Santa Cruz Real Estate Experts Team Sedenquist

What to do before you move out of the area:

• Sell your current home. I can refer you to a good agent if you are out of our area or don’t have one. You may need to assign someone power of attorney to close for you. Discuss this with your attorney.
• Get copies of your medical records for all members of the family. Don’t forget the specialists that you’ve visited and your dentist. Your new doctors will want this information for reference.
• Move all prescriptions to a national drug store chain, or get new written prescriptions from your current doctor, so you can still get them filled at your new location.
• Get copies of school records for the kids. Inform the school of when you will be leaving.
• Get copies of immunization records for kids.
• Take pictures of all valuables. Preferably video-tape your home prior to the movers showing up. This will help with claims later, if required.
• Pack all items that cannot be replaced and bring them with you. Do not leave anything that you cannot live without in the hands of the movers. Bring all highly valuable items with you as well as the video and pictures of your items.
• If you are packing your items yourself, then make certain you label them with the room and the general contents of each box. This will be really helpful when you are unpacking later.
• Your “Basics Box” – pack one box that contains the basics and label it as such – put big stars on this box so you can find it easily. The box should include:
• A roll of paper towels, a dish towel, and a can opener
• A roll of toilet paper for each bath in your new home
• One set of silverware for each person in the house
• Paper plates & plastic cups
• A sharp knife & a small cutting board
• A screwdriver, a hammer, a pair of pliers, and an electric drill
• A picture hanging kit
• A box cutter for each adult in the house
• Bath towels for each person in the house
• A first aid kit
• Backup your computer and take the backup files with you.
• Have a farewell party to say good-bye to your friends. Provide all your friends with your new contact information.
• Forward your mail to your new location.
• Close bank accounts. Update all automatic deposits and payments with new bank account information.
• File a change of address with the IRS, all investment accounts, insurance agents, and your creditors.
• Inform all groups you volunteer for that you are leaving.
• Give notice to your employer.

What to do when you arrive at your new destination:

• Apply for a new driver’s license (new state) or update your address (same state).
• Get kids set up in new school. Provide school with copies of records.
• Find new doctors and a dentist and give copies of your records to them.
• Meet movers at house. Have them deliver boxes to the room they belong in. Put all boxes against the walls so you can still move through the house. Find your basics box and open it immediately – you’ll need it.
• Unpack as soon as possible (start with the kitchen – you can live without everything else for a while, you will need to be able to make food immediately). Take pictures of anything that is damaged and file claims in a timely fashion.
• Set up computer and confirm that it is still operational. Restore files if necessary.
• Set up bank accounts.
• Update insurance to include new home, updated files for new address for cars, and adjustments for new personal property. Remember to order additional riders for computers and high-value jewelry and watches.
• Register car(s) in new state.
• Throw a housewarming party. (Call me, I’m happy to help you set this up and invite new people for you to meet.)