C21 james Grant Realty

Getting Ready to Move

Getting ready to move? Use these helpful tips to stay on track during your upcoming relocation. Before you know it, you'll be putting out the welcome mat and making yourself at home.

Before the move:

Get organized.  Start a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other information. You may be able to deduct your move and lower your taxes, so check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.

Research your new community.  The local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to find information about your new home.

Stay Healthy.  Gather medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to care providers in your new city.

Prepare your children.  Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare. Involve your children in the moving process, from picking out the new home to packing their toys.  Relocating can be a "scary" adventure, so make sure you talk to your family about the move.  Visit about the new community and discuss how to make new friends.

Budget for moving expenses.

Tie up loose ends.

Keep in touch. File a change of address. If you don't know what your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city. Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that will need to know of your move and send your new address to them as soon as possible. Postal forwarding time is limited.

Take inventory.

Clean house.

Reserve your moving truck. Do this at least a few weeks before your move. If you need a ramp or other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental yard.

Be prepared. As moving day gets closer, finish packing and prepare a box with the essentials. Keep these items handy, preferably in your automobile. Don't forget to include extra clothing, toiletries and snacks for the kids. Other things to consider are:

Finish up. Before leaving your old home, check every room, closet and cabinet one last time. Make sure everything is loaded. Leave a note with your new address in the house so future occupants can forward any stray mail.

After the move:

Get connected. Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.

Fill out the paperwork. Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile. And don't forget to register to vote. In many states, you can do this when you get your new license.

Stay up to date. Contact the local paper for a new subscription.

Make yourself at home.