Moving to a New Place: Checklist and Planning

Visit Your New Community

There’s no better way to learn about a new community than by seeing it in-person. So make sure to pay a visit to the area before moving. This will give you a better feel for the community’s various neighborhoods and amenities. You can also learn more about your new community through Moversnearyou.info’s helpful Neighborhood Guides and City Reports.

Research Schools

Those with school-age children should start researching schools in the new community now. To find top-rated schools in the new neighborhood, use Moversnearyou.info’s School Ratings tool, which includes GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.

Discuss the Move With Your Kids

Several months before moving, be sure to sit your kids down to discuss the move. Including your children in the conversation early on will help put them at ease during the transition. For tips on how to make the move as seamless as possible for your kids, check here.

Make Travel Arrangements

If you’re moving to a new city or state, you’ll need to make all travel arrangements as soon as possible. Avoid high prices by booking airline and hotel reservations now.

Notify Schools of Your Move

Contact your child’s new school to begin the enrollment process. Have the former school transfer all necessary records. Be sure to also let the new school know about any special needs or issues your child may have. To find the best schools in your new neighborhood, check Moversnearyou.info’s free School Ratings.

Notify Friends & Family of Your Move

Now’s the time to let friends and family know about your move. If you aren’t able to tell them in-person, try emailing them and/or giving them a quick phone call. Announcing your move over various social media channels, such as Facebook or Instagram, is another easy way to let people know you’re moving.

Forward Medical Records

When moving to a new city, contact your doctor’s office to have all medical records transferred to your new health care provider.

Host a Goodbye Party

What better way to say goodbye to all of your loved ones than by hosting an official goodbye party? A few weeks before your move, choose a venue and send out invitations. Hosting a goodbye party will also give others the opportunity to wish you well with your move.

Explore the Neighborhood

The best way to get to know your new community is by exploring it. During the first few weeks, walk, drive or bike around the new neighborhood to get a good sense of the area. Locate nearby grocery stores, parks, schools, museums, libraries, hardware stores and pharmacies. Once you figure out where everything is situated, your new community will start to feel more like home. Discover more about your neighborhood through Moversnearyou.info’s Neighborhood Guide.

Send Out a Moving Announcement

After you move, take a minute to send out moving announcements with your new address to friends and family. This easiest way to do this is by sending an announcement via email or online invitation.

Download Local Smartphone Apps

When moving to a new community, it helps to download local smartphone apps. From on-demand grocery store apps and restaurant delivery apps to public transit apps and bike sharing apps, there are numerous smartphone apps available to help make your transition a smooth one.

Change Your Address

From credit cards and bank accounts to club memberships and utility companies, make sure all important parties have been made aware of your change in address. Otherwise, you could end up with frozen credit cards after you move. In addition to changing your address, make sure that your mail has been forwarded to your new home. To forward mail, visit USPS.com and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail.

Meet the Neighbors

After you move in, introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Don’t be afraid to ring the doorbell and say “hello.” Most people will appreciate the gesture, and you might make a few new friends in the process.

Update Driver’s License

Moving to a new state? You’ll need to get a driver’s license from your state’s DMV. Many states require new residents to obtain a driver’s license within a specific time window after moving. You’ll most likely need an existing driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of your social security number and an additional form of identification.

Join Neighborhood Listservs

From recommendations on the best plumbers and electricians to informative news links and updates on local development projects, neighborhood listservs are one of the best ways to learn about your new community. Several online listservs to consider joining include Nextdoor.com, Angie’s List and local Facebook groups. Read 10 pieces of advice for settling in a new city.

Register to Vote

Visit or call your local town hall about changing your voter registration. Tip: When you visit the DMV to get a driver’s license, you may be able to also register to vote and establish domicile on the same day.

Get to Know the Area’s Transportation Options

Learning to navigate a new community can be challenging. To make it easier, spend some time getting to know the community’s public transportation options. You can do so by studying a city’s subway map or bus transit lines. Also, don’t forget to look into the community’s bike-sharing and ride-sharing programs. Learning how to use public transportation will allow you to explore your new city with confidence.

Get Involved in Your Community

Enjoy volunteering? Research nearby volunteer opportunities at www.volunteermatch.org. Like socializing? Attend local events, fundraisers and gatherings in your community. You can also find social groups through www.meetup.com, a website connecting locals with the same hobbies. Other ways to get involved in the community include joining your neighborhood HOA board, signing up for a club membership, joining a sports team, and meeting up with your local college alumni group. Read 6 simple steps to making friends in a new city.