New Home Checklist

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BY JENNA ALLEN & SCOTT SCHNELLE

Moving into a new home comes with a long to-do list. Follow this checklist and tips to help you stay organized.

Getting started q Set up utilities (visit como.gov/utilities/ucs/ to start or transfer service online) q Obtain a Change of Address form from the post office or complete online at usps.com q Change your addresses on all your accounts (voter registration, driver’s license, tax forms, bank accounts, post office, etc.) q Update your address for any online purchases you may regularly make, such as those via

Amazon q Open a new bank account, but don’t close your old one until you move q Notify your doctors and dentists, and request copies of records be sent to your new health care providers q Select a pharmacy in Columbia, and transfer prescriptions q If you have kids, notify old and new schools, and transfer school records to new schools

Save moving receipts for tax-deductible expenses

Expenses you incur while moving may be tax deductible. Before you move, create a folder to store receipts of your moving expenses, and check online or with your accountant about what you may deduct. Visit irs.gov/newsroom/ frequently-asked-questions-for-movingexpenses for online help in determining what expenses are eligible. Make your new home safe and secure with these steps: • Change locks • Install or reprogram garage door opener • Test smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors • Make sure there are fire extinguishers (recommended locations include the kitchen, laundry room, near sources of heat, on each floor or bedroom and the garage) • Create emergency plans (fire escape, severe weather plans, intruder plans, etc.) • Look over the main circuit breaker (aka the electricity shutoff) • Find water and gas shutoffs

If you have pets Choose a new vet in town, and secure a city license for any cats and dogs over the age of 3 months. You may apply for a City of Columbia animal license at a local veterinarian office, and you may purchase animal tags at the City of Columbia Cashier’s Office located on the first floor of the historic Daniel Boone Building, 701 E. Broadway. You must provide proof of rabies vaccination. Note: Dogs are licensed for periods up to three years. Cats are normally licensed for one year.

Take advantage of rebates available for energy efficiency A valuable step in moving into your new home is to evaluate potential efficiency upgrades. Utility rebates (see list that follows) through Columbia Water & Light and Boone Electric Cooperative encourage customers — both new homeowners and long-time residents — to make their homes more energy efficient. They help you save money when making energy-efficient home improvements by increasing the return on investment and decreasing the payback period. Not only that, but they also increase demand for energy-efficient technologies and products that help protect the environment, so over time, these technologies will decrease in price and become more affordable. Every rebate program has its own set of qualifications, guidelines and rebate amounts, so be sure to carefully review the procedures of each program, and don’t be afraid to call for an expert’s help if you have questions along the way. Keep in mind that most of the rebates mentioned below require a certified energy audit prior to the improvements to qualify. Columbia Water & Light * Rebates available for Home Performance with Energy Star energy-efficiency upgrades • Rebates available for qualifying air conditioners and heat pumps • Low-interest loans to help finance efficiency and solar projects • Up to 500/kW installed for rooftop solar Visit columbiapowerpartners.com for info. Boone Electric Cooperative • Incentives for Home Performance with Energy Star energyefficiency upgrades • $750 per ton for qualifying ground source heat pumps • $300 for a qualifying electric dual fuel system • Rebates for lighting upgrades for commercial accounts Visit booneelectric.coop for info. l