The Ultimate Triangle Relocation Guide
Regardless of where you are moving from, if you are relocating from another state, region or country, it’s a daunting task to move everything you have from one area to another. I hope this guide will give you something tangible to help make the transition a little bit easier!
BEFORE YOUR MOVE
1. Sell Your Current Home or Leave Your Rental
4. SCHEDULE MOVERS
Once your home is under contract, schedule a date for the movers to come.
3. MOVING COMPANY
When you choose a moving company be sure to get several quotes and read online reviews
2. CHOOSE SELLING AGENT
If you need help finding an awesome agent, contact me here.
1. CLEAN & DECLUTTER
Use this awesome checklist to prepare your home for sale.
8. GIVE RENTAL NOTICE
Check your lease to see how much notice you are required to give. It’s usually between 30-60 days. Give noticed at the appropriate time.
7. TURN ON UTILITIES
Schedule the utilities to be turned on in your new home. You can find links to all Triangle area utility companies below.
6. TURN OFF UTILITIES
Utilities for the sold house must remain in your name through the day of closing.
5. 1ST HOUSE CLOSING
If you will be moving before your first house closes, get a power of attorney to sign your documents. This can be your Realtor.
2. Gather Records
1. MEDICAL RECORDS
Get copies of your medical records for all members of your family. Don’t forget specialists and dentists.
2. PRESCRIPTIONS
Move all prescriptions to a national drug store chain or ask your doctor for new written prescriptions to be filled in North Carolina.
3.STORE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
In NC, you will need your child’s immunization records, certified birth certificate and any custody papers to register for school. Here is a complete list of what you will need. Keep these documents in a file with you rather than with the movers.
3. Protect Valuables
1. MAKE RECORDS OF VALUABLES
Take pictures of all your valuables. Preferably video tape your home prior to the movers showing up. This will help if there are any claims later.
2. MAIL
Forward your mail to your new address in North Carolina.
4. Organize Your Packing
4. PACK ESSENTIALS BOX
Pack an “Essentials Box” — This is a single box that contains everything you will need for your first night in your new home. Label the box well so you can find it easily… The list below shows the contents of the essentials box,
3. PROTECT VALUABLES
Pack all items that cannot be replaced and take them with you. Don’t leave anything that you can’t 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.
2. LABELING
Use colored packing tape, labeled moving tape or room labels to organize your boxes. On each box, indicate the items that are in the box. You can also number each box and create a spreadsheet with this information as well. If you want to find an item, you won’t have to physically read every box, you can just use the search function on your computer to determine which box your item is in.
1. MORE DECLUTTERING
In the months preceding your move, you will be continually decluttering drawers and closets. Donate or dispose of what you don’t want. Pack everything you can live without for a few months.
Essentials Box
1. Roll of paper towels
2. Can Opener
3. Roll of Toilet Paper for each bathroom in the house
4. Set of silverware for each person
5. Paper Plates
6. Plastic Cups
7. Sharp Knife
8. Small Cutting Board
9. Screwdriver
10. Hammer
11. Picture Hanging Kit
12. Pair of Pliers
13. An Electric Drill
14. Box Cutter for Each Adult
15. Dish Towel
16. One Bath Towel for Each Person
17. First Aid Kit
5. Mail & Finances
1. MEDICAL RECORDS
Get copies of your medical records for all members of your family. Don’t forget specialists and dentists.
2. MAIL
Forward your mail to your new address in North Carolina.
3. BANKING
Close your bank account if it is with a local bank. Switching before the move to a national bank can make the transition easier.
4. TAXES & INVESTMENTS
Contact the IRS, investment accounts, insurance agents and creditors to change your address.
5. EMPLOYMENT
Give notice to your employer and to any volunteer organizations you work with.
YOUR NEW LOCATION
1. Establish Residency
1. DRIVER’S LICENSE
If you are changing states, apply for a new driver’s license. If you are moving from another NC location, update your address on your license. You must update your driver’s license before you can register your vehicle.
2. REGISTER CARS
Register your vehicles in North Carolina. You can find the nearest location here. You will have about 30 days to register your new vehicle after moving to NC, depending on the state you came from.
3. SCHOOL
Register your kids for school. You’ll find a complete list of documents needed for registration here.
4. MEDICAL CARE
Find new doctors and dentists and provide them with copies of your medical records.
5. BANKING
Set up new bank accounts if you didn’t already do so before you moved.
6. INSURANCE
Update your insurance to include your new home and notify your auto insurance of your change of address. Include any adjustments for new personal property. Remember to order additional riders for computers and high value jewelry.
Quick Tip!
In most states, driver’s licenses and vehicle tags are applied for in the same location. In North Carolina this is done in different locations. You can find a list of locations for both services here.
2. Set Up House
1. MOVERS
Meet movers at the new house. Have them deliver boxes into the rooms they belong in. Make sure they line boxes against the walls so you can still move through the house. Locate your “Essentials Box” and open it.
2. UNPACK
Unpack as soon as possible, starting with the kitchen. Take pictures of anything that was damaged and file claims in a timely fashion. Movers have deadlines for paying out damages from moves.
3. TECHNOLOGY
Set up your computer and confirm that it is still operational. Restore files, if necessary.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Harmony Realty provides a concierge service, free of charge, that will schedule your moving company and turn on all utilities at a negotiated rate with one phone call!
Packing Links
Week-by-Week Packing Checklist
Residency Links
All Newcomer Vehicle Information
Wake County Schools Registration
Utility Links
Utility Links
Trash Service Outside City Limits
If you need help finding a new home, we would love to hear from you! Call or text 919-725-1885. Or use the link below to schedule an appointment.
