contain personal and sensitive information.

• Pool Services

• lawn / garden Services

• housecleaning Services

• Physicians

• Veterinarian

• Attorney

utilities & Services

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SubscriptionsIf you subscribe to a catalog, magazine, newspaper book, music or monthly leisure club membership, changing your address should be relatively easy. If you have, or can create an online account, first try to change your address that way. If not, you will have to call each company or send a letter requesting your address be changed. you want to be sure not to pay for an issue you don’t receive.

nEwSPAPErSdepending on how established your newspaper is, you may be able to change the address on your account online. If this option is not available, you will have to call or send a letter requesting your address be changed.

MAGAzinESIf you would like your magazine subscriptions redirected to your new address, you can change your address online if you have an online account, notify the publication by mail or call the customer service number.

Book CluBS, MuSiC CluBS AnDMonThly lEiSurE CluB MEMBErShiPSIf you subscribe to a book, music or monthly leisure club, you should be able to change your address to keep receiving service by calling the company, or by e-mailing or mailing a letter. All contact information should be listed on a catalog, in an e-mail you have received or on the company’s Web site.

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holding MailIf you are currently serving in the military overseas or you have a trip planned for a few weeks, take advantage of the hold Mail service offered by the united States Postal Service.

ShoulD i PuT My MAil on holD?In the event that you will be away from home for up to 30 days, putting your mail on hold is highly recommended. This will give you peace of mind that your mail remains in good hands during your absence.

Also consider suspending your mail delivery temporarily if any of the following applies to you:

• you are traveling for up to a

month.

• you are in the military and

stationed outside of the

country.

• you have a personal or family

emergency away from home.

STEP-By-STEP inSTruCTionSThankfully, the united States Postal Service allows you to make your request either online, by phone or in person. online may be your preferred option, as the form can be completed in just a few, easy steps. To get started, follow these simple guidelines:

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1. go to the uSPS website and select “hold Mail,” listed on the left column of menu

options.

2. Add your personal information as requested, including your name, street address,

city, state, ZIP code, email and phone number.

3. enter the beginning and ending date for the mail hold. The ending date will be the

day your mail resumes delivery.

4. use the “Additional Instructions” box for any specific delivery information.

5. Print your confirmation page for your records. you will need your confirmation

number should you need to cancel your request.

By completing the form, you are confirming that you are the resident at the address you have listed on the form. The same process applies for a business address.

oThEr wAyS To SuBMiT your rEquEST To place your mail on hold with the united States Postal Service, you can always call 1-800-ASk-uSPS. In person, it is advised that you contact the mail carrier before you leave toverify that your request is in place. The form you will need to complete at a local post office isAuthorization to hold Mail form 8076.

no fEES, no hASSlEuSPS hold Mail is free of charge. Simply put: you won’t have to pay now or later. Since 2003, almost 650,000 individuals have requested to temporarily suspend their mail delivery. Take advantage of this service next time you are away to know your private correspondence is in good hands.

holding Mail

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Mail forwarding for individuals moving to another residence for a temporary period of time, there are plenty of factors that need to be taken into account. you may need to purchase services such as cable, Internet, a home phone line and perhaps even a home security system at your temporary address. In addition, residents must forward their mail from their permanent residential address to their temporary one.

At your permanent residence, you receive a wide variety of correspondences. It could be time-sensitive mail from your local dMV office or financial institution, or even a personal letter from a friend or relative. It is critical that all such mail be forward to your temporary address. Missing out on a registration renewal notice or a call to pay your credit card bill can become a big problem. fortunately, the united States Postal Service gives you the option to use their temporary mail forwarding service even if it is for just 15 days. The longest you can put in a request for with the uSPS is one year. Individuals can add six months to their request after the first six months have elapsed.

There are two ways to forward your mail to a temporary address.

