Your Top 5 Relocating Checklist For A Smooth Move
The moment you find out you will need to move, it may seem as though there are a million things to do. Knowing where to start can be confusing. This is why having a relocating or moving checklist is important.
It will help you keep track of tasks that you need to do so that when moving day comes you are ready.
Below are top 5 things to do before you move:
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Renovations and Repairs
If you are selling your house, you need to do renovations and repairs to make it more attractive to potential buyers. While there are people who like homes that need repairs in the hopes of getting a lower price, many buyers prefer move-in ready homes for convenience.
Before putting you home up for sale, walk around your property and inspect every nook and cranny. Minor renovations and a fresh coat of paint can help make it more attractive to potential buyers. Make a list of all the things that you need to fix and repair so that your home will be ready to sell.
2. Utilities
Dealing with the utilities ahead of moving day can help ensure peace of mind. After all, nobody wants to relocate across town or the country only to find out that the internet is dead and the lights don’t work.
Gas, electric, cable, water, phone and internet providers all have different lead times for disconnection/connection. A good rule of thumb is to contact each of your provider’s customer care service 2-3 weeks before moving day. Arrange for those same services to be connected at your new location at least 1 day before you move in. Don’t forget to forward your new address so that they can send you the final bill.
3. Change of Address
Aside from your utilities provider, other people or institutions need to be notified of your new address. These include:
- Your employer
- Insurance
- IRS
- Banks/Credit card
- School/University
- Doctor/Dentist
- Health Insurance
- Magazine subscriptions and the like
4. Billing Issue
Your new address is very important for proving your identity and forgetting to inform them of your new location can put you at risk of identity theft. You should update your information at bank’s/credit institution’s.
Aside from identity theft, failure to notify banks or financial intuitions (especially to those you owe money), can also cause you to default on loans because you failed to receive notices. Defaulting on loans can have a big effect on your credit score so don’t forget to give them your new address so that they can notify you of any changes to your credit or loans.
5. Change or Stop Service
Your gardener, dog walker, masseur and other people who provide their services to you or your home should also be notified to stop service or a change in your address. If your gardener for instance offers their service to your new location across town they need to be notified so that they can tend to your plants in your new location. They also need to know what date they need to stop tending to your lawn so that they won’t bill you for any services rendered in the future.
Informing them of your schedule will prevent confusion and give them time to look for employment elsewhere as applicable.
Moving to a new address can be a stressful experience but a moving checklist can help you stay on top of things. However, moving to a new house an also be an exciting experience. Planning for or creating a checklist will help ensure that you have everything done between now and the big day so you will have time to relax and celebrate.
If you’re looking to sell your or buy a house in the Twin Cities, call Gold Path Real Estate at 612-758-0071 to discuss your housing needs today. For other real estate related tips, learn more here.