Are you getting ready to make that big cross-country move? Just the thought of packing up your entire life and relocating thousands of miles away may seem daunting. You’re probably wondering where to even start. Not to worry; we’ve put together a list of steps you may have forgotten about for your big journey.
Let’s start off by figuring out where you are moving if you don’t already know. Fortunately, all the information you need on your new hometown could be just a few keystrokes away. Sites such as Neighborhood Scout or City-Data.com are perfect for finding out about neighborhoods, schools and crime rates, among other things. If you’re a renter, check out ForRent.com for a customizable search of thousands of apartment listings.
[tweetthis]Have you tried @NhoodScout or @city_data_com 4 info on your new spot? Schools, crime rates, & more![/tweetthis]
Next, let’s figure out how you are going to get there. You have a few options for your trek. You could go the way of the Ricardos and the Mertzes in I Love Lucy and make that coast-to-coast drive. U-Haul offers rental trucks and trailers in an array of sizes to haul your moving boxes. Another option you could take is to hire a moving company like PODS to transfer a container of your stuff all the way to the door of your new home. It’s best to figure out the solution that makes the most sense for your budget and time constraints.
What are you even taking with you? This is the part where you pack away every item you have into cardboard boxes. Moving is a great time to pare down your belongings and figure out what you really need to keep. This may be the time to donate your old clothing, like that parka you haven’t worn in five years, to a charity like The Salvation Army. How about all those DVDs, CDs and books taking up valuable shelf space? Make some extra cash listing them on eBay. You could use Craigslist to sell off larger items, such as furniture or kitchen appliances that you know you’re never going to use again. I’m looking right at you, bread maker. If you need more inspiration to part with your worldly possessions, then check out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.
Now we need to let everyone know where you are going. The first person to tell is your property manager. Most rental properties require a 30-day notice in writing. This is the time to notify your utility companies as well. Make a checklist of services you need to cancel; this most likely includes gas, electric, water and your cable/Internet. Next, let’s contact the DMV and transfer your soon-to-be out-of-state driver’s license, car registration and voter registration. Last but not least, be sure to change your mailing address with the U.S. Postal Service.
Now you’re ready to make that long drive or plane trip to the new city you will soon call home. Hope you’re not forgetting anything. Enjoy your new neighborhood!