Real Estate
Relocation Guide: 7 Steps to a Seamless Move
Whatever your reasons are for relocating to a
new area, the process can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re moving across across town or
across the country, you’ll be changing more than your address. Besides a new
house, you may also be searching for new jobs, schools, doctors, restaurants,
stores, service providers and more.
Of course you’ll need to pack, make moving
arrangements, and possibly sell your old home. With so much to do, you may be
wondering: Where do I start?
In this guide, we outline seven steps to help
you get prepared, get organized, and get settled in your new community. Our hope
is to alleviate the hassle of relocating—so you can focus on the exciting
adventure ahead!
1.
Gather Information
If you’re unfamiliar with your new area, start
by doing some research.1 Look for data on average housing prices,
demographics, school rankings and crime statistics. Search for maps that
illustrate local geography, landmarks, public transportation routes and major
interstates. If you’re moving across the country, research climate and seasonal
weather patterns.
Check out local newspapers and blogs for
information on political issues and developments that could impact your new
community. You may also want to search for online forums and Facebook Groups
relevant to your new area. These can be a great place to find information, ask
questions and just observe local attitudes and outlooks.
If you’re relocating for a job, find out if
your new employer offers any relocation assistance. Many large corporations
have a designated human resources professional to assist employees with
relocation efforts, while others may contract this service out to a third
party. Some employers will also cover all or a portion of your relocation and
moving costs.
By gathering this information up front, you’ll
be better prepared to make informed decisions down the road.
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Let us know if you’d like assistance with your information gathering process. We have a wealth of knowledge about this area, and we keep a number of reports and statistics on file in our office. We would be happy to share information and answer any questions you may have. |
2.
Identify Your Ideal Neighborhoods
Once you’ve sufficiently researched your new
area, you can start to identify your ideal neighborhoods.
The first step is to prioritize your “needs”
and “wants.” Consider factors such as budget; commute time; quality of schools;
crime rate; walkability; access to public transportation; proximity to
restaurants, shopping, and place of worship; and neighborhood vibe.
If possible, visit the area in person to get a
feel for the community. If you’re comfortable, strike up conversations with
local residents and ask about their experiences living in the area.
Still not sure which neighborhood is the best
fit for you and your family? Contact a local real estate agent for expert
assistance. It’s usually the most efficient and effective way to narrow down
your options.
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We provide neighborhood assessments and advice as a free service if you’re relocating to our area. Or, if you’re moving out of town, we can refer you to a local agent who can help. |
3. Find
Your New Home (and Sell Your Old One)
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of
preferred neighborhoods, it’s time to start looking for a home. If you haven’t
already contacted a real estate agent, now is the time. They can search for
current property listings that meet your needs, typically at no cost to you.
Create another list of “needs” and “wants,”
but this time for your new home. Include your basic requirements for square
footage, bedrooms and bathrooms, but also think about what other factors are
important to you and your family. An updated kitchen? A large backyard? Double
sinks in the master bathroom?
Narrow your list down to your top 10 and
prioritize them in order of importance.2 This will give you a good
starting point to begin your home search. Unless you have an unlimited budget,
don’t expect to find a home with everything on your list. But having a
prioritized list can help you (and your agent) understand which home features
are the most important, and which ones you may be willing to sacrifice.
If you already own a home, you’ll also need to
start the process of selling it or renting it out. A real estate agent can help
you evaluate your options based on current market conditions. He or she can
also give you an idea of how much equity you have in your current home so you
know how much you can afford to spend on your new one.
Your agent can also advise you on how to time
your sale and purchase. While some buyers are able to qualify for and cover the
costs of two concurrent mortgages, many are not. There are a number of options
available, and a skilled agent can help you determine the best course given
your circumstances.
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We would love to assist you if you have plans to buy or sell a home in our area. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your unique needs and devise a custom plan to make your relocation as seamless as possible. If you’re relocating outside of our area, we can help you find a trusted agent in your new city. |
4.
