Keeping up with bills and daily chores is challenging when already settled in one place. In addition, staying ahead of everything during relocation and moving can become increasingly difficult. Learn clever tips to keep your life and financial house in order as your transition to a new home.
Life is a Switch
Relocation is a significant life change, and you must be well-prepared for it. For example, taking care of business at your old home prepares you to move to the new one.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Create a moving checklist of to-do items and keep it handy throughout the move. If you maintain the list digitally, have a paper copy around if you can’t access the Internet while moving. Include everything you need to accomplish for a successful transition, including packing, transferring licenses, and paying bills at the old and new locations.
Get Organized
Don’t wait until the last minute to clean out and get organized. Visit the local liquor stores and grocers to get free boxes to gather items together. Organize items by room and colored labels. For example, pack kitchen items in containers with orange labels to show where they belong in your new location.
Keep Important Documents and Items Safe
Searching for documentation is time-consuming and frustrating during the confusion of moving. Plus, you will likely need paperwork to make a seamless transition. Keep all necessary documents and items, such as precious jewelry, in a safe place. Consider investing in a safe or locked file cabinet. Another option is to rent a safety deposit box at the bank monthly. If you rent a safety deposit box, find out the hours of access to ensure you can get what you need when you need it.
Make Moving Plans
Are you hiring a moving company or renting a truck to do it yourself? Decide how you want to move and schedule the movers and van ahead of time. If you have friends or family helping, budget for soda and snacks to keep them going through the move. Also, remember how you will move vehicles and boats, so you can schedule drivers if necessary.
Clean Up Last
Trying to clean as you go is often a waste of time, as everything gets messy during a move. Instead, sweep up the debris and continue packing until the rooms are cleared. It is easier to clean your old house when it’s empty. Also, an unoccupied home is typically less expensive to clean if you hire a professional cleaning service to give you a break.
Check the Other Side
Is your new house ready for you? Take time to check out the new place before leaving your old one. Usually, a home is delivered broom-clean and empty so that you can move your stuff in right away. If you cannot visit the new house, ask your real estate agent to check the situation to ensure everything is ready to go.
Financial House Before Your New Home
Getting your financial house in order before moving to a new home is crucial to your future success. Know where your money is going so you feel comfortable in your next location.
Maintain a Financial Planner
Financing planning is critical to a successful relocation. Work with a team of professionals to get your finances in order, including an accountant, attorney, and mortgage banker. Your real estate agent can often recommend a helpful team if you don’t currently have representation. Make sure you are pre-approved for a mortgage before shopping for your new house. Also, have your financial planning journal to stay on top of money matters. Finally, consider using an app such as Mint.com to track your finances.
Know Current and Future Expenses
Remember that your current expenses might not be the same as your future ones. Research the cost of essentials such as insurance, utilities, licenses, and memberships in your new neighborhood, so you are ready to pay them.
Clear Up Unpaid Bills
Start paying off outstanding bills a few weeks before moving. Remember there will be utilities and other expenses to cover at the new home. Try clearing up unpaid bills before you leave to avoid paying double costs once you relocate.
Know Your Credit Score
After relocation, you may want to apply for memberships and credit in your new neighborhood. Keep track of your credit score to ensure all bills are paid during the hectic moving days and maintain good credit for when you move. Also, it is free to request your credit reports through an app such as CreditKarma.com that can help with credit building, if necessary.
Keep Track of Installment and Recurring Payments
From car payments and movie services to gym memberships, most people have several installment and recurring payments to track. Be aware of the dates payments come out of your accounts to ensure you always have enough to cover expenses during the move.
Save Money
While saving money during a move might seem impossible, unexpected costs always arise during the journey. Therefore, save as much as possible the months before moving to have a reserve fund for emergencies.
Job and Professional License Transfers
Some people relocate for a job, while others must find employment in a new location. Prepare to make job transitions several weeks before moving. If you have professional licenses, find out the rules for establishing your profession in the following place and take the necessary steps, so you have no lapses in employment.
Research the Cost of Living
Finally, living costs in one location may not be the same as in another. Always research the general cost of living in your new house to ensure you are well-prepared to cover expenses such as insurance, utilities, and groceries. Also, use a service such as Google Maps to determine the location of important places such as banks, shopping centers, and hospitals.
Starting Your New Life
Once you relocate, it’s time to start your new life in another place. A few simple activities can help you feel at home in a new location.
Unpack and Donate
Schedule time to unpack and set up the new house before returning to work. As you unpack, put aside items that no longer fit into your new life. Use a service such as Craiglist.com to sell unwanted things of value. Show you’re a community-minded person by donating the rest, including moving boxes and packing tape. Consider a site such as FreeCycle.com, where you can post free items and meet people in your new community.
Register for School, Library, and Community Venues
Before settling in, register for essential services such as school, library, houses of worship, and other community values. Do you work out at the gym or belong to a professional organization? Find out where to do these activities in your new neighborhood so that you can continue uninterrupted.
Update Licenses and Insurance
If you move out of state, you will need a new driver and professional licenses. Also, insurance policies and rates differ based on your location. Contact the insurance companies or your insurance agent to make necessary updates.
Connect with New Services
One of the best ways to assimilate into a new location is by connecting with service providers. Research landscapers, cleaning services, contractors, and other essential service providers to maintain your comfortable lifestyle.
Find Local Medical Providers
If you take medications, verify your medical records and prescriptions are transferred to a pharmacy and doctor in your new neighborhood. Also, confirm your new medical providers accept your health insurance and are taking new patients. Often it helps to visit the doctors’ offices or call them to make an educated decision. Another option is using a site such as HealthGrades.com to learn more about local medical providers.
Dive Into Your New Community
Moving is busy, and you can get caught up in the fast pace of relocating. Take time to breathe, meditate, stretch, and appreciate your new surroundings. Join local social media groups and visit popular gathering sites in the neighborhood, so you’re ready to be part of the action!
Relocation and moving can be one of your life’s most exciting and important times. Use these tips to keep your life and financial house in order as you prepare to move into your new dream home!
Article was provided by Better Homes and Gardens.