Most Overlooked Tasks on Your Moving Checklist

Relocating to Northern Colorado is exciting for most homeowners. However, if you’re dreading the big ‘Move’ you can ease some apprehension by staying organized and having a plan. In this week’s article we uncover some most overlooked tasks on your moving checklist, bringing them to the forefront.  Take a 3-minute read saving time when remembering to get these important things done.

Register Your Pet’s with the New Address

It’s not unusual for your pets to become disoriented or need some time to adjust to their new surroundings. More importantly, you need to change your address with Larimer County to ensure your dog or cat (if chipped) has the correct address in the event they escape the yard. Also, if your cat is an indoor-outdoor pet, you will need to know the laws. Larimer County bans free roaming cats in city limits.  Animal protection in places like Fort Collins and Loveland consider felines as a nuisance to native species of birds where you can be ticketed if your furry family member is found. Be sure to know your territory and register your pets to avoid issues.

Switch Your Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration

You have up to 30-days to report to Colorado DMV for your change of address and obtaining a new driver’s license. Prepare all the documents such as birth certificates and divorce paperwork (If any) when moving to another state. You must prove citizenship and proper name to get a Colorado driver’s license. Colorado is one of the strictest states for vehicle registration and proper identification. Also, you’ll be given a temporary license but will need to give up your previous one if they required, unless you’re in the military or have two residences. **Remember, there could be a longer wait time with Covid19 issues.

Notify the Post Office and Postal Carrier

Notifying your postal carrier and filing the proper material for USPS can expedite your mail and deliveries. We mentioned this in another blog, but here we go again. Be sure to write your name on a piece of paper and tape to the interior of the mailbox for your deliverer to know who is at the residence. Not only are you helping them, you’ll get your items faster.

Turn on Your Utilities

Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your utility companies. Some (Cable and Internet Providers) of them may have a long wait time or be unavailable. For instance, cable companies are always on a lengthy waiting time for installation, unless the home is pre-wired. Make your life easier, contacting the electric company to schedule within a few days of your move so you won’t miss out.

Notify any Businesses of Your Move to Northern Colorado

Notifying businesses such as credit card companies, banks, and loans helps avoid any discrepancies for the future. Be sure to reach them as soon as you can to stay current on payments if you’re still receiving bills. More importantly, some credit companies place security holds on cards if they recognize unusual activity in another state. Most likely, you can get through but waiting on hold when you’re mid-stream in the moving process is not fun. Take care of this early to avoid problems.

Take Time to Relax

Relaxing is vital to your health, especially after you move. With everything needing to be done both before and after you move, you’ll enjoy some TLC. Book a day at the local spa, take a mini-vacation or just lie around in your jammies watching Netflix. Whatever makes you happy and allows you to recharge is going to make you whole again. 

Hire Moving Company

Moving companies are one of the most challenging when it comes to hiring due to irregularity of prices. Booking them for your date seems to take a minor miracle, not to mention your email will be swamped with advertisements and quotes. Start your search for movers early. Ask if they offer any discounts and get a contract. Whenever you can, get a referral.

Clean Cupboards and Donate Canned Foods to Charity

Cleaning your cupboards of old cans and boxed foods (Non-perishable) is a necessity. However, you can do some philanthropy by donating to places like the Salvation Army or the Colorado Food Bank Association.  Sure, beat the heck out of lugging these items with you and will be less to move.

Don’t forget to Change Your Voting Address

Don’t forget to change your address to vote. We’ll admit it only seems important during elections, but voter registration is a privilege and a necessity if we want to have a smooth economy amongst other topics.  Also, you’ll want to make sure you change your voter’s registration.

Request Time Off from Work for the Move

No one wants to squeeze in the move while working 40+ hours a week. Make sure you request your time off with your boss and don’t wait till last minute.  During Spring, Summer and Fall you may find your boss gets several requests for the same event, therefore it’s good to ask in advance to stay on his/her pleasant side.

Take Photos and Video of Belongings

We can’t stress enough how important it is to take video and pictures of your belongings. For one, do this for your homeowner’s insurance in the event your items are stolen or damaged. Most moving companies provide vetted employees, but in case they don’t you’ll have proof of your property. Not to mention, in some cases your homeowner’s insurance may cover damages or repairs and a photo is good to have.

Prepare for Your First Few Night at the New House

Preparing for the first few nights at the new house will make things so much easier. Even if you’re planning on ordering pizza or picking up a bucket of chicken, you will want to plan for this ahead of time. You will be busy. Stopping midstream to pick up dinner might be difficult. Consider taking a poll on what everyone wants to eat while unpacking boxes. Determining the meal is best to do prior to the move so everyone stays productive. In addition, keep items like toiletries and bedding in a separate place from the rest of your belongings this will allow them to be easily accessible.

Keep Cash on Hand for Tipping Movers and Other Items

Seemingly enough, almost every homeowner moving across country or county, will share the importance of keeping cash on hand while moving. Whether you need to tip the movers or need to send the ‘Go-for’ to Target, you’ll be happy you have cash, rather than your credit card. You’ll want to find out where all the local ATM’s are in the area when you first move. While most grocery and convenience stores have a machine, they can become costly with fees. Best to keep some cash on hand at all times to avoid making the trip.

Find New Doctors, Dentists, and Vet

Whether you’re seeking medical or dental attention, you can ask for a referral.  However, in the event there’s an emergency you’re going to want to find these professionals immediately. In the event you’re moving across country or to another city, you’ll want those recommendations right away. Avoid trying to manage this information during an unforeseen disaster. Get the right people right away.

While moving to another city can seem daunting, keep your hopes up knowing you’ll eventually get to settle into your new home. The excitement should cover any apprehension and the more prepared you are the less stressful the move. Keep this list in mind for future references to help ease the pain of relocating and you’ll be just fine. Remember, you can always contact your Realtor® for any recommendations. 

Let us know what you think of our articles and what other topics you want to learn more.