Must-haves and To-do’s for Relocation or Moving Out of State
Must-haves and To-do’s for Relocation or Moving Out of State
Just as NFL teams train for game day and actors rehearse for the big show, preparation is key for Moving Day. Take it from anybody who has moved: the earlier you start the packing and planning, the better.
For example, the Oakland Raiders. Their decision to relocate to the Las Vegas metro area was finalized in March 2017. Three years later they’ll do the actual moving, and then they will be known as the Las Vegas Raiders (even though they’ll be in Henderson).
Do you think the Raider organization waited for the 2019 season to finish before throwing stinky and stained uniforms in boxes and hauling them across the state line? Me neither. You can bet they have had a team of full-time professionals orchestrating the move before March 2017.
So, let’s get you in the game! Check out the following to make your relocation experience a pleasant one.
Two to Three Months Prior
Decide what belongings are moving with you. The whole kit and kaboodle? Just the clothes on your back? If your answer is more “kit and kaboodle,” then start researching moving companies. Compare the prices and services of at least three companies. Choose one.
We’d be remiss if we did not point out that this is an excellent time to sift through and purge belongings. No need to pay for moving unwanted items to your new home, where they likely will fester like they are now.
Now that you know how much transporting your belongings will cost, make a moving budget. Will you drive to your new home or fly? Will you need to stay in a hotel and eat out? May as well pad the budget because, you know, things will end up costing more.
Do you know where your car’s pink slip is? You are going to need that to register it in a new state. You’ll need other official paperwork, too, such as health records, insurance papers and copies of tax filings. Start collecting and organizing your important documents.
Schools. Understandably, choosing the best schools for children may be the most stress -inducing decisions of your entire move. We’ve dedicated a post to that topic. Read it here.
Four Weeks Out
Where will you sleep the first night in your new hometown? Even if you are planning to meet the moving van early morning so you can sleep in your own bed that first night, have a backup plan. Things happen. Moving vans get stuck in snow. Do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with a hotel.
Your mail. Of the snail mail variety. Even if you do everything digitally, put in a change of address with the post office. You can do it online here. Renting a PO Box in your new town is an option, too.
Almost to the Goal Line
Finish up the packing. Label those boxes and seal them up — ’cept one. The one with essentials for the first night in your new home, such as toiletries, towels, change of clothing, prescriptions, and the like.
Plan on saying your good-byes before Moving Day, which most likely will be a chaotic, emotionally packed day. Make it easier on yourself with saying good-byes beforehand.
The Big Day
Hopefully, you will have been able to have a good night’s sleep. If not, no worries, let adrenaline do its job. You will want to have enough cash to tip the moving team, fill up the gas tank, and buy some meals. Yes, gas and food transactions can be done without cash, but sometimes machines break. Better to be overprepared than underprepared. Have cash.
When leaving your home, will you need to turn over keys to anyone? Get that appointment lined up.
Have directions to your new place. Take one last look around, say “good-bye” to your home, and get ready for all that your new home will bring you.
Is there a real estate- or relocation-related topic you would like to discuss in this blog? Let us know at info@raidersrelocators.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
