Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, relocating to a new area can be both exciting and stressful.
Chances are good that you’ll be changing more than your address. Besides a new home, you may also be searching for new jobs, schools, doctors, restaurants, stores, and more. You’ll need to pack and make moving arrangements—and possibly sell your old home.
With so much to do, you may be wondering: Where do I start?
This guide can serve as your roadmap, providing essential information and insights to ease your transition and save you time, money, and hassle along the way. Inside you’ll find tips to help you choose a community, find your new home, sell your current home, plan your departure, prepare for your arrival, and get settled.
To avoid getting overwhelmed, focus on one step at a time. And don’t hesitate to ask for support! We’re here as a resource to help make your relocation as pleasant and painless as possible.
Choosing a Community
When planning a relocation, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is where you want to live. This could be as broad as an area of town, or you might narrow it down to a specific neighborhood.
You’ll want to consider a variety of factors, such as:
- Proximity to Work – Map out the commute to your workplace and the availability of public transportation, if you plan to use it.
- Amenities – Make a list of essential amenities you’d like nearby such as grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, and parks.
- Neighborhood Vibe – Visit the area to gauge its atmosphere and characteristics, such as walkability, retail offerings, and population density.
- Cost of Living – Evaluate property prices, rent, utility costs, and overall affordability of different neighborhoods to match your financial situation and needs.
- Schools – If you have children or plan to in the future, consider the public schools they would be zoned to attend or the proximity to your preferred private schools.
- Safety – Look up local crime statistics and evaluate safety measures, like street lighting and speed bumps.
Neighborhood Profiles
Researching the ins and outs of various neighborhoods can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult. Whether you’re completely new to the area or a local considering a move within Santa Fe, I’ve got you covered! Each community offers unique amenities and characteristics, making them top choices for residents and newcomers alike. For a local’s inside look into the top communities in Santa Fe, check out the Community Profile Page.
Find Your New Home
If you choose me to represent you, you can rest easy knowing that I will be there for you throughout the entire journey, working hard to make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
While every real estate transaction is different, here are the basic steps you can expect to undertake when you buy a home:
Selling Your Current Home
If you already own a home, you’ll also need to start the process of either selling it or renting it out. But selling your home when you still need to shop for a new one can feel daunting to even the most seasoned homeowner.
Here are some of the most frequent concerns I hear from clients who are trying to buy and sell at the same time, plus some expert tips for handling them:
“WHAT WILL I DO IF I SELL MY HOUSE BEFORE I CAN BUY A NEW ONE?”
Open your mind to short-term housing options.
Check out furnished apartments, vacation rentals, and month-to-month leases. You may even find that a short-term rental arrangement can offer you an opportunity to get to know your new neighborhood better.
“WHAT IF I GET STUCK WITH TWO MORTGAGES AT THE SAME TIME?”
Ask me about contingencies that can be included in your contracts.
For example, it’s possible to add a contingency to your purchase offer that lets you cancel the contract if you haven’t sold your previous home. We can discuss the pros and cons of these types of tactics and what’s realistic given the current market dynamics.
“WHAT IF I MESS UP MY TIMING OR BURN OUT FROM ALL THE STRESS?”
Enlist help early.
It’s my job to guide you and advocate on your behalf. So don’t be afraid to lean on me throughout the process. I’m here to ease your burden and make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.
I can help you evaluate your options based on current market conditions. I’ll also give you an idea of how much equity you have in your current home so you know how much you can afford to spend on your new one.
Planning Your Departure
Preparing for a move can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with me, I’ll be there every step of the way to help you navigate this process with ease.
To that end, here are some tips to help you plan for your departure.
- Prepare Your Children
Moving can be especially difficult for our youngest family members. If you have children, communicate the move in an age-appropriate way. If possible, take them on a tour of your new home and neighborhood. This can alleviate some of the mystery and apprehension around the move.
- Decide What to Take
Use this opportunity to declutter your belongings by sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will not only streamline your packing process but also help you start fresh in your new home with only the items you truly need and love.
- Start Packing
To maintain order and make unpacking easier, pack one room at a time. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time and effort when unpacking in your new home.
- Plan to Move Your Belongings
If you will be using a moving company, start researching and pricing your options. Make sure you’re working with a reputable company, and try to avoid paying a large deposit before your belongings are delivered.
