Moving into a new home can be very stressful, however, if you plan ahead and stay organized, the moving process can be fun and exciting. It’s a perfect time to purge items you haven’t used in a while and no longer need. Don’t be surprised when you run across those “I wondered where that was” items. Take into consideration the size of your new home when deciding what to keep.
It’s important to get quotes from moving companies early and schedule your move well in advance. Make sure your movers are bonded and insured. Gather boxes, tape, markers, and labels. As you pack, label your boxes carefully. Include the room the box is to go to and a brief description of its contents such as Kitchen-pantry or Master-closet. Carefully pack your most precious items so you can transport them in your personal vehicle rather than in the moving truck. This would include your prescriptions, personal care items, jewelry, important documents, and pets. On moving day, make sure the items you anticipate needing first at your new home are loaded into the truck last.
A big part of moving is making sure you put in a change of address with the post office and notify all of your professional service providers such as your doctors, dentist, accountant, financial planner, schools, health insurance provider, bank etc. Remember to notify other service providers such as lawn and pool care, magazines, pest control, online shopping websites, etc. Most legal and financial documents can not be forwarded so you must change your address directly with these organizations and companies. Examples would include Tax Documents, Social Security, Medical documents etc.
Be sure to schedule your final utility readings at your current residence and schedule utilities to be put into your name at your new home effective the day of closing. Don’t forget to return your cable box. You’ll also need to cancel your current homeowner’s insurance.
If you are relocating from out of state, you will need to get your Florida driver’s license, automobile tags, vehicle insurance, and register to vote.
Before you leave your current home for the last time, be sure to check every closet and cupboard to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.