Prepare for Your Departure
While everyone considers packing a fundamental
part of moving, we often overlook the emotional preparation that needs to take
place. If you have children, this can be especially important. Communicate the
move in an age-appropriate way, and if possible take them on a tour of your new
home and neighborhood. This can alleviate some of the mystery and apprehension
around the move.4
Allow yourself plenty of time to pack up your
belongings. Before you start, gather supplies, including boxes, tape, tissue
paper and bubble wrap. Begin with non-essentials—such as off-season clothes or
holiday decorations—and sort items into four categories: take, trash, sell and
donate/give away.5
To make the unpacking process easier, be sure
to label the top and sides of boxes with helpful information, including
contents, room, and any special instructions. Keep a master inventory list so
you can refer back to it if something goes missing.
If you will be using a moving company, start
researching and pricing your options. To ensure an accurate estimate of your
final cost, it’s best to have them conduct an in-person walkthrough. Make sure
you’re working with a reputable company, and avoid paying a large deposit
before your belongings are delivered.6
If you plan to drive to your new home, map out
the route. And, if necessary, make arrangements for overnight accommodations
along the way. If driving is not a good option, you may need to have your
vehicles transported and make travel arrangements for you, your family and your
pets.
Lastly, if you will be leaving friends or
family behind, schedule final get-togethers before your departure. The last
days before moving can be incredibly hectic, so make sure you block off some
time in advance for proper goodbyes.
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Looking for a reputable moving company? We are happy to provide referrals, as well as recommendations on where to procure packing supplies in our area. |
5.
Prepare for Your Arrival
To make your transition go smoothly, prepare
for your arrival well before moving day. Depending on how long your belongings
will take to arrive, you may need to arrange for temporary hotel
accommodations. If you plan to move in directly, pack an “essentials box” with
everything you’ll need for the first couple of nights in your new home, such as
toiletries, toilet paper, towels, linens, pajamas, cell phone chargers, snacks,
pet food and a change of clothes.7 This will keep you from
searching through boxes after an exhausting day of moving.
Arrange in advance for your utilities to be
turned on, especially essentials like water, electricity and gas. (And while
you’re at it, schedule a shut-off date for your current utilities.) Update your
address on all accounts and subscriptions and arrange to have your mail
forwarded through the postal service. If you have children, register them for
their new school or daycare and arrange for the transfer of any necessary
records.
You may want to have the house professionally
cleaned before moving in. And if you plan to remodel, paint or install new
flooring, it’s easier to have it done before you bring in all of your
belongings.8 However, it’s not always feasible without someone you
trust locally who can supervise. Another option is to keep a portion of your
things in storage while you complete some of these projects.
If there are no window treatments, you may
need to install some (or at least put up temporary privacy film), especially in
bedrooms and bathrooms. And if appliances are missing, consider purchasing them
ahead of time and arranging for delivery and installation shortly after you
arrive. Just be sure to check measurements and installation instructions
carefully so you aren’t stuck with an appliance that doesn’t fit or that
requires costly modifications to your new home.
If you own a car, check the requirements for a
driver’s license and vehicle registration in your new area and contact your
insurance company to update your policy.8 If you will rely on public
transportation, research options and schedules.
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If you’re relocating to our area, we can help! We offer “VIP Relocation Assistance” to all of our buyer clients. Contact us for a list of preferred hotels, utility providers, housekeepers, contractors and more! |
6. Get
Settled In Your New Home
While staring at an endless pile of boxes can
feel daunting, you should take advantage of this opportunity to make a fresh
start. By creating a plan ahead of time, you can ensure your new house is
thoughtfully laid out and well organized.