If you would like to have a more personal experience and verify that a representative notes your temporary address change in front of you, you have the option of visiting a local uS Post office in person. you are required to bring all of the following:

• Two forms of identification (one photo Id, one non-photo Id):

◦ driver’s license

◦ Passpor t

◦ Voter Registration card

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• Proof of primary residence:

◦ utility bill

◦ Mortgage agreement

for those individuals who would prefer to complete the process at home, the option is also available to enroll in mail forwarding online. Simply follow the prompts on the uSPS Address Change page and provide your personal information, including your previous and current address and your credit card. The united States Postal Service charges $1.05 for this service. After you have paid the fee, your mail will be forwarded to your new residence piece by piece.

In addition to the uSPS, there are a number of other mail forwarding services available to individuals who are moving to another residence temporarily. These services will file your mail forwarding application for you for a nominal fee.

If you are travelling in an RV or motor home, there are specialty forwarding services for individuals to look into. By paying a low monthly rate, you will be able to receive all of your mail at the address you designate.

Mail forwarding

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Junk mail is considered unsolicited mail (also known as “spam”) that an individual receives without their request. you are most likely familiar with junk mail as unsolicited advertising.

TyPES of junk MAilJunk mail can be an annoyance, and as you sort through catalogs, offers and other miscellaneous letters, you will most likely receive:

• Adver tising catalogs, fashion related and other.

• Pre-approved credit card offers.

• home and car insurance offers.

•Sweepstakes mail.

how you CAn AvoiD GETTinG junk MAilWhether you are getting credit card offers in the mail or catalogs you simply do not wish to receive, you will usually find an “unsubscribe” or “opt out” option on your correspondence. email or call the phone number of the company and ask the customer service representative to remove you from their list.

for bank offers, you can also contact the financial institution directly, either in person or by phone, and request that they no longer send you any mail. This can also apply to statements, as many banks now offer the convenience of “paperless statements.” Simply visit your financial institution’s website and log in to your account to select this option.

you can also count on the services of certain websites that will ensure you stop receiving unwanted mail. There is often no fee attached; all you have to do is enter your information and the rest they will take care of for you.

junk MAil, BE GonE!If you are tired of receiving junk mail on a day-to-day basis, now you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing there are several ways you can stop these pieces of correspondence from overflowing your mailbox. With a few, easy steps, you can bid them farewell for good!

what is junk Mail?

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Mover’s Guide

once you’ve agreed to a closing date and signed your mortgage agreement, it’s time to start taking inventory of items you want in your new home. Merely assessing the contents of your home can lead you to believe that it will take weeks to pack all of your possessions, which very well might be the case. If you approach the packing and moving process methodically, you will be more than ready when it comes time to relocate yourself and your possessions.

you should start packing when your closing date is eight weeks away. even if you have few personal possessions, starting sooner rather than later will afford you precious time to address the many logistics involved with moving.

EiGhT wEEkS BEforE CloSinG (+/- 60 DAyS)1. one of the first things you should do is organize the most cluttered areas in or

around your home. your garage, attic, basement, closets and cabinets are usually

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the most time-consuming areas to organize, so it’s a good idea to star t in these types of places. To make the move less labor intensive, get rid of items you do not need or want. If you anticipate replacing an item soon, consider donating it, or selling at a yard sale for some extra cash.

2. however unlikely it seems, in the event that any of your personal possessionsare lost or damaged while moving, you should have an estimate as to what theyare wor th. you only need to assess valuable goods such as liquid currency (bothforeign and domestic), bond or stock cer tificates, private and sensitive information (Social Security cards, vital records, legally valid contracts/agreements etc.), andprecious collections such as stamps or coins.

3. If you have many belongings, have difficulty moving heavy objects, cannot obtainhelp from friends or family, or any combination thereof, you may consider hiringa moving company. If you choose to, or must hire a moving company, ask severalcompanies for estimates – then hire the company you favor the most and schedulean appointment.

