Moving in

I'm (sort of) getting settled into my new apartment...and realizing how many not-so-little errandy things have to happen. I've had apartments before, I've lived alone, but those were a) dorm-like and rented through my college, b) collegy and rented with a group of friends and c) sublets or super-short term with a lot of things already set up. But this time, I'm starting with a blank slate.

Of course the main thing in your head when moving is the apartment. You're not going to forget to sign the lease and pay the deposit. But here are some other biggies to keep in mind:

• Changing your address. Head to the P.O. to get your mail forwarded to your new pad, or do it online for a buck.
• Banking. Check and see whether there's a branch of your bank in your new area, and if so, call them and update your account information and figure out where the closest ATMs are, how to set up direct deposits, how to use their online system and bill pay, etc. If you need to switch banks to one in your new area, ask around, see which has the most convenient locations and get everything set up before you start working.
• Utilities. Do this one early so you don't end up moving in in the dark. Check with your landlord or management company; some take care of setting up electric for you, and most require that you use a specific company. Check out promotions for new customers on cable and internet. And think about the phone thing: Do you really need a land line, or will your cell do?
• Prescriptions. If you're taking any medications, make sure you know what you need to do to get them and where to do it. If you're changing health insurance with a new job, make sure you've got some extra meds for the in-between, figuring-out phase. You may even need to have your prescriptions rewritten by a different provider, so leave time to schedule appointments.

Tomorrow we'll talk Part Two: The Not-Quite-So-Biggies.