Your current residence
Be careful not to burn your residential bridges in a hasty move.
- Renting? Notify your landlord of the move with enough time for reimbursement of all deposits.
- Own? You probably won’t want to sell in this economy. Take the necessary steps to find a dependable tenant for your house/condo. You’ll also feel comforted in knowing you’ll still have a roof over your head if you decide to return.
- Notify utilities of an accurate shut-off date. Remember to give a forwarding address for any possible deposit refunds.
- Notify your local post office of a forwarding address for your mail.
Your current job
Jobs are really hard to come by these days. Handle your current one gently in your move.
- Give enough notice time to help your employer train your replacement.
- Leave on good terms. You may need your current employer as a reference.
- Ask if there will be a place for you if you decide to return some time in the future.
Moving stuff
Hiring a moving company can be costly, so plan on shipping only essentials. Perhaps friends or family can help store other items not being sold or donated. The move will be costly enough without the additional burden of monthly storage unit charges.
- Home furnishings & belonging – Consider the size of your potential new residence and what’s worth moving.
- Clothes – Does your move involve a change in climate? If so, only move those items you’re most likely to use.
Your vehicle
Is your current vehicle paid for or still a monthly payment expense?
- Look into the cost of shipping your vehicle versus driving it there yourself.
- Check into the cost of auto insurance in the new city.
- Consider the financial feasibility of selling the vehicle and perhaps buying another one there.
Pets
Pets are important family members.
- Find a way to transport your pet(s) to the new home with the least amount of stress.
- Make certain all vaccinations are up-to-date before the move.
Bills
Our bills and credit standing follow us no matter where we go. Maintaining good credit during these economic times is crucial.
- Inform all creditors of your address change.
- Write out checks for payments due the first three months into your move and keep them safe in an envelope with your important papers. Mark your calendar to pay those bills before their due dates. This will be helpful during the stress filled early months of your move.
- If possible, make all upcoming payments early and before relocating to eliminate the possibility of a late payment in all the confusion.
Vital records & information
You’ll need to transfer important accounts and information once you’ve made your move. Compiling a list of these account numbers and contact information beforehand will make the job easier. These should include:
- Medical records (yours, children’s, pet’s)
- Dental records
- Bank accounts
- Safety deposit boxes
- School records
- Driver’s license
- Insurance
Important to think about!
- Medical/dental insurance: Think about how you will cover emergency medical expenses if needed between jobs.
- Evaluate what you will do with your current company based retirement account.
- If retired, your pension provider will need to be notified of your new address or set up direct deposit for your monthly check.
- Remember to file a partial year income tax for your old state.
Just do it
Frightening? You bet! Is moving to a new city still what you want? Have you done all your “homework” and decided it can work? Then, go for it! Determine how long your “trial period” should be and stick to it. The going may get rough and you’ll miss family and old friends, but keeping to your commitment can reap its rewards in the end.
More moving tips:
Starting over in a new city
Save money & time when moving with these 6 steps
How to move
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