Moving to a new home is anything but easy, and everyone is constantly looking for ways to make the moving day process easier. It requires a lot of patience, planning, and packing to pull off a move, whether it’s across town or across the state.
One thing many people who are moving don't realize is that you're also transporting your personal information from one place to the other, which makes you a prime target for identity theft. Identity theft fluctuates from year to year, but the one thing that remains the same is the fact that anyone can become a victim.
While many communities and homeowners have a package delivery lock box system in place, there are a few other tips you should follow to ensure your identity isn't stolen during a move. Read on below for a few of those tips.
Choose a Credible Moving Company
It’s important to do your due diligence when you’re getting ready for a move. This means that you should not hire the first moving company you find online. It’s easier to find a good moving company if you seek referrals from family, friends, and even co-workers who have used a moving company before. Even when armed with referrals you need to do careful research to make sure the people who work for the moving company are legal and trustworthy. Ask the company to provide the information needed; if they refuse, then you need to find another company to move your stuff.
Put in a Change of Address
You would be surprised at the number of people who forget or just don’t put in a change of address when they move to a new location. This means that your bills, parcels, and even your bank statements are going to be going to an address that you don't live at any longer. It's important to put in a change of address before you move, so it has time to kick in before your final day living at your current residence.
Keep Your Electronic Devices Secure
Before the movers come, make sure to shut down and secure any electronics in the house. This includes laptops, computers, and tablets. As a matter of fact, it is usually best if you move these items yourself. This way, you don’t have to worry about the electronics being damaged. You're also ensuring that no one can hack into your computer and retrieve your personal documents and other information.
Move Your Personal Documents Yourself
It’s never a good idea to throw personal documents into a box, tape them up, and leave them for the movers to transport. Instead, get all of your personal and sensitive information together and move it yourself. It’s a great way to ensure no one is able to look through your stuff and find things that allow them to steal your identity.
Always be Present During the Move
While it may be tempting to go do some of the other million things you need to do during the moving process and leave the movers to take care of the moving, it’s not a good idea. You need to be clear and present and able to supervise the movers while they are loading your boxes and other belongings. There is so much being transported that it would be easy for a few things to go missing, and you don’t notice it until it’s too late and your identity has been stolen.
These are just a few tips that you should follow to prevent identity theft when you’re moving from one location to the other. Remember, while most moving company employees are good people, there are those that aren’t, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
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