Top tips when moving

Since moving to Northern California we've met some amazing people, it's so different than Southern California yet it is so much alike.  One of the major differences I've noticed is that it is very common for people to relocate to this area and within months pack up and leave to a new City, State even Country!

I'm always impressed at the ease of their move even when they find out within weeks of it happening. It's been over 6 months since our move from San Diego to San Jose and although I will be honest it was not as easy as it looked to pack up after 12 years and leave and start a new life within a couple of hours. Add school aged kids to the move and you are in for a stressful event. Many friends in Southern California asked how we could manage such a daunting task? It really was simple: we researched. I'm so thankful that  Grace and Jessica {who are local to the Bay Area} helped me figure out where to move and what doctors to take my kids to.  

Here are some helpful tips based on our experience:

1.- As soon as you find out you "might" be moving do your homework and research the City you will be moving to. You can search demographics to see what a specific neighborhood is like. You can find information such as annual income, race, religion, ages, highest level of education and even crime rate. This is all helpful information specially when you have never been to your future city. A great site for demographics and statistics by city and/or state is City Data

"We moved around so much before kids. This time if we had to do it again, I'd say research schools, churches, hospitals and grocery stores. You'll need to know how to get supplies and how far they are from you" says Mary from Let's Play O.C. 

2.- Since it is a new place for you and your family at the beginning you might feel lost and it is completely understandable -specially if you've never been there- which is why we suggest you find for a place to live that is close to your new job. Commuting to and from work can be stressful if it's 20 miles away and with traffic it takes you more than an hour. 

"AAA TripTiks is a life saver!" says Tee from That's It Mommy

3.- Finding a new school for your kids can be a challenge, but now you can easily find information and details on schools online just visit  Great Schools or if you know local families ask them about what schools they can recommend. Keep in mind that the best way to choose a school is to visit them in person. In addition some schools are at full capacity so it is always best to contact them directly or their school district office. If it is out of the country you can do an online search, many schools have a Facebook page so give them a "like" and be in the know of what school life there is about. You also need to find out if they have a different school year calendar than the one in your country. For example in countries that are South of the Equator the seasons are different so their school year may start in February and end in December which means their summer break is December - February. 

4.- One of the most important decisions when moving is healthcare. Within the U.S. Doctors transfer your file for you others have a fee of $50 to provide you with that information and for you to hand deliver to your new physician. Make sure you contact your healthcare provider first and ask if they know any physician's in your new area. Insurance companies are also good help since they have lists of physician's that can fit the list of your requirements. 

"Start a binder once you know for sure you are moving with tabs: Moving checklist, healthcare {Doctor, Dentist referrals}, moving company information, school information, utilities, DMV and maps, address change list, connections, etc. This will help to find documents easily" says Raquel from Organized Island.  

5.- Inform your bank of your move so they don't block your debit/credit card thinking it was stolen. Also if you bank at a local Credit Union make sure you are allowed to live in a different City or County if not you will need to find a new nationwide bank and if you move outside the U.S. ask your bank if they are affiliated to any banks in the Country you will be moving to. 

6.- If you are moving within the U.S. your vehicle can be moved with you, but if you are moving abroad you have to make sure you have a pink slip for your vehicle to be exported. Legally you can't take a leased vehicle outside of the country or one that is still owed to the bank. 

"Learn to use local transportation" suggests Mary from Let's Play O.C.

7.- Does the country you are moving to speak the same language you do? If not consider taking some language lessons before moving. 

8.- Housing can be a bit tricky to find from a distance, you can search craigslist but the best way to choose and lease a place is to visit before and check out each possible option for yourself. Reviews are always helpful, but not all properties have them. Here in the Bay Area craigslist is the best way to go, since most properties offer exclusive offers that are valid for a week. Leasing is the best option, until you are certain that you will not be moving in the next 6+ years. 

"Go to the websites of your favorite stores. Search for store locations near where you are looking to live. For example: I always search for Starbucks, Target and Nordstrom. I want to that know I can get coffee, go buy my essentials and enjoy an afternoon of shopping within reasonable drive." says Suzanne from Sprinkled Nest

9.- Will you be moving your belongings? if not make sure you contact moving companies and ask for a list of their service in writing. Quotes are accurate only when they have visited your home to see the volume of items they will be moving. Look for a company that has insurance in case your belongings are damaged or missing. Do not trust over the phone quotes.

10.- Moving is stressful, but you can make it work. Keep a list of all items and identify boxes. Start packing as early as you can and consider downsizing your belongings. Maybe you won't need that many books? or there are toys your kids do not play with anymore. Take advantage and make a "sell", "donate", "give" and "keep" pile and sort through every cupboard, drawer and closet. You might be surprised at all the things you no longer use or need. 

11.- If you are moving outside of your country of residence make sure you have all your documents in order. Such as passport, birth certificates, apply for visas and contact that country's consulate to see what you need to live there. 

"Make sure you know where the U.S. embassy is in your new home country. Also make sure you have an international prepaid phone -Net10 has one and their international plan is $65/month" says Xenia from Raised by Culture.