Six wEEkS BEforE CloSinG (+/- 45 DAyS)1. If you are moving 150 miles away or far ther, you may consider hiring a car

transpor t service. however, that depends on personal preference – you’reobviously allowed to drive yourself but in cer tain situations, it is more practical tohave your car or cars delivered to your new home. for instance, if you have two ormore vehicles in your family and you are moving 200 miles away or far ther, hiringa company to transpor t your cars is a good idea: money you spend on a deliveryservice will be offset by money you save on gas.

2. If your move necessitates that your children, or those in your custody, changeschools, research schools in the community you are moving to. during thisprocess, you will need to contact your state depar tment of education for your

Mover’s Guide

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child’s school records. you must then submit them to the school they will be attending once your move is complete. When you find a school you are satisfied with and will accept your child or children, notify the school of their expected star t date. you also need to notify their current school of their expected last day of attendance.

3. Contact any and everyhospital or physician’soffice that has providedyou, or any memberof your family, medicalcare. obtain records forall medical visits, bothmajor and minor, for allmembers in your family.you can obtain yourchild’s medical recordswithout their assent;your spouse will have toobtain their own medicalrecords.

4. If you have a primary care physician, contact them to see if they know one inthe area you are moving to. If they do not know of any, you can rely on patientfeedback, which is available online.

5. Contact your insurance companies (health, home, life, auto and any otherapplicable types of insurance) to see if there will be any change in coverage. yourcurrent provider may not offer the same plan in the area you are moving to, ormay not serve that area at all. To avoid a lapse in insurance coverage, find outwhether or not your current plans are available in your new area. When you move,

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rates for all types of insurance may rise or fall because of a number of factors (change in crime rate, population density, air quality, etc.), which may prompt you to alter the scope of your plan(s).

four wEEkS BEforE CloSinG (+/- 30 DAyS)1. Call utility companies currently serving you and notify them of your impending

move. Request that they shut off utilities the day after you finish moving. If yourutilities providers can cancel your services immediately, consider cancelling themonce you have no need for utilities in your previous home – you may need or wantaccess to water or electricity while moving.

2. Call utility companies in the area you are moving to. If you have difficulty findinga provider, contact the area’s Chamber of Commerce – ask them to refer you toreputable utilities providers.

Two wEEkS BEforE CloSinG (14 DAyS)1. group your larger and heavier packages together and keep them near your front

door, or the widest doorway available. gather any large and/or heavy furniture toplace alongside the large/heavy box group.

2. Collect any valuable and/or fragile possessions and wrap them in bubble-wrap,newspaper, or other shock-absorbent material. use a thick-tipped dark permanentmarker to write “fragile” or “delicate” on a box, and draw an arrow pointingupward. This aler ts anybody who is handling the package that the box has to becarried in a right-side-up position. Place your wrapped delicates securely in thebox and fill in any air gaps with shock-absorbent material. Make sure to markevery box with any delicates as described above.

3. group your larger and heavier packages together and keep them near your frontdoor, or the widest doorway available. gather any large and/or heavy furniture toplace alongside the large/heavy box group.

Mover’s Guide

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4. If you have pets and are flying to your new home, make sure all their vaccinationsare up to date. Also, obtain the official paperwork documenting that theirvaccinations are current. And if you do not already have a united Statesdepar tment of Agriculture (uSdA)-approved crate, be sure to purchase one forthe flight.

onE wEEk BEforE MovinG1. gather any remaining unpacked items for packing. Aside from items like food,

toiletries, a few outfits, essential furniture, etc., your home should be vir tuallyempty, packed into boxes and ready for relocation.

2. If you are utilizing a passenger carrier service to get to your new home, call themto confirm your travel plans.

3. If you are using a moving service, fulfill any remaining financial obligation – youmay also consider withdrawing cash from your bank account to tip the moversthemselves. Confirm the delivery date and encourage them to communicate withyou as needed during the move.

