While relocating to a new place can be rewarding, it is challenging, especially if you are moving to a different state or relocating due to job transfers. It takes a lot of courage to move into a new place for a fresh start. Therefore, extensive prioritizing and planning are important to make a move successful. Outlined below are simple tips to make relocation simple and successful.
1. Have a relocation budget
Once you’ve confirmed that you are relocating, you should start by identifying the possible moving costs. The best place to begin budgeting is by listing out all moving expenses. Ensure that you include the following in your budget:
- The cost of scouting your new town or city
- Cost of selling your old home or terminating the lease
- Down payment for your new home
- Closure fees and cost of setting up utilities, cabling, and internet
- Cost of new furniture and other furnishings
- The cost of renovating or upgrading the new house
- Cost of hiring a professional moving company
While these may be rough estimates, they can help you determine and save up for upfront expenses before the actual relocation date.
2. Timing is very crucial for a successful relocation
Relocation has never been stress-free. However, the best way to guarantee successful relocation is by creating and adhering to a moving checklist. A checklist increases your productivity when packing and ensures you don’t forget important tasks. Your moving checklist should have the following:
- A moving binder with records, contacts, receipts, and invoices is required during relocation.
- Decide if you will hire a moving company or enlist help from friends. Unless you are moving across the street, you should enlist the services of a professional moving company. Ensure that you research extensively to find a moving company that meets your requirements.
- Sort and declutter the non-essentials – decluttering will help you decide what you should take, what to sell, or donate. Decluttering reduces the number of boxes and the cost of moving. Take note of all items that require careful packaging and handling.
- Start packing early – most people overlook the importance of packing early. Last-minute packing can lead to a lot of stress and frustrations. You can also easily forget some items or make common mistakes. You should pack one room at a time and label boxes according to the rooms to ease unpacking.
- Update your mailing address – you should also update your contact details and address in time. Notify all companies of your new billing and shipping address to ensure that your documents aren’t sent to the wrong address.
3. Think beyond packing
Most people get preoccupied with packing in the days leading up to the move. However, before decluttering your house and packing, you should sort the following:
- Understand the area you are relocating to – you should research your new town or city extensively. You should have a sense of livelihood in your new home. While scoping out the area before relocating is challenging, it is very important. A simple online search can help you unravel specific details, such as population statistics, crime rates, and feedback from residents.
- Schools – if you have school-going kids, you should notify their old school and make prior arrangements with new schools. Research the best schools in your new city for your kids.
- Medical records – moving to a new city means you should find a new primary health care provider. Ensure that you collect your family’s medical and dental records from your doctor. Don’t forget pet records from your veterinarian as well.
- Utilities – you should cancel utilities in your old home and apply for them in your new house before relocating. Otherwise, you will move into your new home without water or electricity.
4. Scope out your new city
While you can search online, nothing comes close to visiting a new city physically. After committing to the relocation, plan a brief trip to scope out the new town. This is an excellent time to find the best places to rent. While at it, avoid making your trip about tourist hotspots. Instead, use it as a fact-finding mission for identifying various neighbourhoods and understanding the local culture.
As mentioned, you should use this brief visit to find a place to rent. However, you should resist the temptation of buying a home in the new city before relocating. While buying means you will permanently move into your new home, it has short-term benefits. Buying a permanent house in a neighbourhood you aren’t familiar with is a major financial risk.
Even if the neighbourhood looks good from your online research, your real-life visit may show otherwise. Therefore, you’d rather spend a few months renting as you search for the best place to buy a house.
5. Think Eco-friendly
true-friendsⓘ Infographic Provided By True Friends Moving Company
Bottom Line
Most people struggle before adjusting to new environments. The best way to overcome the fear of the unknown is to relax and enjoy your new home. Make friends from work or school, try new places, and explore your town/city. Brace for adventurous encounters and make time for new challenges instead of reminiscing about your old home.
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