Here in the Charlottesville area many residents often remark that we have a transient population as people move here for either work or schooling at UVA for several years and then move on, or come to work for many local businesses and then get transferred to another area in Virginia or out of state.
The same reasons that make Charlottesville so attractive for people moving here for the first time – the Blue Ridge Mountains, beautiful four-season weather, special music venues, the Downtown Mall – can also make it difficult to leave.
On top of moving your possessions, selling your home, and saying goodbye to old friends, it can be hard to remember the things you need to do in order to set up the new life waiting for you in a new locale.
To help with the transition, create a checklist and follow this handy guide to make your move smoother.
Banks
Check your new city to see if your bank has a branch nearby. If not, you may need to switch banks; this is especially true if it’s regional. Don’t forget to grab anything you have in your safety deposit box as well.
Medical Needs
If you can, have your current doctor call in prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new town. This will give you time to pick out the right doctor—not just one that is available.
Keep your old doctor’s number so you can contact them when you need any paperwork forwarded to your new doctor.
If you’re keeping your health insurance plan, look for doctors in your new area that will accept it. If you need to switch providers or update your plan, try to do so before you move.
If not, ask your insurance agent for a recommendation, call the local chamber of commerce or research companies online.
Things to Transfer
Formally resign or transfer memberships from any local organizations, gyms, associations, and clubs. Be aware that canceling before your membership has completed can result in early termination fees. Factor it into your moving costs and move on.
For safekeeping, ask the school system to make copies of all your children’s records for you to take with you.
Clean out the Kitchen
About a month before moving, be sure to start using up any frozen goods so that you avoid waste. Try to use up, give away, or donate any unopened food in your pantry. These items can be bulky and heavy to transport.
Check the Car
Tune up the car to avoid a breakdown on the way to your new home. If you have a trusted mechanic, ask if they can refer you to another near your new address.
If it’s a long road trip, pack a first-aid kit just to be safe. This should contain bandages, bug spray, sunburn spray, tissues and medications you or your family will need along the way.
Final Closure for Moving
Moving can be tough on the whole family. To bring a sense of closure for everyone, try these six tips:
- Visit local spots that hold dear memories. Take snapshots or a short video for keepsake purposes.
- Host your own going-away party. If you have children encourage them to invite their friends. This is a good-bye for everyone—including friends, neighbors, former teachers, and colleagues.
- Take one last walk through the house, noting spots you’ll never want to forget.
- Take a picture of you or your family in front of the old house.
- Take a picture in front of the new house. Display both photos side-by-side somewhere in the new place for everyone to see easily.
- If you can, make plans to visit your old hometown within the first year after your move. Visit friends and drive past your old home, through neighborhoods, and landmarks. This post-move reconnection with dear friends and fond memories will help your family bring finality to the move — even after you’ve settled into your new digs.
