When considering a new job in a new location, doing some research early in the discussions can save headaches, hassles and heartache later in the process. Be sure that you analyze any job offer in a new location using cost of living indices. There are many ways to obtain cost of living information including through Chambers of Commerce websites such as http://www.bankrate.com/brm/movecalc.asp. If you have school aged children, remember to analyze public school quality and/or the cost of private schools when analyzing the cost of living.

Research any corporate moving package benefits thoroughly and get any questions answered in advance. Most relocation packages/companies will cover basic selling expenses including real estate commissions, but not home warranties or other “extras” you may offer to promote the sale of your home. The actual moving costs incurred with a moving company are usually covered as well, but ask specific questions about packing services and any oversized or delicate items requiring special care. For your purchase of a new home, most relocation packages now do not include any “buy down” points, but do include appraisals and inspections. Details of your benefit package can elevate your out-of-pocket costs, so asking questions early makes sense.

Choose the right real estate agents to work with on both ends of your move. You want to choose an agent with experience and success in your area, whether you are selling or buying. You also want to choose an agent that will help make your move pleasant and stress free…someone you can enjoy spending time with as moves can frequently take several months. While relocation companies may suggest an agent, frequently those agents are just connected to the relocation company through corporate mergers, etc. and actually are not specialists in your areas of interest. Do your own research and then request an agent that matches your needs – experienced agents will be approved by your relocation company and can help you maximize your benefit package! The Anne Lakusta Team specializes in suburbs of north Dallas from McKinney & Frisco to Flower Mound & Southlake. We work with all relocation companies and can assist you in analyzing your moving benefits.

Explore options for bridging any gap that may occur between your old location and your new one. Have a plan for extended stay rental, furniture storage, bridge loans, loans from retirement accounts, or lease back possibilities that might be considered in your area. Ideally, you will not need any of these and will make a perfectly coordinated move from one home to another, but it is always a good idea to have some knowledge of your choices before a situation arises. Be sure to ask The Anne Lakusta Team for advice on the timing of your move – we have a decade of experience to share with you!

Don’t forget your special needs: moving and/or storage for a piano, pool table, boat, antiques, pets, etc. These special arrangements can add stress if neglected until the last minute. For antiques and particularly valuable items, it is a good idea to obtain an independent appraisal of all pieces to be moved prior to items being loaded. Be sure your driver and the home office both have a copy of the appraisal.

Connect & disconnect all utilities one day after your departure and one day prior to your arrival. Utility companies can turn off utilities very early in the morning or very late in the evening, and frankly can be unreliable, so allow a few extra minutes to assure everything is in working order. No electricity or water for plumbing can make a moving day much more stressful than necessary!

Create an “open first” box with necessary items. These may include tools, sheets, towels, toiletries, garbage bags, paper towels, paper cups, favorite toys, pet bowls, lamps with light bulbs, sponges, tape. Be sure it goes on the truck last so that it will come off first.

Gather valuable documentation together several weeks prior to your move and plan to keep it with you. This should include passports, home & auto insurance information, shot records, school records, important phone numbers including family & real estate agent, certified copies of closing documents from the sale of your home to provide at the closing on your new home, prescription information, checkbooks, stock certificates and all account numbers, including credit accounts.

Get the name and cell phone number of your moving van driver, along with the home office information. Be sure he has yours. Review directions to your new location. On a long distance move, it can important that you be able to communicate directly!

Do not underestimate the importance of having your technology functioning. Back up all of your computer files before disconnecting it for the move. Internet service, phone service, cable TV service – all of this is important for a family’s quality of life. Many people make special note of where & how their sound systems are packed so they can enjoy music while setting up their new home. Taking care of your electronic items and scheduling timely connection service will make your move more pleasant.

Forward your mail and send out change of address information. It is a good idea to make a note of everyone you get mail from for at least 30 days in order to assure the smoothest transition.

A few days prior to moving, be sure to take care of last minute maintenance items like unplugging your refrigerator/freezer and cleaning it out; draining any oil or gas from lawn equipment; emptying your safe deposit box; water plants you will be moving; cancel deliveries like newspapers & trash collection.

Leave keys, garage door openers, security codes & other important information inside your home when you leave or with your realtor. Be sure you know how you will be receiving these items for your new home. Consider changing the locks on your new home for added security.

Plan an adventure at your new home. Planning an adventure gives everyone young & old something to look forward to once the chores are completed, or partly completed! Go ahead & get tickets to a theme park, play, concert, or game. Or plan a day at the zoo, rafting the river or hiking to the waterfall – it doesn’t matter what it is, just that it is a set date in the near future that is scheduled for fun! Every new location has something wonderful to offer, so be sure you take advantage of it right away.

Don’t forget to search out the things you love in your new area. This can be a bowling league, a great cup of coffee, a movie house that shows the classics, a pottery class, a fishing hole, a craft store or a beautiful view. Notice the moments you say: “I could get used to this” and celebrate your new home!