A Relocation Preparation Checklist for the First-Time Mover

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Article by Guest Writer: Ted James

​If you’re planning on moving for the first time and hoping to keep the process completely calm and stress-free, you should probably begin by acknowledging that this is virtually impossible. However, the earlier you start planning, the less stressful your move will be.

Decide what to do with your present house.
Before you can pack up and move to your new house, you need to figure out whether you’re going to sell the one you live in, first. Another option might be to move first and sell later if you can afford to do so. And a third possibility is to hold onto your old home and rent it out – but, if you do so, be aware that being a landlord can be a lot more work than you realize, especially from afar.

Find a new place to live.
When you’re shopping around for a new house, do so with specific requirements in mind. This will keep you from wasting time on homes that simply aren’t suitable. Do your house-hunting with a list of non-negotiable requirements in mind, considering the needs of every member of your family, and considering any future changes that might be made. Also, look at the location. Think about things like schools in the area, travel time, property taxes, and proximity to area attractions. When seeking a new home in the Denver area, the process will go a lot more smoothly if you work with a reliable, professional realtor like Jason Gelios.

If you decide to rent instead.
You may decide that it makes more sense to rent than to own, especially if you still need to sell your old house, or if you want to get familiar with the area first. However, before you move forward, compare the average costs of apartments for rent in Denver to the average costs of buying a home. When looking at rentals it’s a good idea to stick with listings that offer 3D tours, so you know what you’re really getting.

Set a date for your move.
Once you’ve found your home and have a definite closing date, it’s time to choose a moving date. While you may be tempted to rush the process so you can get into your new home as soon as possible, it’s advisable to give yourself plenty of time. Also, consider things like time of year, when you need to start your new job, when the school year ends and begins, and more. Keep in mind that if you move during spring and summer, it will be more expensive, but moving during the winter can be a lot more trouble if the weather gets nasty.

Hire a moving company.
If you opt to work with a moving company, give yourself some time to read reviews and compare rates before hiring anyone. Make sure the company you work with is fully insured and gives you all their estimates and information in writing. If a company acts for a large deposit up-front, you should probably be wary and go with someone else. Additionally, avoid companies with rates so low they seem too good to be true.

Start packing.
Before you begin packing, you should make an inventory of all the items you intend to take with you, as well as those you intend to get rid of. You should also make sure you have plenty of packing materials – more than you think you’ll need. Try to pack your belongings by category, or by room, so they will be easier to remember and keep track of when it’s time to unpack. And be sure to label every box accurately. 

Common moving mistakes to avoid.
Since so much goes into moving, it’s easy to make a mistake and forget to do things like arrange to have your utilities turned on in your new house, forgetting deadlines, or packing up needed items where you can’t find them. You also don’t want to forget to arrange for childcare on moving day, and possibly put your pet in a kennel so they don’t get hurt or get underfoot.

Moving will always be a lot of work. And there will always be stress involved for all parties concerned. However, if you approach your move the right way, you can cut down on a lot of this stress, especially for your kids and pets.

Ted James is a husband, father, dog owner, and rock climber living in the Pacific Northwest who devotes a large chunk of his time helping people get back in the driver’s seat of their finances. He created his site, Ted Knows Money, to share money tips and help people get complete control of their finances.