Who doesn’t love the thought of buying a new house?  The only thing we don’t love is the act of moving.  It just seems like soo much work.  You have to pack, and clean, and move.  Those are  just the basic steps.  In fact, there are a number of items that we don’t think about until we are absolutely forced to.  The checklist below will help you remember those more important items.

Schools

One of the most important things you can give your children is a great education. Before any move, you should always talk to your children’s teachers. They can help you and your children transition to another school and let you know what you will need to take with you. Talking to their future school is also a good idea. If you have any special needs, such as a child with ADHD or other issues, it is a good idea to discuss these issues before entering the school system.

Financial

Many financial institutions have more than one branch, but that is not always the case. First, you should check with your bank to make sure that they have a branch in your area. If they don’t, you will need to find another one. Keep in mind that changes in direct deposits and withdrawals may take awhile to complete. Also, make sure that all of your checks and withdrawals have gone through before you withdrawal all of your funds or you may end up in hot water.

Medical

Healthy people may only go to the doctor once a year, if that. However, it is still a good idea to find a doctor in your area that you know takes your insurance. It is also a piece of mind to have a doctor you trust. If you wait until you need a doctor, you may end up with the fastest one you can find rather than the best one for you.

Mail

Before moving, many people give out their new addresses to family and friends.  However, you should also file a change of address form with the post office, just in case. Now, a change of address form will not work for some type of mail, including catalogs. Also, a change of address will expire after a certain period of time. 

Utilities 

Always have your utilities turned off as soon as possible.  However, you do not want to turn off your water and electric until you are done cleaning your house.  If you leave one of your utilities on, even your phone line, you may end up paying for someone else.  Empty houses become targets for thieves and troublemakers.

In the end, everything can seem overwhelming, but if you take it one step at a time, you won’t get too stressed out.  You may have to remind yourself about the bigger picture and the prize at the end, but having a checklist can really help you stay organized.