Post pandemic, many companies have made it possible for their employees to work from anywhere - and that means it's easier than ever to live in the location of your dreams.
Whether you want a laid-back lifestyle, family friendly neighborhood, or an affordable cost of living, relocating to the Lynchburg area is a great choice. The population has grown by 4% since 2020 and it is poised for rapid growth over the next five years
Of course, as you prepare to move, there are so many things to take care of. Relocation can be stressful, even overwhelming—but keep in mind that there are several steps you can take to make the process smoother for everyone.
With that in mind, here are the 10 things to make sure you do when relocating your family to the Lynchburg Metro area.
1. WORK WITH A SKILLED REALTOR®
A great REALTOR knows the real estate market you’re moving to inside and out, which makes them an expert on many of the concerns you’ll have when relocating. They’ll learn your preferences and show you the best properties that fit your ideal location, features, size, and price. And they handle negotiations and other details so you have plenty of time to concentrate on other vital areas—from job hunting and school enrollment to packing and coordinating the move.
2. DISCUSS THE RELOCATION WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
Moving goes more smoothly when every member is involved in the conversation as early as possible. Talk through what’s happening, and give everyone an opportunity to share their thoughts. Seek input on the decision-making. Involve children as well by finding out any concerns they have so that you can address them.
3. PARE DOWN YOUR POSSESSIONS
The best way to make packing less stressful is to first get rid of anything you don’t need or haven’t used in years. Don’t take it with you if you won’t use it in the future. Have a garage sale and donate anything you don’t sell. Schedule a pickup for that couch you plan to replace, rather than hauling it to your new home. Remember, unless an item has sentimental value, you can easily get a new one after the move if you decide you need it after all.
4. PACK EARLY
While packing boxes isn’t usually anyone’s favorite activity, it must be done. And it’s better to do it over a period of time. You’ll reduce your stress by starting the process weeks ahead of the move. Start with the largest rooms. Find everything you don’t have to use before moving day, and put these items in labeled boxes. Also, if some items can be moved or placed in storage before the actual moving day, do so.
5. ORGANIZE EVERY ROOM
As you pack items into boxes, write down a list of every item inside it on a piece of paper and place it inside for later reference. Also, label the outside of the box with the room it is for, and number it. Marking and detailing every box saves time and headaches when it comes time to unpack. Upon opening the box, a packing list will be available in case you need to quickly find something important.
6. WORK WELL WITH YOUR MOVERS
Choose a moving company that comes highly recommended in terms of service and reliability. Make sure everything is appropriately packed before they arrive, or arrange ahead of time to have their help with packing so there are no unexpected costs or delays. Check-in with them as moving day approaches to verify the reservation. Provide them a list of rooms and a map of the new house so they can place the appropriately marked boxes in the correct rooms.
7. RECRUIT HELPERS
Even if you can afford to pay movers, you’ll still need help packing and unpacking, cleaning, and other tasks. Inviting friends and family to help ahead of time will make the relocation process easier and less stressful. And consider having someone watch any small children during the actual move-in date, so they’ll be safely occupied elsewhere while heavy items are being transported.
8. CHANGE ADDRESS INFORMATION
As soon as you know your new address and the date you’ll make it official, start contacting anyone who needs to make the address change. It’s best to directly contact utility companies, internet and cable services, the post office, important organizations, credit card companies, and banks. You’ll also want to inform doctors, magazines, and other subscriptions, Amazon, and other online services.
9. GIVE YOUR OLD PROPERTY A FINAL CHECK BEFORE LEAVING
Once everything is moved out completely, do a final review of things like water, gas, and electricity to be sure they are shut off. Check every room, including the garage, attic, and shed for any overlooked items.
10. TAKE TIME TO SETTLE INTO YOUR NEW HOME
Know that relocating is a process, not an event. You’ll need time after the move to get used to your surroundings. Unpack the most important items, but don’t try to do too much at once, or you’ll risk injuring yourself. Find out if your new town or city has a visitors’ center or welcome website so you can gather some handy information about your new home.
MOVING IS A BREEZE WITH A REALTOR ON YOUR SIDE
Relocating to a new home is a lot easier when you have an expert guide on your side. I have extensive experience in helping families relocate, whether it’s to a new neighborhood, across the city, or in a different state. I will listen to your preferences, craft a plan, and handle all the negotiations so you can focus on packing and coordinating your move.
