Moving to State College, PA? Make a smooth transition to your new home with these tips.
Transferring utilities in Pennsylvania
Put together a list of all your service providers and include their contact information. How many of them will you need, and will your bills come in separately? Some of your bills may come together depending on your arrangement with the provider. For instance, you may have a single service provider for your internet, phone, and cable bill.
This will help you stay organized as you transfer your utilities to your new Pennsylvania address.
Utilities typically include:
- Water
- Electricity
- Gas
- Sewage
- Internet
- Phone
- Cable
- Trash
- Security system
You also need to plan ahead. Some service providers require at least a week’s notice before relocation while others may need to be notified a month in advance. It’s generally advisable to start contacting service providers and notifying them about the move as soon as you’ve finalized your new living arrangements.
You may also need to cancel some utilities while other service providers have auto-renewal systems, so be sure to cancel any utilities before moving unless you want to get charged for auto-renewal.
Inform your utility service providers about your new Pennsylvania address. Bills will continue to come in, and you wouldn’t want any discrepancies that might result in additional charges.
If you have any overdue bills, try to settle them before moving. You wouldn’t want any of your bills to get lost during the moving process and result in a missed payment with penalties.
To update your mailing and billing address for incoming mail and packages, you can go on USPS.
Choosing a moving company
Work with a licensed and insured moving company, especially if you’re moving from out of state. Unfortunately, there are many fraudulent movers out there, so take extra precautions, especially if you’re transporting valuable or fragile items.
Check the moving company’s history before hiring them. Perform a thorough background check, and go through all your options before signing any contracts.
If you decide you talk to a mover, they should give you a quote or a price estimate – avoid working with a moving company that refuses to provide a quote. They should also be communicative about the pick-up and moving schedule. Lastly, they should be able to provide all the necessary carts and dollies.
Be aware of the company’s policies and practices. Read online reviews and get referrals from friends, family, and colleagues. Be wary of moving companies that don’t have a registered address, website, or social media.
Gathering the necessary documents for new residents
If you’re a new resident with an out-of-state non-commercial driver’s license, you must apply for a PA Driver’s License within 60 days of establishing your residency in the state.
- Make an in-person appearance at the nearest Driver License Center
- Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license
- Take a vision-screening test
- Accomplish and submit Form DL-180R
- Show proof of residency and identification
- Present your Social Security card
A knowledge test is not required if your out-of-state driver’s license is either valid or expired just six months or less. Former residents returning to Pennsylvania must go through the same processes and requirements.
Further all new residents must apply for vehicle title and registration within 20 days of their entry into the Commonwealth. Requirements for vehicle registration include:
- Valid PA Driver’s License
- Vehicle – If you are unable to bring your vehicle, you need to produce a rubbing of the VIN.
- Valid title for all vehicles to be registered – All vehicles must be in your name or you must be listed as the buyers.
- Proof of Pennsylvania insurance – You must present a declaration page of an insurance policy, valid insurance identification card, and other pertinent documents.
Click here for more information.
Cleaning your new home
Pre-move in cleaning is always recommended if you manage to find time to deep clean your new home before the day of the move. This will help you avoid the added difficulty of having to work around a bunch of boxes and furniture.
But if you can only manage to clean the property after you move, that’s also fine. Just don’t skip general cleaning altogether. The persons who lived on the property before you will have left behind some grime, dust, and dirt that you’ll want to remove before you get settled. Unless you’re moving into a new construction home, you’ll likely see signs of use, such as stains and debris.
You can hire a cleaning company if you no longer have the time and energy for a deep clean after relocating.
If you’re still looking for the perfect home in State College, PA and the surrounding areas, contact the Heritage Realty Group, Inc. for further assistance. You can also speak with us at 814.231.0101 and RLHoman363(at)gmail(dotted)com. We’ve been buying and selling Pennsylvania real estate since 1987. We can’t wait to show you all your options in the housing market.