Moving Checklist

• Even if you have a job lined up, you may not get your first paycheck for several weeks
• Think about up-front payments on your new apartment, new furnishings and living expenses, food and travel
• Think about working part-time or living at home for a few months before you move to save up cash

Contact people in the area

• Get in touch with people you know in the area via social media, reaching out to friends of friends, contacting relatives etc. You may need to crash on someone's couch or sublet a room for a short period of time.
• Ask "locals" for tips on neighborhoods/housing opportunities
  
• Don't forget to talk to LeTourneau alumni! Your fellow alumni will be a tremendous asset to you as you navigate the move to a new city. You can use LETU Alumni's LinkedIn Group to locate alumni by geographic area or contact the alumni team with questions. 

Take care of business

• There are lots of odds and ends to take care of when you relocate. This includes changing your driver's license (yup - the dreaded DMV!), registering your vehicle, change of address forms, registering to vote, looking into renter's insurance if you're in an apartment or rental home, etc.

Pack ALL types of clothing

• Research the "typical" weather in your new city but be prepared for anything! Even if you're moving in the fall, it may be chilly one day and blazing hot the next so you want to be prepared.
• Be sure to pack business professional clothing in addition to casual clothing - prepare for numerous situations 

Research the area

• Find out what neighborhoods are "safe," which are close to your new job or the areas you hope to work and what commute times look like.
• Utilize Google Maps for travel estimates between point A and B (walking, driving, public transportation). Airbnb's neighborhoods feature lets locals take pictures of their neighborhood and write descriptions so you can figure out which "vibe" is best for you. 

Getting Out and About

• Google is helpful but do ask around and test various routes
• Research public transportation options and test these before you start work or the day of the job interview! If you do choose to use public transportation frequently, look into passes and decide if it's worth it to buy a monthly pass, etc.If you're driving and access toll roads frequently look into a pass.
  
• It's helpful to have some rideshare apps in place. Some to look into include Uber, Gett and Lyft.

Set up a local bank account

• If you're moving to a new city it's a good idea to look into opening a bank account you can access in your new location.
• Do this BEFORE you get your first paycheck so you're not rushing around, check in hand, trying to open a bank account the same day. Your employer will likely offer automatic deposit but you'll need your bank account information ready

Figure out your grocery store situation

• You're going to need to eat and eating out can get really pricey. Your best bet is to go to the grocery store and get some supplies that will last you the week.
• Find a store that is not only nearby but is within your budget. You might visit Whole Foods for a few items but find a lower-priced grocery store for others.
• Look beyond grocery stores - farmers' markets, corner stores and other locations often have groceries and household supplies you're looking for at good prices. Sign up for Savings Catcher if you're a Walmart shopper and look for discount grocery stores in your area. 

Invest in a steamer

• With a steamer, you can easily hang up dress shirts, slacks and other clothing and steam out the wrinkles before heading to work. Much easier and requires less space and time than a traditional iron and ironing board. 

Figure out your fitness plan

• Moving to a new city might totally throw off your fitness plan. If you like to run, cycle or hike you can research local groups as a great way to meet new people and learn good local routes.
• Look into gyms, compare pricing, hours and location, classes that interest you, etc. Maybe there is a gym near your new job you can visit before or after work or during lunch or one that's convenient to your new apartment/house. 

Be a tourist

• Once you've lived in the city for a while, being "touristy" is going to be so uncool. But there's a lot of fun stuff you could potentially miss out on by adopting this attitude. Take advantage of your excitement upon first moving to a new city.
• Take a tour, try local dishes and restaurants, visit local museums and parks.
• Stop by the Visitor's Center for information on your new city's highlights! Pick up brochures, flyers, coupons and more. Great resource!
• Friends and family will want to come visit so being a tourist will help you show them a great time in your new city 

Get Social

• Pay attention to all the cool stuff your new city has going on. Free events like festivals and parades can be a lot of fun. Some may cost money (concerts, races, etc.) but are worth the time and money.
  
• Meet your neighbors! Say "Hi" and introduce yourself. Strike up a conversation if you can. You never know when you may need someone to help you out on occasion - watching your pet, keeping an eye on your house when you're out of town, loaning you a cup of sugar and more.

More Resources

5 Things to do after moving     The Ultimate Moving Checklist     What do you Need for your First Apartment?     Your First Apartment Checklist     First Things to do