Close to Closing — Don’t Forget

You’re almost there! These are your final to-dos before closing to keep things smooth, on schedule, and stress-free. From utilities and forwarding mail to a final walkthrough, this checklist keeps everything tied up neatly before you hand over the keys.

Helpful Tools to Get Started

One place to forward mail, set up internet, and tame bills & subscriptions—so nothing slips through the cracks.

Helpful tools for new homeowners — find internet, manage bills, and cancel subscriptions — It’s Nicole, Nicole Kelley Real Estate, Alabama

Start Smart: Internet & Bills

These are the most-used services my clients tap in week one. Each link explains what it does and has a simple button to get moving.

InMyArea — Utilities by Address

Quick address lookup for electric, gas, water, trash, and internet. Not exhaustive, but a very helpful starting point when you’re not sure who serves your new home.

BroadbandNow

Find internet providers at your exact address with speeds and current plan details—great for side-by-side ISP options.

HighSpeedInternet

Compare providers by ZIP, see ratings, and match plans to your household’s streaming/work needs.

doxo

All-in-one bill-pay hub—add accounts, set reminders, and enable autopay so nothing gets missed during the move.

Rocket Money

Scans your accounts for recurring charges, flags forgotten subscriptions, and helps cancel what you don’t need after the move.

Change Your Address + Update IDs (Start Here)

Start with USPS so mail follows you, then hit the quick updates most people forget.

USPS change of address — forward mail and packages to your new home — It’s Nicole, Nicole Kelley Real Estate, Alabama

Address Change + IDs (One-and-Done)

Forward your mail first, then update the official records. These links are the exact places you need—fast and simple.

Forward Your Mail (USPS)

File your official change of address so mail and packages follow you to the new home.

Pro tip: Do this first. Forwarding catches bank statements and packages while you update everything else.

IDs & Records — Quick Updates

  • Driver License (ALEA): Update record (no fee). LEADS offers more online options.
  • Vehicle Registration/Tags: Your county tag office processes address changes.
  • Voter Registration: Update online via Vote.gov (Alabama).

Commonly forgotten: voter registration after a move and updating the address on your vehicle record.

Utilities — Power & Gas (Alabama)

Avoid outages, avoid fees, and keep everyone’s closing-day stress low.

Start or transfer Alabama Power and Spire Natural Gas service before closing — It’s Nicole, Nicole Kelley Real Estate, Alabama

Set Up / Transfer Power & Natural Gas

Different timing for buyers and sellers, same goal: no gaps in service and no last-minute surprises.

For Buyers — Schedule Transfer 2 Days Early

  • Timing: Submit your start/transfer about 2 days before closing.
  • Activation date: Choose your closing day as the service start date.
  • Why: Some utilities need lead time or ID verification; early scheduling prevents day-of outages.

For Sellers — Leave Utilities ON ~2 Days After Closing

  • Timing: Set your stop date for about 2 days after closing.
  • Why: Buffers lender funding delays, title timing, final walk-throughs, rekeys, and meter reads. Prevents pipe/HVAC issues during handoff.
  • Billing: Buyer’s transfer takes over at closing; the overlap on your bill is minimal compared to potential problems.

Heads up: If closing shifts a day, the buffer keeps lights/heat on so no one’s stuck in the dark.

Find All Utilities by Address (Quick Lookup)

Helpful starting point: See electric, gas, water, trash, and internet for a given address. This tool may not list every local provider or office (coverage varies by city/county), but it’s a quick way to get oriented.

Water & Trash

Different by area: water and sanitation are handled by local city/county offices and requirements vary. That’s why there isn’t a single link here. Text me your new address and I’ll point you to the exact office and forms.

Subscriptions You May Want to Update

These popular services may be tied to your shipping or service address. Update or cancel anything that won’t follow you.

Manage streaming and shopping subscriptions after a home move — It’s Nicole, Nicole Kelley Real Estate, Alabama

Top 10 — Manage or Cancel

Tip: Update both your shipping/service address and your billing to avoid delivery issues or failed renewals.

Amazon Prime

Update default shipping address, delivery preferences, and Prime membership if needed.

Walmart+

Make sure your store and delivery address reflect your new location for grocery and same-day orders.

Netflix

Adjust household and payment details, or cancel if you’re switching plans during the move.

Hulu

Location affects live TV and regional content—update payment and plan or cancel if not needed.

Disney+

Update billing and profiles; cancel if you’re consolidating streaming services after the move.

YouTube TV

Service area is address-based for locals and sports—update home area or pause/cancel if moving out of market.

Spotify

Family plans are location-bound—update your address/payment or switch plans if needed.

Apple Subscriptions (App Store)

Review all app subscriptions tied to your Apple ID and update billing/shipping where applicable.

Google Play Subscriptions

See Android app subscriptions in one place—update payment method or cancel unused apps.

Chewy Autoship

Update shipping address and delivery schedule so pet supplies land at the right door.

Pro move: If you’re not sure what you’re still paying for, run a quick audit with Rocket Money in the Helpful Tools section to surface forgotten subscriptions.

Closing Day — Simple Checklist

Quick hits only. Check off and move on.

Remove any remaining items (attic, sheds, closets, fridge, trash).
Clean home (wipe surfaces, sweep/vacuum, empty bins, quick bathrooms).
Photograph meters (power, gas, water) for your records.
Utilities (buyers): schedule start/transfer ~2 days early; start on closing day.
Utilities (sellers): set stop ~2 days after closing to cover timing buffers.
Water & trash: confirm local provider and pickup day for the new address.
Choose internet provider and schedule install/activation.
Change mailing address (day of closing or very near) and update key accounts.
Update IDs & tags (driver license record, vehicle registration, voter reg) when ready.
Review subscriptions (streaming, shopping, autoships) for address/billing changes or cancel.
Keys & access: garage remotes, door codes, mailbox keys, gate/fob info.
Final walkthrough / rekey as needed after funding/recording.

It’s Simple. It’s Nicole.

Text or call 256-452-7135 for real guidance — no pressure, just straight answers.

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