4. Change your address with groups and organizations that regularly send mail toyour home. your first priority should be changing your address with the postoffice – organizationslike major credit cardcompanies are typicallyaler ted when a clientchanges their address.however, you shouldstill contact any financialinstitutes with whichyou have an accountto ensure they have

Mover’s Guide

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your correct address on record. you should also notify any publications such as newspaper and magazine companies of your address change. other groups you may contact are any professional or personal organizations with which you are affiliated. for example, if you are a physician, teacher, attorney or union member, you should notify both state and national organizations of your new address.

5. Notify professional references you use of your new address and contactinformation.

MovinG DAy 1. Pack any items you foresee needing – since the next few days will be very busy, you

may consider packing a cot, sleeping bag or inflatable mattress. you should alsoinclude a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and impor tant personal informationlike your identification card or driver’s license. Also, don’t forget to keep your newand old mor tgage documents on hand with you.

2. If you are using a moving company, keep in touch with them so as they move yourpossessions into your new home, you can review the inventory with them andmake sure nothing is missing or damaged. If everything is in place, complete thetransaction and request copies for your personal records.

Note: generally, you should change the address on personal documents, records, like your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and Social Security card no later than thirty days after you move. failure to change the address on any of these with thirty days of moving into your new home may result in a fine or other financial penalty.

Mover’s Guide

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7 Services you need in your new home Moving in to a new home is a thrilling time in a person’s life. With the change comes new ways of settling in and you want to find your rhythm sooner rather than later. To feel right at home, sign up for these seven services. A few are recommendations, yet others are absolutely necessary.

CABlETo watch all of your favorite shows, purchase a package from one of the various cable companies at your disposal. Satellite TV is also an option if you are interested in extensive sports packages or a wider variety of channels. depending on your new neighborhood, there may already be a designated cable company that provides service. Call 888-878-5208 for more information onaffordable cable TV plans.

inTErnETWireless Internet has become a mainstay in homes all across the country. To guarantee that you can browse the Web on your home Wi-fi as soon as possible, contact an Internet provider today to get quotes for their services.

hoME PhonEWhile this may be the age of the cellular phone, the value of the home phone should not be forgotten when you move somewhere new. one must always consider the possibility that you do not have access to your cell phone one day, whether it was lost or simply left at your office. In these instances, a home phone can prove to be a valuable asset, especially when someone needs to contact you with important information.

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hoME SECuriTy SySTEMTo keep yourself and your family safe, it is highly recommended that you purchase a top-of-the-line home security system. There is no better way to ward off criminals and malevolent activity. even in what seems like the safest of neighborhoods, there is no reason to leave your loved ones or valuable possessions at risk.

loCkSMiThforgetfulness is part of being human. Make sure that you are always covered in the event you left your keys in the house, at work, or any of the other familiar places, it is best that you get in contact with the local locksmith. Call 888-279-4032 to speak with a lock specialist directly.

PluMBErWater problems are not unusual to experience, even if you are moving in to a new house. for that reason, be sure to find yourself a nearby plumbing service that offers affordable rates for jobs such as fixing a dripping faucet, a running toilet and clogged drains. Call 877-812-2006 for assistance with home plumbing repairs.

PEST ConTrolTermites, cockroaches, mice and other pests are a common problem in homes all across the united States. To make sure that you are prepared for such an issue, be sure to contact a pest control company today to get rate quotes for any kind of future visit.

7 Services you need in your new home

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5 ways to lower your Electric Bill

Most people are on edge as they wait for the dreaded electricity bill to arrive in the mail. The difficulty of predicting the exact charges at the end of the month is a common source of anxiety. By modifying little things here and there though, you can lower your electric bill and save a few a dollars – or more!

1. niGhT ChECkBefore hitting the sack, take a quick look around your home and make sure that all your appliances are turned off. These may include your laptop, fans, lamps, television sets, kitchen appliances and electronics. A wireless, home appliances remote control will also turn everything off for you at the touch of a button.

