Seven Secrets to a Successful Relocation
by Joanne Victoria of New Directions

Did you know that over 25 per cent of Americans move each and every year? That's a lot of moving. However, many of these individuals and families who relocate, are not always happy after they move into their new home. They may find the home they like, be drawn into the deal, yet have no knowledge of where they are moving to and what they are in for.

Listed below are Seven Secrets to a Successful Relocation that will help eliminate some of the surprises involved in a relocation.

1. Subscribe to the local newspapers:
Before you sign on the dotted line for the house you think you love, subscribe to the local newspaper. Better yet, subscribe to all the newspapers, as well as the closest large metropolitan newspaper. This step will help you discover what is going on the area, politically and economically.

Note: Be sure and read the Letters to the Editor as this will provide insight as to what is really important to the citizens of your newly chosen home.
- What is most important to the residents of this area?
- What is the budget for new roads?
- What are the most consistent headlines?
- Is major reconstruction in the works for bridges or roads?
You can subscribe to the hard copy or go online and receive news from anywhere.

2. Check out the local Chambers of Commerce Websites:

Your local Chambers will provide further insights to the most important issues in the economic development of your newly chosen region.

- What businesses are most successful?
- What are the resources for your business?

- Which is the largest and most powerful chamber?

- What will your chamber dues provide you?

3. Check out the websites for the local Builder's Associations:

The only way to discover what current construction projects, either commercial or residential are in the works - is to refer to the people who actually do the construction.

- Is there any new construction near your home?

- Check the archives for building permits in this new location.

- Discover the number of new homes currently under construction

4. Check the local city website:

Is there a tax increase on the way for your new home? Go to the local city website to review upcoming city budgets as well as current Mayor's reports.

- Check minutes reports of city council meetings.

- Review parks, fire department and other.

- Check economic development departments for future changes

Note: Check the city websites for surrounding communities. Each city is affected by another, so discover what is planned for the surrounding communities.

5. Locate information about the utilities in this area:

- Who are the providers for your gas, electric and water?

- Can you recycle? What is the cost for each and every utility?

- Is there a deposit required to obtain utilities and trash services?

- Is the process simple or difficult, i.e., can it be done over the phone or Internet?

- Are there any rates changes on the horizon?

6. Check out auto/business licensing online:

Some states require new licenses and/or registration within 30 days. This might seem like long time, however, with all of the drama and emotion that comes with relocation, 30 days will go by like a heartbeat.

Check the state website for your business requirements, as well as your automobile needs. You may find that license requirements are a drastic change from your old location.

7. Check what’s legal to buy in your new state:

If you are from California, or any other state where you can purchase anything at any time, double check what's legal to purchase in your local grocery store. For example, you may not be able to purchase liquor in your grocery or any place other than a state run liquor store. And when you do purchase in a local state run liquor store, you may be charged numerous taxes on your purchase. Not everything will be as it was in your old community. Be prepared as much as you can. Don't let these details hinder your move, just use as much information as possible so there are fewer surprises along the way.

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Copyright  2001-2007 Joanne Victoria, All rights reserved.

Joanne Victoria is a 25-year Core Vision Strategist, who works with entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to gain clarity and focus so they can achieve more of what they really want. Joanne is the author of 3 books including: Vision With a Capital V- Create the Business of Your Dreams.