- Transfer Schools
Let your child’s current school or daycare know you’ll be moving and ask for any necessary forms. Arrange to have all records transferred to their new district.
- Turn Off Utilities
Once you know your moving date, you can arrange to have your utilities turned off or, if possible, transferred into the new homeowner’s name.
- Arrange for Transportation
If you plan to drive to your new home, map out the route, and, if necessary, make arrangements for overnight accommodations along the way. If driving is not a good option, you may need to have your vehicles transported and make travel arrangements for you, your family, and your pets.
- Schedule Final Get-Togethers
If you will be leaving friends or family behind, schedule final get-togethers before your departure. The last days before moving can be incredibly hectic, so make sure you block off some time in advance for proper goodbyes.
- Prep Your Home for New Owners
If you’re selling your home, don’t forget that you’ll need to leave it clean and ready for the new owners. After your belongings have been removed, you’ll need to set aside time to clean it yourself or have it professionally done. Also, be sure to leave behind any keys, garage door openers, warranty documents, etc. I can help you determine what should (and shouldn’t) be left for the new owners.
Prepare for your arrival
While it’s tempting to get wrapped up in the departure details, don’t forget to plan ahead for your arrival at your new home. To make your transition go smoothly, you should start preparing well before moving day.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Label Your Essentials
You’ll need a few items (think toothbrush, towels, bedsheets) to make it through the first night in your new home. Designate some boxes with “Open Me First!” labels. (Pro tip: Keep a tool kit front and center for all that reassembling.)
- Turn On Utilities
Arrange in advance for your utilities to be turned on, especially essentials like water, electricity, and gas. You may also want to schedule Internet and cable service in advance.
- Update Your Address
Notify any relevant parties—banks, credit cards, subscriptions, etc.—about your change of address so you don’t miss any important bills, notices, or deliveries. You’ll also want to notify the post office and submit a mail forwarding request.
- Enroll in School
If you have children, ask about the process to register them for school. If possible, schedule a tour so they can see their campus and meet their new teachers in advance.
- Prep Your New Home
You may want to have the house professionally cleaned before moving in. And if you plan to remodel, paint, or install new flooring, it’s easier to have it done before you bring in all of your belongings.
- Consider Transportation
If you own a car, check the requirements for a driver’s license and vehicle registration in your new area and contact your insurance company to update your policy. If you will utilize public transportation, research options and schedules.
- Research Your New “Go To” Spots
Create a list of all the restaurants you want to try and places you want to visit around your newly purchased home. Having a to-explore list keeps everyone’s spirits high and gives you starting points to settle into the neighborhood.
Get Settled
Studies show that moving can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.* However, there are ways to combat these negative effects.
Here are a few strategies to help you and your family get settled in the new space:
- Prioritize Your Kids
If you have children, unpack their rooms first. Seeing familiar items will help ease their transition and establish a “safe zone” where they can hang out away from the chaos. If possible, let them have a say in how their room is set up.
- Make a Plan for Pets
Pets can also get overwhelmed by a new, unfamiliar space. Let them adjust to a single room first, which should include their favorite toys, treats, food and water bowl, and a litter box for cats. Once they seem comfortable, you can gradually introduce them to other rooms in the home.
- Get Organized
As you unpack, make a list of items that need to be purchased so you’re not making multiple trips to the store. Also, start a list of needed repairs and installations. If you have a home warranty, find out what’s covered and the process for filing a service order.
- Explore Your New Neighborhood
Try to schedule breaks to get out of your house and investigate your new area. And if you travel by foot or bicycle, you’ll gain the mood-boosting advantages of fresh air and exercise.
- Get Plugged In
Combat feelings of isolation by making an effort to meet people in your new community. Find a local interest group, take a class, join a place of worship, or volunteer for a cause. Don’t wait for friends to come knocking on your door. Instead, go out and find them.
*Pyschology Today, Why You’re Miserable After a Move
Next Steps
I specialize in assisting home buyers and sellers with a seamless and “less-stress” relocation. Along with a referral network of moving companies, contractors, cleaning services, interior designers, and other home service providers, I can help take the hassle and headache out of your upcoming move.
So if you are considering moving to Santa Fe, I invite you to reach out to me using the contact information below. I would love the opportunity to learn more about your specific situation and start your relocation journey.
