Moving across town is hard enough for many people. But packing up and relocating across the country can seem overwhelming. In some cases you may be leaving family and friends behind with little chance of seeing them soon. You could be headed to a new community where you won't know a soul, with a new school for the kids. It may seem almost like starting from scratch.
Whether it's just you or a family of five, here are some tips that might help to make your adventure a little less hectic:
1. Make a schedule. As soon as you know about the upcoming move and when you have a departure date, start putting various events on the calendar. For example, there will be a final inspection of your apartment or the need to contact a realtor for selling your home. Set up times to pack indoor and outdoor items as well as last-minute things like pets, if applicable. Arrange to have the utilities turned off, a change of address card submitted to the post office, and one or two days for the movers to come. As things begin to fall into place, you will be relieved to check the calendar and know when each event is scheduled, with little chance for surprises.
2. Have a list. Write out everything that must be done whether or not you have a date for it. For example, you will need to request academic records for your kids from the old school and arrange to have them sent to the new school. You may want to forward medical records as well. You could plan a yard sale to sell all the things that you don't want to take with you. Final visits with family members and friends should be factored into the equation. A visual reminder of remaining tasks can help to make sure you don't forget anything, which is especially helpful since you're moving so far away.
3. Establish links with current friends and family to help you stay connected after the move. You could start a family newsletter that could be circulated by an email list, for example. You may want to assemble a photo album of group and individual shots as a memento of fun times together. Ask for referrals from places where you currently do business for new establishments at your destined location. Not everyone will have some to recommend, probably, but there may be a few through networking contacts, such as a veterinarian, pediatrician, or grocery chain.
4. Compare moving costs to get the best rate. Give yourself enough time to contact several movers and shipping companies to compare costs. Do the same for new utility companies or community services at your new location. Avoid making last-minute decisions that could cost you money over the long run. Use the Internet to shop long-distance and to communicate by email with new vendors.
5. Plan at least one pre-move visit. Take a few vacation days or a long weekend to go house hunting, check out various schools and neighborhoods, and meet with realtors or other professionals with whom you may want to do business. You will get a sense of the climate, the economy, and the neighborhoods where you might want to live when you take time to scope out these places in advance.
Moving far away can seem intimidating and even scary. Start planning early and get organized to be sure that everything goes smoothly with no last-minute hitches.