2. invEST in uP-To-DATE APPliAnCESPurchasing a new appliance may seem a bit costly at first, but the truth is, it will save you a lot of money in the long run. energy-efficient models are not only designed to better accommodate your home and provide greater convenience, they can also cut back on your electricity use. for instance, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat to keep your A/C usage low when you’re away.

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5 ways to lower your Electric BillIf you cannot afford new appliances, you can contact a home service repair team to check in monthly on your plumbing, electric and more. Call 855-972-5412 for information on different home repair plans.

for kitchen appliances, namely your refrigerator, oven, stove and dishwasher, contact a kitchen repair specialist to handle any necessary restorations or remodeling.

In addition to your keeping your appliances up-to-date, it’s important to have a roster of contractors on file for different home repair needs.

ensure the roof over your heard is safe and secure. Add an on-call roofing specialist to your contact list, especially if you live in a state where climate is temperamental, be it a harsh winter or hurricane season. If your roofing needs are centered around shingle roof installation or repair, contact a specialist to patch thing up. you can restore vinyl sliding as well, if the outside of your home is in need of immediate attention.

3. Air flow EffiCiEnCyyour air conditioning is one of the most expensive components of your electric bill. one of the easiest ways to cut back on your A/C usage is by opening the windows and utilizing fans more frequently. Set aside a time during the day (or night) to make use of your ceiling fan or floor fan, and let a cool breeze in from the open windows. you can also close curtains and blinds to prevent direct sunlight from entering and revving up your air conditioning. Consider installing a new energy-friendly air conditioning unit if you know you’re A/C is the reason your electric bill continues to increase each month.

With so many greening efforts in place today, it’s possible your windows are not the most energy-efficient on the market. If you would like to update the windows in your home, obtain affordable window replacement quotes before making an overpriced investment. once you decide on the most effective windows for your needs, hire a trusted window installation contractor to finish the job.

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4. wASh CloThES in ColD wATErdid you know that using heated water in your washing machine can cause your energy bill to skyrocket? Nip this habit in the bud by simply switching the water temperature to “cold.” you can save up to 90 percent of the energy used on the “hot” or “warm” setting.

5. SwiTCh your liGhT BulBSA rule of thumb: The lower wattage bulb you use, the more you will save on your electricity bill. Although lighting won’t be as bright, you won’t have a dent in your pocket either. Visit a local home appliances store and speak to a customer service representative about energy-efficient lightbulbs that may be beneficial to you.

With so many everyday appliances and technological gadgets installed in our homes, it is easy to lose sight of how quickly our electric bill can go over the roof. If you want greater control though, follow these five, simple tips.

5 ways to lower your Electric Bill

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home owner’s & renter’s insurance

Whether you are moving in to a new house or apartment, safety and security are always important. That is why you must consider purchasing home owner’s insurance or renter’s insurance, depending on your situation. you may find yourself asking, “What exactly are these kinds of insurance and what do they really cover?”

hoME ownEr’S inSurAnCEWhen it comes to home owner’s insurance, every policy is different. each plan is set up to suit the policyholder best. Nevertheless, the standard features of a home owner’s insurance plan include:• Coverage for any damage that is done to your personal proper ty for any reason

that is listed on your specific policy.

• Some coverage for stolen items, including valuables like jewelry (the amount ofcoverage will vary based on the state you live in).

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home owner’s & renter’s insurance• Coverage for any damage that is done to your home or any permanent structure

on your land, unless the cause of the damage is excluded in your home owner’sinsurance policy.

Typical causes that are covered in home insurance policies include:

• Theft.

• fire.

• lightning.

• freezing (for plumbing).

• Windstorm.

• hail.

In addition to the above features of coverage, policyholders can choose to purchase additional insurance for certain items of high value. however, there are some aspects that

home owner’s insurance does not typically cover, such as:

• Personal injury.

