Why protecting your personal information during a move is so important

Even the most level-headed among us may find moving home a difficult process. In all that packing hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget about data protection. However, you should know that relocation leaves you particularly vulnerable to moving fraud and identity theft. That’s why protecting your personal information during a move should be one of your top priorities. In order to stay safe, make sure to hire the best moving company Austin to help you out. 

Moving can pose a serious security risk

Unfortunately, it’s no surprise that identity thieves often target people who are moving apartments. Because your data is constantly moving from one address to another, it leaves your personal information exposed to risk. With so many service providers having access to your data, the chances of data leakage are high.

This does not, however, imply that official suppliers are stealing your personal information. However, because your information is shared with many users, hackers have a variety of ways to obtain it. As a result, you must take the necessary precaution. One measure could be to use a storage service Austin TX to keep your valuable documents separate from other belongings. 

Protecting your personal information during a move begins with selecting a reliable moving company

Dishonest movers can take advantage of you and make your relocation experience miserable. And, of course, exposing important information to a dodgy company can cause you a lot of harm as well. The chance of a data breach will be significantly lower if you choose a moving company that is legitimate and trustworthy. 

Check local listings, reviews, and references from friends who have previous experience with a particular moving business. You want to be certain that whoever moves you will take good care of your belongings and your information as well! Besides, check if the moving company you plan to hire is in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database.

Keep important documents and discard those you no longer require

Keep in mind that credit card firms, vehicle dealers, retailers, and other businesses send out letters on a regular basis. This unopened mail can quickly accumulate, especially when all you think about is your upcoming move. Old-school identity thieves still prowl mailboxes, dumpsters, and trash cans in search of a new identity — yours. So, if these unopened letters contain any valuable personal information, an identity thief may get very lucky. 

For liability reasons, residential movers Austin TX can’t be responsible for handling and moving your personal documents. That means it’s up to you to think about the whereabouts of your birth certificate, passport, diplomas, financial statements, and other documents. Don’t leave them in plain sight for everyone to see, and make sure they’re with you at all times. Finally, shred old documents instead of simply throwing them away to prevent the information from getting into the wrong hands. 

Be present on the moving day to supervise everything

Your apartment movers Austin may be reputable, and you can trust them to perform a decent job. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip moving day altogether and do something else instead! Make sure to be present when the movers arrive and stay with them during the entire relocation process. 

While it’s a good idea to supervise everything, you should not disturb the movers while they do their job. Allow the pros to work in peace, but be available to them if they have any questions or need clarification. Because there will be too many items to move, pay attention to the boxes. It’s easy to misplace something important, either by accident or on purpose, without anyone noticing until it’s too late.

Don’t forget to update your important personal information

Take the time to notify banks, credit unions, card companies, and others of your impending relocation and new address. You might choose to switch to electronic statements and avoid receiving paper statements until you’ve finished moving into your new house. Make sure you tell your employer about the new address as well! Some people simply forget to handle these details on time, but it can be a big mistake later on! 

Another important way to protect personal information is by submitting a change of address form to the post office. To give the post office enough time, it’s best to do it at least ten business days before your move. That way, you’ll be sure your mail is not sent to the wrong people or sitting in an unattended mailbox.

Use common sense when protecting your personal information during a move

When handling personal information during a move, you could benefit from following simple rules of common sense. Don’t give out your social security number or other sensitive information over the phone unless you’re 100% sure who you’re talking to. The same approach applies when applying for new services, looking for an apartment, or getting a mortgage. 

Determine who is requesting your data and why they need it in the first place. Disclosing personal information is not truly necessary, so share this information as little as possible. You can also use a check or a third-party account, such as PayPal, to add an extra layer of security.

Protecting personal information during a move is more important than you might think. If you know how to protect yourself from identity theft, you can relax and focus on your relocation. And the best part is knowing that con artists won’t be able to acquire and exploit your personal information!