If you or your spouse has been offered a new job in Texas or another location far from home, chances are your excitement about exploring a new area may quickly be replaced with anxieties about the transition. Often, you’re faced with a lot of tasks to accomplish in a short amount of time. Here’s a quick list of 9 tasks you shouldn’t overlook when relocating your family to a new city.
- Learn the Area in Advance
With Google Maps, it’s easier than ever to visualize your new surroundings. Find out which hospitals, grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants are closest to your new home. This information will come in handy when you need a quick bite to eat after a day of unpacking or you’re ready to stock your new kitchen with your family’s favorites.
- Sort and Purge
Before you blindly shove everything in boxes, sort through your stuff and get rid of what you no longer use or need. A good rule to follow is that if an item is not useful or beautiful, it shouldn’t be in your home. Get your children on the “toss it out” bandwagon, too. Donate their gently used toys to charity and emphasize their good deed.
- Stock up on Packing Supplies
With the exception of tape, you don’t necessarily have to pay for packing supplies. You can get free, used boxes from restaurants, bars and stores. You don’t need bubble wrap either – old newspapers, sweaters, towels and linens protect valuables.
- Pack as Early as Possible.
Start packing as soon as you can. Box up collectibles and clothing that isn’t in season first. When it gets closer to the move, you can pack overnight bags containing clothing, medicine and toiletries. Too many times families decide to pack the bathroom the day of the move because they need the toiletries – and then they can’t find them upon arriving to their new destination. To avoid losing or misplacing boxes, label everything.
- Turn on the New Utilities
The utilities seem like something that wouldn’t be missed, but it is often put off until the week before. Remember there may be a waiting period to turn on your new utilities so you’ll want to schedule this at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Forward Health Records
Your family’s new doctor can ask for your records to be sent, but sometimes the process can take longer than anticipated. This can present a problem if you have a health concern that requires your new doctor’s immediate attention. Sending your medical records in advance will prevent a lag in healthcare.
- Check your Insurance
While you’re thinking about your medical needs, check that your insurance will still cover you and your family in your new state, especially during the time that you or your spouse is transitioning between jobs. If there is a potential lapse in coverage, you may need to purchase a Texas short term medical insurance plan to get you through the transition. Also make sure your home owner’s or renter’s insurance is going to travel with you. You’ll want your valuables insured during the move.
- Put in a Change of Address
When you never get mail at your new address, you’ll eventually remember to change your address. Don’t forget to update your bank billing information, magazine subscriptions and catalogs.
- Update your License
You’ll need to update your driver’s license to reflect your new state after moving. Keep in mind that this may be a longer process than expected.
Once you’re all settled in, you’ll make your new house feel like home. By following these 9 tips, you can make that transition easier.
