Moving into your new home is a big job.  The further you plan in advance, the smoother it will go.  This list contains most of the big tasks you’ll need to do and suggested timeframes.  Depending on your situation, you might be able to delete (or may need to add) some items.

8 WEEKS BEFORE

Call moving companies for estimates.

Remove and dispose of unnecessary possessions.

Start compiling an inventory of your possessions.

Get a floor plan (with room dimensions) of your new home to help you decide which furnishings you want to keep and which room they will go in.

Start a file of moving-related papers and receipts.

Locate schools, healthcare professionals and hospitals in your new location.

Arrange to transfer your children’s school records and family medical records.

6 WEEKS BEFORE

Secure off-site storage.

Choose a mover and sign contract.

Contact your homeowner’s insurance agent about coverage for moving and secure more.

Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

4 WEEKS BEFORE

Create a file of important papers, such as auto license, registration documents and title; any medical, dental and school records; birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock certificates, and other financial documents.

Notify the following of your change of address:

• Post office
• Banks
• Credit card companies
• Relatives and friends
• Insurance agent, lawyer, tax/financial advisor
• Magazine subscriptions

Notify utility companies of date to discontinue/transfer service and/or establish service at your new home.  Also arrange for final readings and bills, including refunds on prepaid services.

• Electric
• Heating oil
• Internet service
• Natural gas
• Telephone
• Television
• Trash collection
• Water

Notify your state’s department of motor vehicles of your new address.

If moving from an apartment, arrange for refund of your security deposit.

Discontinue additional home services (housekeeper, gardener/lawn service, snow removal, and pool cleaner).

Start using up things you can’t move, such as perishables.

3 WEEKS BEFORE

Make travel plans.

Make arrangements with condo or homeowner’s association to reserve elevator usage time if moving into or out of a high rise building.

Arrange to close existing bank accounts and open new accounts in new area.

Arrange for child care on moving day.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.

Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move.

1 WEEK BEFORE

Pack moving-essential boxes—important documents, travel clothes, personal items and prescription medications.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

Confirm all final arrangements with your mover and other service providers.

"Buying a Home this Spring? Use Our Moving Checklist!" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

Houston took the top spot on U-Haul’s list of destination cities for relocation in 2011. San Antonio also attracted many new residents from other cities, ranking at number five, followed by Austin at number six. Other Texas cities in the top 50 include Dallas (15), Plano (35) and Fort Worth (44).

Rounding out the top five were Orlando, Fla., at number two, followed by Las Vegas (three) and Chicago (four).

U-Haul considers data for movers traveling more than 50 miles using its trucks.

"Texas Cities Magnet For Relocation" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

"Is NOW a Good Time to Sell or Buy a Home in Northwest Houston?" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

Speaking Wednesday at the 2012 Houston Housing Forecast, Inselmann predicted the number of home starts will rise from 18,000 in 2011 to as much as 20,500 this year.

He also also predicted sales of existing single-family homes will increase by at least 10 percent, rising from 2011′s 54,000 to as much as 59,400 this year.

"10% Increase Predicted for Houston Home Starts, Sales" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

"RREA Can Help You Relocate to Houston" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

"Relocating to Houston, Texas?" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

If you are planning a move to the Houston area, the Realtors at Register Real Estate Advisors would like to be the first to welcome and assist you with all of your real estate needs.  As Relocation Specialist, we can help you sell your current property anywhere in the world and find a new one in our area.  Our brokerage offers Real Estate Advisors that have exceptional training and they are willing to show you can home on the market.  We help relocate families all over the globe. 

Please call us today so we can help you narrow your search area and give you a lot of helpful information about the communities in the surrounding areas.  We would like to help you with all of your relocation needs and our website offers a wealth of information.  You can search the entire Houston MLS database on our website and see our featured listings.  You can read our award winning blog and catch up on all the latest housing news in the Houston area.  Please call us today so we can get started. 

When you talk to your human resources coordinator, ask for our brokerage and agents by name because they are the best trained agents!  One call for all of your real estate needs – 281.288.3500.

"Register Real Estate Advisors can help you Relocate to the Houston Area" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

"Relocation Specialist in Houston, Texas" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

"Moving to Houston?" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.

"Relocating to Houston, Texas" was brought to you by the outstanding agents at Register Real Estate Advisors.