Relocation Checklist
Use the helpful information and tips below before buying a home or as you prepare for your big move.
Before You Relocate
Use this relocation checklist as you prepare for your big move.
One Month Before Moving
- Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope.
- If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations, or plan your travel route if driving.
- Call a moving company or make truck rental reservations to move yourself.
- Finalize real estate and apartment rental needs. Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place. Give your mailers your new address (using Address Change Notification Cards):
- Friends and family members
- Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions
- Charge card and credit card companies
- Doctors, dentists, and other service providers
- State and Federal Tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed.
- Internal Revenue Service
- Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible).
- Make maps of your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself and your family with your new area.
- Plan your moving budget
Two Weeks Before Moving
- Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local telephone and trash removal services of your move. Sign up for services at your new address.
- Recruit moving day help.
- Confirm travel reservation.
- Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate.
The Day Before Moving
- Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers.
- Pick up rental truck.
- Check oil and gas in your car.
- If traveling, make sure you have tickets, debit or credit cards, and other essentials.
Packing Tips
Keep the following supplies and accessories on hand:
- Label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered.
- Number the boxes and keep a list of what is in each box.
- Clearly mark fragile items.
- Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy to find place when you pack.
- Keep a medical kit accessible.
- If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip.
After You Relocate
During the First Week After Moving
- Locate police and fire stations as well as hospitals and gas stations near your home.
- Scout your new neighborhood for shopping areas. You may need furniture, tools or housewares unexpectedly.
- Call the Department of Sanitation in your new town to find out which day the trash is collected. Also ask whether your new community has recycling programs.
- Seek out new service providers.
- Register to vote. Call your local board of elections for specific registration information. Ask them how to notify your previous voting district of your change of address.
- If you have moved into a different state, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to exchange your driver's license.
- Call your Chamber of Commerce for helpful information on: schools, cable service, cultural events and community activities, Libraries and parks, and availability of emergency calling services, such as 911.
- Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history. You may need to request your file from your previous doctor/dentist.
- Transfer insurance policies to an agent in your new community. You may also wish to make a detailed list of your belongings, their value and your coverage.
Loans are subject to credit and property approval, bank underwriting guidelines, and may not be available in all states. Other loan programs and pricing may be available. Certain conditions, terms, and restrictions may apply based on the loan program selected. The term of the loan may vary based upon program chosen. Property insurance is required; if the collateral is determined to be in an area having special flood hazards, flood insurance will be required.
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Whether you are buying your first home or moving into a new home, we will be there to guide you every step of the way.
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