Moving
Tips
Moving to a new location can be both exciting and
daunting. Think of your move as an adventure: this is your opportunity
to discover new restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and
natural wonders. Give yourself the time and energy to experience
these new things: have a strategy for your move to make things
go as smoothly as possible. Use the following tips to be prepared
and stay focused and organized.
- If you are transferring as part of your job,
ask your employer if moving assistance is available. This can
save you time and money.
- Complete a change of address form with the U.S.
Post Office (the form is available online at www.usps.com).
Send change of address notices to credit card companies, clubs,
associations, friends, family, and publications (changes can
take up to eight weeks to become effective). After your move,
check with the post office to see if they are holding mail for
you.
- Ask the visitor’s
bureau in your new area for informational materials and
guides.
- Obtain a detailed street map of your new hometown.
Identify important routes, such as those between your home and
your office or your child’s school.
- Obtain a telephone directory for your new city
from your realtor or the local telephone company. This will
inform you about products and services available in the area.
- Order an issue (or more) of your new city’s
local
newspaper or visit the paper’s web
site. Reading the news for your new hometown will give you
an idea of local issues that might interest or affect you. And
of course, the newspaper is a great place to search for jobs.
- Once you’ve found your new home and know
when you'll be moving in, start contacting utilities; waste
removal, cable, and telephone companies; internet providers,
etc. to arrange to have services transferred to your name and
initiated.
- Open a bank account in your new town. This will
make cashing checks easier when you first arrive, and you'll
avoid the cost of wiring funds.
- Contact childcare facilities and put your child’s
name on a waiting list, if necessary. For older children, if
possible, enroll them in school.
- Ask your veterinarian about required vaccinations
for your pet(s), and obtain any necessary prescriptions medications
or treatments before you move. Don’t forget to pack water
and food bowls, grooming equipment, toy(s), treats, medication,
and plastic bags for cleanup.
- Pack essentials for your first few nights—prescription
medicine, toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels, toilet
paper, and bed linens, for example—in one box. When you
arrive, stock your refrigerator with prepared entrees and the
ingredients for quick, simple meals.
- Get settled before you start your new job, if
possible. Locate nearby physicians, dentists, police and fire
stations, grocery stores and other services, and the closest
hospital.
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbors.
- Register to vote. Call or email the local board
of elections for information.
- Relax and enjoy your new surroundings.
- Reestablish your daily patterns. Your new location
will soon begin to feel like home.
Don’t hesitate to contact your Barker real
estate professional for more tips on moving or for information
about your new community.
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