Relocation Guide

It’s important for you to plan for every aspect of your move. The good news? I've got your back. I won’t lie – there’s a lot to do to prepare. Yet, by the time you’ve finally moved, you’ll be thankful you started early and had this moving checklist and smart tips guide to ensure you stay on top of your to-do list. Remember, this list may be adjusted depending on how far you are moving. If you are moving 40 miles away from your current residence, it will be a bit simpler than moving over 200 miles from your current resident. Schedule a free consultation with me and we can discuss your specific relocation needs.

Your Relocation Checklist

Moving won’t be half as difficult if you start on time and follow all these steps. If you remain nice and organized, you won’t even feel (as much of) the stress of relocating! (Instead, it’ll be an enjoyable and memorable experience).

10–12 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

• Find a real estate agent to sell your home and/or buy one in your new city. If you are buying or selling in Illinois, I can help you. If you need a referral in any other state, let me know and I am happy to refer you to another amazing realtor!

• Research your new city, things like:

  • Commute times

  • School and childcare options

  • Tax and insurance differences

  • Cost of living changes

• Make a visit (or two) in person to nail down your housing

• Pick one place (like a daily planner) to start tracking all your important info and numbers related to moving

6–8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

• Pick a good day to move

• Create your moving budget

• Hire and schedule movers or reserve a truck for a DIY move

• Organize important records

• Start purging

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

• Gather packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap and tape

• Pack non-essentials (think Star Wars collectibles) you won’t use over the next month

• Begin change of address notifications

• Update any accounts with your new address and notify your bank to avoid fraud

• Schedule cancellation of existing utilities or services

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY (Hang on, almost there!)

• Set aside a box for essentials and important documents to pack last and unpack first on moving day

• Schedule a final house cleaning

• Set up utilities at your new home

• Refill any prescriptions

• Do pet checkups and grooming

DAY OF MOVE

• Snap a picture with your old house and take a moment to say goodbye

• Load your things, trek to your new home, and get unloaded

• Note any damages or missing items from the bill of lading (which is just a fancy term for a detailed list of items moved)

• Install appliances (or hire someone to help with these tasks)

• Reassemble furniture (you may also hire someone to do this as well)

• Give yourself a high five and your movers a tip!