Before, during and after moving is a labor of love, with our without a checklist. Between weeks of planning and saying goodbye, then settling in and greeting hello, the whole process can be overwhelming.
Rather than focus everything to do, ponder on starting over and all the possibilities it brings. Tedious moving chores like unpacking boxes and arranging furniture become exciting steps that turn an empty house into a full new home. Soon enough, sitting on the couch surrounded by all the hard work paid off will end the journey with a smile.
Still, there are many steps to take to make relocating the most stress-free, positive experience it can possibly be, from moving on out to settling on in.
Before
- Budgeting the move involves accounting for all costs, from packing boxes to new utility turn-on. Start with the most considerable fees, including finances for lease or mortgage agreement to the moving truck or company, then work down. Consider the initial grocery shopping trip, which entails restocking condiments, dry goods and fresh food, and to put a little aside to add unexpected touches to the house.
- Make it official and contact the U.S. Postal Service to make an address change. Make sure those Amazon packages do not get delivered to the wrong home, either — so remember to change shipping addresses with online and credit card companies.
- The mailman is not the only one who needs to know the new address. Informing banks, health and car insurance agencies and any other institution requiring relocation notice is most efficient to do before moving.
- Research the community’s division of motor vehicles since one of the first new resident obligations is visiting the agency. Have all needed documents ready and set aside for the upcoming trip.
- After getting that new address and license, it is time to find out what school children will attend, (VISIT PAGE X IN EDUCATION SECTION, THE FAQ STORY) as well as researching doctors, dentist, hospitals and urgent care centers in the region. After selecting health officials, call and ensure they take new patients and book an appointment to be seen after settling in. (also tease to health care section here)
- Look into local and state laws before a move, especially when it comes to gun ownership and tax and education laws. What may have been permissible at the old address could be barred at the new and vice versa.
- Organize and pack. Use it as an opportunity to sift through belongings, going out with the old and in with the new. Remember, transporting less equals a cheaper and less labor-intensive move. Labeling and organizing boxes makes loading and unloading quick and easy, so keep a Sharpie nearby.
- Packing up the house and moving things into trucks can feel like work — but that does not have to be a bad thing. Burn those calories, share once-in-a-lifetime memories with loved ones and stay hydrated and fueled with food so there are no mid-move burnouts.
- It is not goodbye, it is see you later. Moving is an emotional time, so point out to family and friends they now have a new place to visit. Plan to see each other again, even checking off a few dates on the calendar to hang up in the kitchen and look forward to.
- As for children, saying goodbye gets a little trickier. The process should start as soon as possible, informing them sooner rather than later and focusing on positive details and possibilities with their new home, such as new friends, activities and experiences. Answer their questions with understanding and compassion, remembering that if moving is scary for adults, imagine what kids feel. Make a moving survival kit filled with snacks, water, books and games to keep them busy and happy during travels.
During
- Now that the kids are in the car or plane, take out said survival kit that includes all charged electronics and get ready to answer, “Are we there yet?” many times. Fun travel games such as travel bingo, finding different state license plates or I spy makes miles seem a little shorter.
- Remember that moving is as stressful for the four-legged family member as for humans. Hence, moving pets as comfortably and safely as possible is essential, especially on moving day. Assure the family cat, dog, birds or other animal is hydrated and fed throughout the day. Set up some toys and blanket in a space in the new home for them to sit during the hustle and bustle. If flying to the new digs, contact airlines regarding pet policies and regulations.
- After arriving safely, the immediate good news is that unloading is easier than loading. Before taking the couch out, find the coziest spot in the living room to place it beforehand. Mapping out where furniture and labeled boxes go before taking them out of the truck saves time and labor later.
- Now that the moving truck is empty, it is time to sit down and take a deep breath. The hard work is done and creating the first family take-out and delivery night memory is here. There is nothing like having a picnic on the floor and getting a good first night’s sleep to be rested for another big day in them morning.
After Moving Checklist
- Remember those documents set aside for the license change? Get them out, and punch in the DMV address on the map for a trip to get new identification. Set some extra time aside before and after arriving at the DMV to check out a local candy store or ice cream shop to make it sweeter.
- While waiting to attend scheduled doctor’s appointments made before the move, take a drive to get the lay of the land. Become familiar with the region’s municipal and city emergency plans. Knowing which hurricane evacuation routes to take or tornado shelters to find refuge in is not only life-saving, but it often details where police stations, firehouses and hospitals are in the region.
- Now that the kids are in the new school and partners and spouses are working in a new environment, research local clubs and organizations. One of the best ways to get to know a new community is by connecting with citizens who have similar interests and call it home already.
- Instead of waiting for the neighbor to bake cookies and introduce themselves, take the new resident initiative and drop a box of sweets or some homemade treats to say hello. It is incredible how a little gift and a smile spark newfound friendship.
- Keep the moving exercise going and join a gym, yoga studio or a running/walking club or other fitness group to meet new friends and stay in shape.
- One of the best ways to connect with a community is to find local charities or nonprofits to volunteer with in order to meet local needs while meeting others who share the same vision.
- Seek out a church, temple, synagogue or other institution to connect with members of the same faith. There really is no place like home when it comes to bonding with fellow believers.
- Every vote counts, so remember to register to vote by visiting the RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov. Keep in mind, a voter must be registered at least 29 days before an upcoming election to vote in their respective district.
- This is Florida, after all — so become aware of the abundant native wildlife. While being home to many cool critters, there are dangerous ones newcomers should learn about. Know how to identify venomous and poisonous species of snakes and spiders and know where to keep a look out for them. Brush up on safety precautions to prevent encounters with predators such as alligators, coyotes and bears.
- The best way to find out what is a happening in town is by subscribing to a local magazine or newspaper that lists weekly and monthly events.
- Now that home sweet home is reality, it is time to drop the welcome mat at the front of the door and let a new life begin.
