Adult life comes with big decisions and big choices. Whether you are a new college student moving out of your parent’s house for the first time, or a family looking for their forever home, moving can be tough. You could be moving just a small distance down the block or to a different city – the journey is just as exciting!
Speaking of moving, many young professionals and couples are moving to Dallas, the home to Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. What’s not to like? It is the ninth largest city in the US and the third largest in Texas while offering a low cost of living and rich, vibrant culture.
Whatever the reason, you need to be well-prepared for the move. That’s why we’ve compiled this checklist for you. These tips will help make your move smoother and less stressful.
Step 1: Find Your New Home.
Before you look for a house, it’s important to know what you want. Consider your different options: buying vs. renting, outdoor space or balcony, number of bedrooms, and amenities/services in the neighborhood. If you have kids, it could be worth looking at a good school zone.
If you’re moving across states, check out local laws and regulations. Also, be sure to research living costs in each area. For example, the cost of living is lower in Dallas, Texas, than the national average in the US. This is why people prefer to move there.
When you know what you want, it’s time to find the place that matches it. Consult real estate agents or local websites. Be specific with your requests – for example, you could ask to see only downtown Dallas apartments if that’s where you plan to live. This will help you avoid places that are not a good fit for your requirements.
Step 2: Plan.
Once you have found your new place, now it’s time to sit down and plan everything down to the T. First things first, assess your current financial situation. Figure out the costs involved in the move, including moving expenses, transportation, and your new home setup.
Break down moving into smaller tasks. You can hire professional movers or ask your friends or family for help. If possible, try to avoid moving during peak seasons, weekends, and the end of the month.
Next, set up a practical timeline for everything. Grab and calendar and mark a timeline on it. Set a budget and distribute funds accordingly. Remember to track your expenses along the way.
Planning and thinking about your move in advance will help you long-term.
Step 3: Organize Your Documents.
You would have gathered a lot of important documents over the years. Organize your most important documents. These can include your birth certificate, social security card, and insurance information.
Store them in a safe place, but just in case, scan them and upload them first to a secure cloud service for backup. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your papers are safe and you can access digital copies whenever you need.
Step 4: Declutter Your Current Home.
Let’s admit it. Over the years, we all hoard stuff. This is a great time to get rid of stuff that you no longer need. It will make packing easy and fast. You can also save your “moving money” and have more space in your new house. Only win-wins!
Go through each room of your house and sort your items into three categories: keep, donate, or toss. Be ruthless and honest with yourself. You can donate, sell, or give away the things you don’t need.
Step 5: Make An Inventory.
After deciding what to keep, it’s important to create a detailed inventory of what you are taking with you. You can write this down in a notebook or use an app on your phone. Taking photos or videos of your belongings can also provide more evidence.
Step 6: Pack Your Belongings.
Now it’s time for the actual packing. This is the most tedious and time-taking step. Here are some tips to make your packing easier and faster:
- Start packing as early as possible, preferably a month or two before your move date.
- Pack one room at a time, starting with the least-used rooms and items.
- Label each box with its contents and destination room. We cannot stress this enough. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to unpack.
- Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers to pack your items securely and neatly.
- Pack fragile items carefully using plenty of padding and cushioning materials.
You’ll probably be too tired after moving to unpack everything right away in your new place. Pack essential items that you’ll need on the first day or night in your new home in a separate box or bag.
Step 7: Notify And Transfer Services.
Notify your utility providers about your move date and arrange for the transfer or cancellation of your services in advance. Don’t forget to pay any outstanding bills and get a final meter reading.
Change your address with the local post office, bank, employer – basically, any institution that sends you mail. You can also set up a mail forwarding service to avoid missing any important letters or packages.
Step 8: Update Your Medical And Legal Records.
As a good law-abiding citizen, you should update your address with the relevant authorities. This includes documents like your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration. You can do this online or by visiting the nearest office of each authority.
If you’re switching doctors or dentists, let them know too. You can ask them to send your medical records to your new healthcare providers for a hassle-free transition. The same goes for transferring your prescriptions to your nearest pharmacy.
Conclusion
Moving to a new place can seem like a difficult task. But once you plan it well, it won’t seem too hard. Don’t feel bad about asking your friends for help or using a professional service to help you move. Remember, you are starting a new chapter in your life. So, make sure to enjoy it fully!