• Proper ty damage greater than the amount covered by the policy.

• Business ventures.

• Aircraft, motor vehicle and watercraft ownership and operation.

for those individuals who have questions about their policy, insurance companies offer a special help line specifically for home owner’s insurance issues.

rEnTEr’S inSurAnCE While you may not own the apartment or home that you are living in, you do have ownership over a number of possessions within it, which is why renter’s insurance exists. Now some renters may think that their landlord’s insurance policy covers all of their belongings, but the

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reality is that too often that is not the case. Renter’s insurance protects individuals like you in situations where your landlord’s insurance policy does not cover something important to you, for instance your:

• furniture.

• Jewelry.

• TV.

• Computer.

• Clothes.

In the event you decide to purchase renter’s insurance, it can be difficult to estimate the value of your personal belongings. fortunately, renter’s insurance companies typically offer personal property value calculating tools to help you along. Some companies also offer additional coverage to make purchasing one of their policies more attractive. liability coverage, for instance, is offered in case someone is injured by accident while in your apartment. In addition to receiving additional types of coverage, look into discounts. your rented property could be eligible if for a coverage discount if it features any of the following:

• A smoke alarm

• An alarm for thieves

• Interior sprinklers

• A staff that watches the building

home owner’s & renter’s insurance

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home Security Systems When moving to another residence, the safety of yourself and your loved ones should be a primary concern. Now that you are in a neighborhood that you are not familiar with, it is highly recommended that you protect yourselves with a state-of-the-art home security system. fortunately, home security companies offer a wide variety of services that will protect you in nearly any unfortunate instance. Some of the types of system coverage include:

• Burglary Protection: Assoon as a burglar is inyour house, an alarm willgo off, aler ting trainedprofessionals at your home security company. They will notify you and the policeimmediately so that you can get to a safe place and so that law enforcement canbe on the scene as soon as possible.

• fire and Smoke Monitoring: As soon as a fire or severe smoke is detected, analarm will sound that aler ts the professionals of your home security company.They will then notify you and the local fire depar tment of the (potential) blaze.

• Temperature Monitoring: A home security system is an excellent way to keep low-temperature damage from occurring in your apar tment.

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• Carbon Monoxide Protection: The only way to detect carbon monoxide in the airwithin your home is with a specialized home security system.

• Medical Aler ts: If you or someone in your house has medical problems, it is greatlyadvised to get a home security system that features instant assistance with thetouch of a button. An intercom system would allow you to speak with a professionaland direct him or her to request an emergency response if necessary.

• flood detection: As soon as flooding is detected in your home, an aler t will be sentto the home security professionals of the company you chose and they will notifyyou instantly.

As you peruse the various types of home security system services offered by different providers, there are a number of features that you can purchase for extra protection. Video surveillance, for instance, provides customers with remote and home access to their video cameras. one popular safety feature is a motion detection system. In the event that anything worth noting is captured on camera, an email notification will be sent to you automatically.

If you have a tight budget, a fully-stocked home security system may be difficult to squeeze in. however, if you have home owner’s insurance or even renter’s insurance, you can experience significant savings. having safety features such as smoke detection and burglar detection will prompt home owner’s insurance companies to give you a discount of at least five percent on your insurance premium.

home Security Systems

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forms & linksSimplify the process of changing your address by clicking the below links, which lead to forms and instructions via the IRS, the Social Security Administration and more. Note that changing the address on your driver’s license, your car registration and your voter registration requires state-specific forms which are accessible via official government sites.

irSTo change your address with the IRS, choose from the below: Form 8822

Form 8822B

SoCiAl SECuriTy ADMiniSTrATionTo change you address on your Social Security card, please visit.

PASSPorTyour complete mailing address is not visible on your uS passport, but if you want to update your passport, use this form.

uSCiSIf you need an Alien’s Change of Address Card, access Form AR-11

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