There’s More To It Than Packing: Your Pre-Move Checklist

When you’re getting ready to move, packing can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, your home goes from your favorite spot to kick back and relax to a sea of endless boxes and packing paper. 

While packing and organizing is a key part of a successful move, there are quite a few other things that you need to consider to make a flawless transition into your new home. Let’s look at some of the commonly overlooked nuances of moving that should make their way onto your to-do list.

Research Your New Location

Get on social media pages specific to your new area long before you actually set up camp in your new home. This is a great way to make friends and get excited about your new town long before you spend your first night in your new home.

Touch Base With Your Physicians

Collect your family health records from your physicians. While you are touching base with your healthcare provider, now is also an excellent time to take a look at any prescription medications you take, and make sure you have plenty to get you through the move. 

If you have refills available, you’ll likely be able to get it filled without a problem at your new pharmacy. A problem can occur, however, if you don’t have refills left. It can take time to find a new doctor and schedule an initial appointment. Save yourself the hassle and make arrangements with your current doctor so that you have enough medication to get you through until you’re settled.

Contact Your Credit Card Company

Give your credit card company a call. Alert them that you’re moving to a new town so that they don’t shut down your account for fraud when they see you making purchases in an unusual location.

Plan Fun Stops

Check out new and exciting spots along the way – especially if you have little ones. 

Moving can be hard on kids, even if they’re excited to get to their new home. You can help to alleviate some of their stress by giving them things to look forward to along the way. 

Pull out an old-fashioned paper map and take a look with your kids – is there a city along the way that you’ve always wanted to visit? A national park or landmark? Getting your kids pumped about the journey can be the first step in helping them get excited at the thought of leaving their old home behind.

Pack a Week’s Worth of Essentials

Whether you are moving your household goods across the country or the state, be sure to pack at least one bag as if you’re going on vacation. You never know how long it will take you to unload your things into your new home, and the last thing you want to do is be searching for something to wear to bed at night. It’s also a good idea to find the location of a nearby laundromat so that you can wash your clothes as you get your washer and dryer set up in your new home.

Take the Challenge Out of Moving

Moving can be tough, but being prepared can take many of the hiccups out of the process. 

Remember, once you’re settled into your new home, it will all be worth it – even if you swear you’re never moving again!