Relocation * Moving * Relocation Tips * Changing Residences * Relocation Help * Moving out of State

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Last Updated: September 29, 2008

It can be one of the most exciting, yet most stressful events that people go through in their lives. Moving, changing residences, relocation; call it what you may, but the bottom line is for many people the process is fraught with chaos, disorientation, and a feeling of being out of control. Moving within the same city is certainly no small task, but moving to a new state or region is particularly hard. Everything changes; the simple comforts that you may take for granted, such as favorite foods at the supermarket, are often no longer available. It might be a new career opportunity that was the catalyst for relocating your family to another city; thus, not only do you have the stress of the relocation process and associated adjustments, but a new job to acclimate to as well. Factors such as a partner’s career, the effect on the children’s educational and recreational activities, and financial constraints are all major considerations involved in the relocation process. With all these things to deal with, why would anyone want to move??

According to geographic mobility data collected by the U.S. Census bureau, about 14 percent of the U.S. population moved from 2005 to 2006, compared with 19 percent in 1949 to 1950. In 2005 to 2006, 64 percent of all movers from the United States moved within the same county, compared with 70 percent in 1949 to 1950. The average American will move 11.7 times in their lifetime.

SO... now that I've convinced you that most likely you WILL relocate again, how can we help you? Upon researching for writing this article, I note that there are probably thousands of websites that give list after "checklist" of "things to plan and do when moving". So I decided not to recreate that here. This list of tips will certainly contain some typical moving items but I tried to collect useful suggestions more geared toward "significant" moves, such as out of area/county/state. The type of move where you have to do a little more research and upfront legwork to make the transition go smoothly, relieve the stress of relocation and turn your move into a successful endeavor.... anyway, hope it helps just a bit!

• Familiarize Yourself with the Local Chamber of Commerce either online or in person. They can provide you with maps of the area and also relevant business opportunities and job listings. To find the website for the Chamber of Commerce in the area you are relocating, perform a "google" or keyword search using the phrase "Chamber of Commerce". Along the same lines, another great source of information is the local newspaper: find it online if possible and subscribe to it. Even if you read the local paper for just a few weeks, it may give you a feel for the community, people, social culture and issues that concern and enhance people's lives in the area.

• Consider "Time of Year" in planning your move. There is a "high season" for real estate and moving, and it is typically late spring/early summer (area contingent to some degree, of course). Depending on whether you are buying a home, selling yours, renting, have kids in school, etc, you'll want to try to plan the optimum time considering these aspects. If you have children, you will need to try to make your move when it will have the least impact on their school schedule; typically summer break. However, as different areas of the country may have varying vacation schedules, you will want to contact the school you are considering to confirm their scheduled breaks. If you need to sell a home in the current market, if possible take advantage of the "high" season for your area.

• Find a Good Real Estate Agent. A real estate professional can be a great resource as he or she should have a thorough understanding of the area you are planning to move to. Additionally, they should have insight on the area’s job market, schools, recreational opportunities and may be able to give you names of career counselors or just help you feel comfortable in your new surroundings. How do you go about finding one who is good? Well, the "traditional" way is finding one through referrals; friends, family, co-workers, etc. But if you are moving to a new area, this method may not be an option. You'll probably have to do your "research" online to find a local agent; of course they are all over the internet like vultures. Once you find a few potential candidates, "interview" them in the same way you would if you were in the same city. Maybe you have a trusted real estate agent you've used in your "old" residence that you could ask for a referral from or some tips for finding one (but do be aware: they may get a referral fee for providing a lead to another agent, so ask them their justification for recommending this agent; you don't want one they just picked out of the online yellow pages). Here is a link (coming soon) to an article on "How to Choose a Real Estate Agent".

• Do a "research" trip. Hopefully, you've already visited the place you are planning to move (or know alot about it) since you've made this monumental decision to center your life there. But if not, you probably want to do a "scouting" trip a couple months or so before you are planning the actual move. While it is certainly possible to arrange a new residence (either a rental, or even the purchase of a home sight-unseen) I wouldn't recommend it. Unfortunately, using the internet exclusively to shop for a new residence may leave you stuck in an area that is undesirable (but the home sure looks great; at least, it did in the pictures!). You really need to be able to see the neighborhood and get a feel for whether it is a fit for your family. The second best thing, if you cannot be there in person to view the potential home or apartment selections, is to have a trusted friend, family member, or real estate professional view the prospects for you and provide feedback and recommendations based on the needs and requirements that you have outlined. If you are stuck with internet, pictures, video and relying on other's opinions and recommendations, make sure you try to use google maps fairly new "street view" function to see your potential new home; it gives you a perspective like you are standing right in front of it, looking up and down the street where you may eventually live. Using a horde of vehicles mounted with cameras that take panoramic photos, google map employees photographed streets across many of the largest U.S. cities. This technique, along with a highly intuitive user interface, gives the viewer the sensation of really being there. Pretty cool, and you can pan around and "check out the neighborhood". Not a replacement for the in person visit, but certainly an improvement over what has been available in the past!

• Address your "personal" paperwork. By this we mean things such as licenses, identification, insurance, medical records, etc. Obviously, you will have to do an address change on everything in your life (that's a pain!) but the critical things involve your identity, health and well-being; so inform your health insurance company as applicable (you'll need to select/identify new doctors), get copies of your medical records from your Dr.'s, get a local driver's license and register you vehicle in your new state (and auto insurance, of course), investigate local pet immunization and licensing requirements as necessary, get your child registered for school (get copies of any school, immunization records, etc) as applicable. Not to overstress this, but if you've connected with a good real estate agent will also have all the main information you need on setting up your new life, including a checklist of who to call and where to go to set up utilities and get a new driver’s license.

• Create a plan and a timeline. Sit down, take a breathe, and create a list with a timeline for getting things done. As with all moves, there are so many things you need to do both before and after you relocate into your new home. Make a list and divide it into three categories: immediate, secondary and future (post-move) tasks. What are all the steps that need to happen to reach this point and by when? Jot down each thing you need to do with a due date, allowing ample time to set up each. Set your own timetable because you are the boss of this project and the only person you have to please is yourself (and your spouse, family, dog....). Most importantly, don’t push yourself by setting unrealistic goals. Moving is a process and it will take time for you to complete it successfully.

• IF you decide to use a professional moving company: Take the time to research or get a referral for a good one! A good mover may be found through friends, family, acquaintances and your real estate agent. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or local Chamber of Commerce where you’re moving. Get references; we recommend finding a major moving company that has offices in both your current and new town. Pack all items that cannot be replaced and bring them with you in your car or on the plane. These include important financial papers, family photos, love letters, special jewelry, etc. Do not leave anything that you cannot live without in the hands of the movers; videotape and/or take pictures of your valuable items prior to boxing them if you are entrusting them to movers.

• Before you move: Downsize! Weed out all the unnecessary items (you haven't used it in HOW long?). Give it to charity, have a garage sale, sell it on craigslist, give it to a friend. Why expend the energy to move it (or pay the movers to do so; they do charge on the basis of weight and distance, after all).

In Summary? Planning and transitioning through a relocation is one heck of a task; it's taxing on the mind, body and spirit. And once you finally arrive at your new destination, it really only just begins; you get to relearn the "practical everyday stuff", like where your house is in relation to the schools, what the best pizza place is, and where the movie theaters are. Next there’s the challenge of meeting new friends and learning the new social norms associated with each area of the country (which amazingly can be very different). Following the steps above can hopefully help reduce the stress of your move, and make it a successful endeavor. Remember that a (good) real estate agent can be a major asset for assisting you in many of these tasks, so take advantage of this fact if at all possible!

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