Moving Tips

If you are moving out of the area, you'll want to research the new neighborhood. The easiest way to do this is to find a real estate agent in that area that can give you detailed information about a particular neighborhood. The internet is a great tool to use for this purpose, since you can communicate with the agent instantly, and even have pictures and other information emailed to you.

One month before the big move you may want to consider addressing these items:

- Complete a change of address order form for post office to foward all mail to your new address.
- Fill out an IRS change of address form.
- Make arrangements with a moving company or reserve a rental truck for transportation of all belongings.
- Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
- Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask your doctors and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
- Make arrangements for transporting pets.

When moving do not schedule deliveries, contractors, etc... to be delivered or meet at your new home for the exact time of your closing. Sometimes it can take up to 24 hours for the mortgage to be transferred and recorded with the county. This could cause a delay in when you get your keys to your new home. You don't want to schedule everything for immediately after closing and then if for some reason you are delayed with getting your keys you get stuck paying everyone extra fees or charges for having to make a 2nd trip to your new home. Also, read your purchase agreement carefully so that you understand when you are supposed to receive the keys to your new home. Sometimes it will state in your purchase agreement that you may not be able to get your keys for 1, 2, 3 or even more days after closing. Therefore, understand when you are supposed to be able to take possession of your home ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly.

Think ahead about services that you may need in your new home, such as cleaning or landscaping. The previous home owner and your new neighbors are a great source of references for these types of services. It is easy to forget details such as these, so making a list ahead of time can be incredibly useful.

If you are moving yourself and have small children or children who will get tired long before you do, you may want to consider this. Set up their rooms first with their furniture, some activities and some boxes of their things to put away. This way, when they get tired, they can go to their new room and relax and not bring you any more stress.
Remember to load your moving truck with their items at the back!

» DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article on 'Moving Tips' is a collection of contributions by licensed mortgage professionals and is not the opinion of Broker Outpost LLC. Always consult a licensed professional before applying for a mortgage.