Moving | Relocation Plan

Moving & Relocation Checklist

1. Research Your Prospective New Communities:

Investigate the quality of the public school district, and explore costs and admission standards for private schools to establish the terrain for your assessment of where you want your children to attend. Also, analyze the cost of living index for each community. Don't forget to check the crime rates and tax rates (income, sales, and property) to make informed decisions.

2. Track All Moving Expenses:

Create a comprehensive log of all moving expenses, keeping track of those that may be tax-deductible.

3. Hire a Moving Company:

Decide whether to hire a reputable moving company or rent a moving van or truck, and enlist some help loading it yourself. Either way, packing is often the most expensive and time-consuming part of the moving process. Ensuring a smooth transition means gathering supplies (e.g. boxes, tape, and markers) early, and taking your time to securely pack your belongings..

4. Pack Securely:

Start slowly, packing the things that you don’t use often but are definitely taking with you. Pack delicate things surrounded by bath towels. In the kitchen, use dish towels and pot holders to wrap around fragile glassware. Plates can have a paper plate or paper towel between dishes for added protection. Mark your essentials and your initial cleaning supplies so you ensure they are packed last, and brought into your new residence first.

5. Plan Travel:

Take care of arrangements for transporting children, pets, and automobiles well in advance. Make hotel reservations and pack personal items strategically for a hassle-free journey.

6. Bank Account Management:

If necessary, close or transfer your savings and checking accounts, including safety deposit boxes. Open any new accounts you require and order checks featuring your new address.

7. Medical Records:

Contact your primary-care physician, and any specialists you see, ahead of time to gather medical records and secure referrals to trusted doctors in your new location.

8. Notify Organizations:

Provide timely notice to membership organizations such as gyms, clubs, organizations, volunteer groups, and daycare centers about your move. Confirm the required notice period for each to ensure a seamless transition.

9. Utility Management:

Cancel or transfer utilities efficiently. Reach out to utility companies in your new location to set up services prior to your arrival, including:

- Phone and internet

- Electric

- Gas

- Security system

- Trash and recycling collection

- Water and sewer

- Cable TV

10. Change Address for Deliveries:

Don’t forget to tell Amazon and anyone else you regularly receive parcels from in advance, so nothing arrives after you’ve departed for your new locale. Cancel periodical deliveries or inform publishing companies of your new address promptly.

11. Notify Bill Carriers:

Update all bill carriers with your new address, including:

- Credit card companies

- Student loan providers

- College bursar’s offices

- Finance companies

- Airline frequent flyer programs

- Club memberships

- Insurance companies

12. Declutter:

Get rid of items you won't be moving. Hold a successful garage sale or donate unwanted items to charitable organizations, which may offer tax deductions.

13. Inventory List:

Create an inventory list of items being moved, which can be invaluable for insurance or in case of damage during the move. Consider photos before closing and sealing each box, but label them first and prominently in the photo.

14. School Transfers:

Retrieve school transcripts for your children to ensure a smooth enrollment in the new school district.

15. Post Office Notification:

Fill out a new address form at the post office to ensure your mail is forwarded seamlessly.

16. Notify Family and Friends:

Send out notifications of your new address and phone number to alert your family and friends of your new residence.

17. Insurance Updates:

Update and convert your homeowners, property, and liability insurance to reflect your new location - coordinate this in advance with your Property and Casualty agent.

18. Driver’s License and Registration:

Apply for new driver’s licenses, and if moving out of state permanently, secure new license plates without delay (state regulations vary.)

19. Homestead Exemption:

If applicable, file for the homestead exemption (if applicable) for your personal residence in the new state to take advantage of available benefits.

20. Voter Registration:

Register to vote in your new location to make your voice heard in your new community.

By following this checklist, you will execute a well-organized and successful relocation.