Every family's overall plan will differ, but here are some ideas to incorporate into your overall plan:

• Divide a binder into phases of relocating. Keep it in one place where everyone can check it and add to it.

• Set up a file for collecting important papers and receipts connected with the move.

• Hold family brainstorming sessions and record ideas in notebook.

• Assign responsibilities and target dates and review progress at family meetings.

• Record your progress using photos and video. Consider starting a list of things to duplicate in your new home, as well as things you would like to be different.

There are many qualified professionals who can help in relocation. Consider some of the following experienced moving partners:

• Company Relocation Manager. Some companies offer this service in the personnel department. Ask what your company will provide and pay for.

• Relocation Specialist. Sometimes referred to as coordinator or counselor, these people can furnish detailed information about your new community.

• Real Estate Agent. Agents can save you an enormous amount of time and money. They zero in on exactly what you are looking for.

• Moving Company. Movers can help with how to get ready to move, how to pack and how to schedule your move.

• Other Professionals. You can also benefit from the services of home inspectors, pest inspectors, lawyers, lenders, ect.

Remember that children are generally more adaptable than parents give them credit for. Many professionals recommend moving during the school year so that kids can meet new schoolmates faster than in the summer. Often “new kids” are popular in the school year.

Be honest with your kids and share your own feelings about the move. Try to let them know as early as possible and take the kids with you to visit your new community. Here are some other tips:

• Talk about how to keep in touch with old friends.
• Remind kids of past triumphs coping with change.
• If the move is a step upward, talk with them about the benefits, financial
   and otherwise.
• Remember that your home is where your family is.

• Your new employer location.

• Target date for moving in.

• The value of your present home.

• How much equity you have to work with.

• The price range for your new home.

• Your home style preferences.

• Room requirements.

• How does the home you are looking at compare to others in the area?

Some lenders will work with your current tax income statement. If not you might think about making a larger down payment. Some lenders count a portion of the current income. It may also be wise to rent a home until both of you are employed.

Check with your employer. Sometimes they will pay a rental deposit. Will they also pay to terminate the lease if need be? Real estate firms are also excellent sources for rental referrals and so are new co-workers.

Moving Timetables are different for everyone, but by planning carefully it can go much more smoothly. Here you will find some helpful tips that you may not have thought of.

• Put a change of address in at the post office to be effective on the day you move. Keep a list of the people you need to notify and check it off as you do.

• Change magazines and other computer-addressed mail now.

• Start a file or binder of vital papers and reminders where you can divide them into categories.

• If you have not already, get estimates from moving companies. Remember that June through September are busy moving months.

• Select a moving company and decide who will pack. You- or the movers. Movers generally pack the day before the move.

• Start sorting. Decide what to move sell or give away. Take cuttings or give away extra house plants.

• Create a sketch of new home for the movers with furniture placement

• Video or photo your belongings before packing. Inventory your possessions.

• Start packing things that are seldom used.

Take care of legal contracts like credit cards, bank accounts, charge accounts. Some other things to change:

• Utilities and telephone service- including reconnecting in new town

• Memberships to clubs and churches

• Insurance; auto, homeowners and medical

• Employment agreements

• Wills, trusts, safe deposit box

• Leased products and services

• Make sure your employer has your new address. Get letters of reference to establish new credit

• Talk to the vet about moving pets and get records. Check airline restrictions for pets

• Get copies of children’s medical/dental records, birth certificates and school transcripts. Ask doctors for recommendations in your new area.

• Fill prescriptions and get copies for new physicians.

• Drop off dry cleaning

• Pick up anything being repaired, serviced or on layaway.

• Check address-change list. Everyone notified?

• Make reservations. Early booking can save money, but last minute changes can be costly. Book at the last chance to save.

• Have car serviced for the trip.

• Collect children’s activities for the trip.

• Arrange to have major appliances serviced for the trip if needed.

• Plan farewell parties and goodbyes.

• Empty, defrost and clean refrigerator. Leave open.

• Get traveler’s checks. Empty safe deposit box. Consider cashier’s check to open new bank account in new town and certified check for house closing. Make arrangements to pay movers.

• Pack suitcases with personal belongings to use until moving van arrives.

• Finish packing kitchen. Pack most needed items together- Coffee pot, canned food, can opener, trash bags, and light bulbs. Mark package “Care”. Pack on truck last to be unloaded first.

• Pack the car if driving with picnic items and food to save money along the way.

• Sweep or vacuum

• Leave new address so that new owner can forward mail.

• Say goodbye to the old house and lock up, leaving garage openers and keys in the designated place.

• Be at new home a day before the movers to be sure utilities are connected and plan for where to put everything.

• When movers arrive open “Care” package to start feeling at home.

• Direct movers as they unload and where to put furniture. Check off inventory list.

• Check exterior of cartons before signing off on the receipt.

• Celebrate and enjoy your new home!




• Do your own packing.
• Cut down on weight.
• Get a floor plan of new home.
• Donate items to charity.
• Move off-season.
• Don’t over-tip. (Movers are well paid, but if you feel they were exceptional $20 is a nice show of gratitude.)

Now that you are in your new home, it is time to get settled. That also means gliding into a new family life.

Job-finding can seem confusing and you may be in a hurry to get your second income back. Here are some tips to make job hunting go more smoothly:

• Have a clear idea of your job objective.
• Create an effective resume. You can have one professionally done.
• Make a list of potential new employers in your new area.
• Contact a head hunter or recruiter who can seek out jobs in your field.

Open that “Care” box right away! Get the bathrooms set up and fix up bedrooms with linens and lamps. Unpack as quickly as possible. Here are a few decorating tips to use your time and dollars efficiently:

• Plan the whole-house décor and rule out impulse shopping.
• Make a decorating budget.
• Settle on your priorities.
• Consider what will increase your home’s value!

• It takes a while to make good friends, but if you seek out people with similar interests it can speed up the process.

• Look into memberships in religious groups, school PTA’s, men’s and women’s clubs, theater groups, sports, political groups, ect.

• Some communities have “newcomers clubs”. Don’t forget to use your connections through work, alumni organizations, and fraternity or sorority connections, ect.

• Volunteer! The more you put into a community, the more you get out of it!

• Work! This is a great place to meet people.

• Don’t forget the kids. Be active in the new school and meet other parents to encourage play dates. This is also a great way to find out about other local activities for the children.

Most moving expenses are tax deductible if you meet some requirements.

• The distance between the old home and the new job must be at least 50 miles more than the distance between the old home and the old job.

• Generally you must work in the area of your new job for at least 39 weeks in the 12 months following your move.

Consult your accountant, but some of the costs that are tax deductible are:

• The cost of packing your goods and moving them.

• Temporary storage.

• The expenses involved in traveling to your new home.

• House hunting trips are not tax deductible.

• The cost of meals is not tax deductible.

The IRS has many moving publications available.

Remember to keep all receipts from selling your home, to moving into and buying the new home!

Congratulations! You did it! We hope you have found this information useful and we hope you enjoy your new home and community.

For more information, contact:

Alan Bien, Realtor, SRES, MBA
Coldwell Banker Previews International
Direct 650-917-4242 : Mobile 650-492-0811 : Office 650-948-0456
Fax 650-948-3749 : E-mail Alan.Bien@camoves.com


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