If you followed our suggestion to pack an
“essentials box” (see Step 5), you should have easy access to everything you’ll
need to get you through the first couple of nights in your new home. This will
allow you some breathing room to unpack your remaining items in a deliberate
manner, instead of rushing through the process.7
If you have young children, consider unpacking
their rooms first. Seeing their familiar items can help them establish a sense
of comfort and normalcy during a confusing time. Then move on to any items you
use on a daily basis.10
Pets can also get overwhelmed by a new,
unfamiliar space. Let them adjust to a single room first, which should include
their favorite toys, treats, food and water bowl, and a litter box for cats.
Once they seem comfortable, you can gradually introduce them to other rooms in
the home.11
As you unpack, make a list of items that need
to be purchased so you’re not making multiple trips to the store. Also, start a
list of needed repairs and installations. If you have a home warranty, find out
what’s covered and the process for filing a service order.
Although you may be eager to get everything
unpacked, it’s important to take occasional breaks. Have some fun, relax and
explore your new hometown!
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Need help with unpacking, organizing or decorating your new home? Contact us for a list of recommended professionals in our area. And when you’re ready to start exploring local “hot spots,” we’d love to fill you in on our favorite restaurants, stores, parks and other attractions! |
7. Get
Involved In Your New Community
Studies show that moving can lead to feelings
of loneliness and depression. People who have recently moved tend to be
isolated socially, more stressed, and less likely to participate in exercise
and hobbies. However, there are ways to combat these negative effects.12
First, get out and explore. In a 2016 study,
recent movers were shown to spend less time on physical activities and more
time on their computers, which has been proven to lead to feelings of
depression and loneliness. Instead, get out of your house and investigate your
new area. And if you travel by foot, you’ll gain the advantages of fresh air
and exercise.12
Combat feelings of isolation by making an
effort to meet people in your new community.Find a local interest group, take a class, join a place of worship
or volunteer for a cause. Don’t wait for friends to come knocking on your door.
Instead, go out and find them.
Finally, be a good neighbor. Make an effort to
introduce yourself to your new neighbors, invite them over for coffee or dinner,
and offer assistance when they need it. Once you’ve developed friendships and a
support system within your new neighborhood, it will truly start to feel like
home.
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Want more ideas on how to get involved in your community? Contact us for a free copy of our report, “Welcome Home: 10 Tips to Turn Your Neighborhood Into a Hometown Haven.” |
LET’S
GET MOVING
While moving is never easy, these seven steps
offer an action plan to get you started on your new adventure. To avoid getting
overwhelmed, focus on one step at a time. And don’t hesitate to ask for help!
In a 2015 study, 61 percent of participants
ranked moving at the top of their stress list, above divorce and starting a new
job.13 But with a little preparation—and the right team of
professionals to assist you—it is possible to have a positive relocation
experience.
We
specialize in assisting home buyers and sellers with a seamless and
“less-stress” relocation. Along with our referral network of movers, handymen,
housekeepers, decorators, contractors and other service providers, we can help
take the hassle and headache out of your upcoming move. Give us a call or message us to schedule a free, no-obligation
consultation!
Sources:
- You Move Me –
https://www.youmoveme.com/us/blog/105-tips-for-a-successful-relocation - HouseLogic.com –
https://www.houselogic.com/buy/house-hunting/must-have-items/ - Livestrong –
https://www.livestrong.com/article/436651-the-effects-of-sunlight-fresh-air-on-the-body/ - Parents Magazine –
https://www.parents.com/parenting/money/buy-a-house/make-moving-easier-on-you-and-your-kids/ - The Spruce –
https://www.thespruce.com/starting-to-pack-for-your-move-2436470 - Moving.com –
https://www.moving.com/tips/hiring-quality-movers/ - The Spruce –
https://www.thespruce.com/unpack-your-entire-home-2435815 - HouseLogic.com –
https://www.houselogic.com/buy/moving-in/before-you-move/ - HGTV –
https://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/moving-checklist - Moving.com –
https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-unpack-and-organize-your-house/ - ASPCA –
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/moving-your-pet - Psychology Today –
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/is-where-you-belong/201607/why-youre-miserable-after-move - The Daily Express –
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/574171/Divorce-stressful-moving-home