Relocation, either a for a new job, a promotion or lateral move, or because our company’s location has changed, most moving considerations will be the same. There will be some differences, like, who is going to pay for it, but many of the things on your moving checklist will be consistent. In order to have a well-organized relocation, read on.
Professional organizer Kathryn Lewis knows all about being organized, it’s literally in her job title. She is the longest-running professional organizer in the Seattle, WA area. She works with both individuals and companies to get organized, then she teaches them how to stay that way. Here she provides some tips on how to make your move organized, efficient, and stress-free.
Planning the Move
- If you’re moving to a new city and will be job searching there, have an updated resume ready to go. You can create a stellar and professional-looking resume using free resume templates. Choose from a library of template designs, then plug in your own colors, font, and text.
- If your employer is moving you, or if you’re moving to accept a promotion, there may be a good chance your employer will pay for some or all of the move. They may even buy your old house or pay for a hotel or apartment in your new city for a limited amount of time. They could also pay for the move itself. Negotiate that ahead of time with your HR department.
- Visit your new city before moving there. You’ll want to make sure you’re near things that are important to you, like good schools, shopping, airports and train stations, and local and state parks.
After you found your new home
- When you find your ideal location, hire a real estate professional to search for you, even after you’ve gone back home. Today’s housing market is very competitive, so you need to be ready to act quickly. Having a scanning printer for sharing documents will be essential. If the costs are slightly above your budget for the area you desire, you can have your agent look for homes being sold “as is.” Just be sure and check with a lawyer, hire a licensed examiner for the property, and do a record search to see if it turns up any red flags.
- If you have a pet and are moving to an apartment, check the rules regarding pets. There will usually be a deposit required, sometimes an additional monthly fee, and in some cases, a weight restriction.
- Check that any mover you use is thoroughly vetted. It is easy to find online reviews of people who have experience with those companies. Take pictures of everything you’re moving and label the boxes in multiple places.
- Plan to stay in a hotel the night of the move, and again after you’ve arrived while you wait for your furniture delivery or go over last-minute real estate or leasing matters.
Once You’ve Arrived
- Arrange for utilities to be turned on in your new home.
- Find a pediatrician or local health department to get your children’s vaccination and health records in place for their new schools.
- Visit the DMV to change your driver’s license and automobile registration and tags.
- Register your business to be compliant in your new state. If want to save on paperwork, reduce your tax burden, and protect your personal assets, structure your company as an LLC. You can do that online yourself with no legal help and it takes only minutes. Check with local officials, though, since rules vary from state to state.
- Give yourself and your family time to explore your new surroundings. Look for places everyone can enjoy, like zoos or put-put courses, to make the new place feel a bit less scary for the kids. Go out to eat, even if it’s just for pizza since everyone will be tired and probably a little nervous.
Moving can be exciting, like starting over again in a whole new place. But it can be a bit scary and stressful, too. By being organized ahead of time, you can reduce those sources of stress by leaving nothing to chance.
If you’re moving to the Seattle area, contact Kathryn Lewis to get you and your business organized right away.