Planning a move can be overwhelming. Even before the move itself, which can be physically and emotionally exhausting, there is the search for a new home, which can be stressful in its own right. And, if this is your first time searching for homes in a place you are unfamiliar with, the process can seem even more difficult, especially if you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the area yourself. However, with the right preparation and information, it’s possible to find a home that meets your needs and requirements.
And, you don’t have to go at it alone. We’re here to help! If you plan to move soon, here are some relocation guides to consider before, during, and after your moving experience.
If you’re searching for a home in a new area, you must first develop a system for your move before you begin the process. Distance moves involve a lot of logistics, and if you don’t have your system ready, it may be challenging.
Pack carefully to prevent damage to your belongings. If needed, label and bubble wrap each box.
Don’t move junk; make sure you go through everything and choose your items carefully. Most people tend to follow the 12-month rule where you throw out anything that hasn’t been used in over 12 months if it has no value to you. Consider selling last year’s unused items or donating them to a local charity. Sorting will reveal which items to keep, sell, donate, and trash. Finally, try packing room-by-room, so unpacking becomes easier.
You must know how much moving will cost. The movers will give you an estimate based on your home, but things can change, so create a budget. List all the items to be moved and estimate their value based on where they came from (or are going).
Mortgage payments are typically the largest expense in a household’s budget, so if you plan to relocate, it is important that you review your mortgage terms to ensure that they continue to meet your needs.
Make a documentation folder so all of your important documents are centralized and easily accessible.
Create an inventory of all your important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and passports. You should also include copies of all credit cards in this list and any other personal identification numbers (PINS) such as social security numbers or ATM pins, if applicable.
Make sure you have an inventory list on hand, so nothing gets left behind accidentally. This can save money and time because if something does get lost or damaged in transit, there will be no question about which item needs replacing when you’re filing insurance claims.
In-home inspections will allow you to see where things are located and how they work on the day of your move. You can also see how much packing space you’ll need for each room, which will help you plan what needs to be packed, and in what order.
Compare prices and look at a few in-home estimates to find the most reputable and trustworthy moving company you can. Even though the price is a significant factor in this decision, remember that sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best. You don’t want to fall for a moving scam when you’re trying to move thousands of miles away.
Prepare for the moving trucks and how they’ll park in your new neighborhood. Before the move, ask your moving company about any additional fees. Check to see if you need to reserve a freight elevator if you’re moving into an apartment building.
Long-distance driving is exhausting, even for professionals. Periodically getting out of the car and taking breaks can keep you alert and safe. Travel with someone else who can drive so you can take breaks while saving time.
Try to stock up on water at a gas station or convenience store, and don’t forget to bring snacks for breaks.
Your presence is required on moving day. Changing your schedule can be difficult. If you have an inflexible schedule, consider changing it, so you can be there when the movers arrive. If you’re not present during delivery, something could cause a delay or damage your items.
If you’re planning to move your entire life across the country, the last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of the road with no way to call for help. That’s why having a roadside kit in your car is essential in addition to keeping your cell phone fully charged and ready for emergencies.
After you move, it’s important to take a rest and settle into your new home. The moving process can often be stressful, so it’s essential to relax and unwind. It may also be helpful to take some time off from work in order to fully recover from the move.
Unpack and decide where each item belongs. It’s best to make sure that everything will fit into place before moving big items like your drawers or a king-sized bed. Instead of square footage, measure open floor space, so you can avoid disappointment if something doesn’t fit when you start setting things up.
Long-distance movers should update their addresses. You can update your mailing address on US the post office’s website. You should also update your address with financial institutions and other companies (like credit card companies).
If you’ve never met them, this can be nerve-wracking. Knowing your neighbors can make or break your move. If your neighbors are friendly, they may show you around and introduce you to new people. Getting to know them can help make your adjustment to the neighborhood easier and more fun.
Moving to a new city can be a little scary at first. It’s challenging to know what to expect and where to get help. Do some research before your move and prepare. Start by reading the city’s history or local news. Search Google for “city name,” and search for nearby businesses and areas of importance like grocery stores, laundromats, bus stops, and barbers or hair salons.
Following the above steps will help you to plan in advance for a long-distance move and allow you to focus on the task ahead rather than feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. We hope this was helpful!
Are you interested in moving into a new home? Reach out to an ASTAR loan officer today! Email info@astarteam.com or call 888-ASTAR-11 (888-278-2711) to start the loan application process.
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