Moving

While most moving companies are reputable businesses that do quality work, there are some that attempt to take advantage of clients through fraudulent practices. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself against moving fraud:

• Get a written estimate from several movers. Some companies quote a low price to get a contract—and later ask for more money before they remove your belongings from their truck.
• Make sure the mover has insurance and is licensed by the proper authority.
  • For moves from one state to another, a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can search for a registered mover through the FMCSA.
  • For moves within a state, requirements vary. Check with your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or your state attorney general.
• Check the mover's record. You can find out the mover's complaint history with local consumer advocacy organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau.

File a Complaint

• If you have a dispute with a moving company, you should file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Note: Moving company complaints handled by the FMCSA must cross state lines, but can be reported at any time.
• If you have a complaint involving an intrastate move (a move within the boundaries of a state), contact your state or local regulatory authority.

Help and Resources

• Protect Your Move provides tools to help protect yourself against moving fraud.

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Are you moving? Report your change of address to continue receiving mail and government benefits.

Change Your Address with the Postal Service

• Go to USPS.com/move to change your address online. This is the preferred method for speed and convenience, and you immediately get an e-mail confirmation of the change.
• Go to your local post office and request a Movers Guide.

You can also ask the USPS to temporarily change your address or hold your mail.

Change Your Address with Other Government Agencies

Other federal and state agencies to contact when changing your address include:

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)  – Contact the IRS to change your address if you are expecting a tax refund or other mail. You can also change your address with the IRS by writing your new address in the appropriate boxes on your tax return when you file.
• Social Security Administration (SSA) – Change your address online using your my Social Security account if you receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits or are enrolled in Medicare. If you don't receive Social Security benefits or Medicare, contact the SSA.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Contact the VA if you are a veteran who receives benefit payments or you wish to update your records.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Contact USCIS if you are a non-U.S. citizen who is required to register your address.
• State Motor Vehicle Agencies – Contact your state to change your address on your driver's license or motor vehicle registration.
• State Election Offices – Contact your state election office to change your address on your voter registration record.

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When moving into a house or an apartment, you may have to pay for utility services like gas, electricity or water. You can apply for these services on the phone, online, or in person. 

Starting Utility Services

Your city or county government may handle some utility services like water, sewage, and garbage collection. In many states, you can choose your telephone and energy service providers. Contact your state utility commission for a list of service providers and advice on making a choice.

• Letter of guarantee: If you are a new utility customer or have a poor payment history, the utility company may require you to pay a deposit or get a letter from someone who agrees to pay your bill if you don’t. 

Switching Utility Providers

Your state's public utilities company may allow you to "unbundle" your electric (or gas) service, so you can purchase the utilities from one company and the delivery of them from another. For more information on switching utility providers, contact your state's public utilities commission.

Billing

Once you have established service, you should start receiving your bills at regular intervals, usually monthly or quarterly. Utility bills are based on the amount of energy or water you actually use. However, if you live in an apartment complex, the amount you pay for some utilities may be prorated or split. Contact the service provider if you see charges you do not understand or didn't authorize on your bill.

To Lower Your Utility Costs:

• Explore energy-saving tips and strategies from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• If you have difficulty paying your bills, especially for electric and gas, consider applying for help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The benefits vary from state to state.

File a Complaint

If your utility company fails to meet its service requirements, you should first file a complaint with the company. If that does not work, contact your state's utility commission.

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