For full transparency, this blog post was written with the help of AI. But it was so good, I had to keep most of it! So enjoy it. It’s actually really good info!!
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting task. Fort Collins, Colorado, known for its vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and friendly community, is a fantastic place to call home. To make your move to Fort Collins as smooth as possible, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned mover, this checklist will ensure you have everything covered.
Pre-Move Planning
1. Research Your New City
- Neighborhoods: Start by exploring the various neighborhoods in Fort Collins. Old Town is bustling and historic, while other areas like Harmony, Midtown and North Fort Collins offer different vibes and amenities.
- Cost of Living: Compare the cost of living in Fort Collins to your current city. Take into account housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.
- Local Amenities: Look into schools, hospitals, grocery stores, parks, and recreational facilities to get a feel for what’s available.
2. Budget for Your Move
- Moving Costs: Obtain quotes from moving companies if you’re using one. Don’t forget to include costs for packing materials, insurance, and any travel expenses. Pro tip – get 3 bids! They can vary dramatically.
- Housing Costs: Factor in costs for your new home, including down payments, rent, or mortgage payments, as well as utility setup fees and potential renovation costs.
- Miscellaneous Costs: Budget for things like cleaning services, temporary accommodation, and pet relocation services if applicable.
3. Visit Fort Collins
- House Hunting: Plan a trip to Fort Collins to tour potential neighborhoods and homes. Attend open houses and schedule viewings. One thing we do as a team is actually take you on a city tour in one of our vehicles! It’s been one of the BEST tools for people moving to the area to leverage. Reach out to us, here to get more info!
- Local Experience: Use this visit to familiarize yourself with the city. Visit local attractions, dine at restaurants, and engage with the community. We have a “things to do” email we’d love to send you with some ideas.
Preparing for the Move
4. Find a Moving Company or Truck Rental
- Compare Services: Research and compare different moving companies. Read reviews and ask for recommendations.
- Book Early: Book your moving company or rental truck well in advance to secure your preferred date.
- Inventory: Make a detailed inventory of your belongings to ensure nothing gets lost or left behind.
5. Declutter and Downsize
- Sort and Purge: Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. This will save time and money on moving costs.
- Garage Sale: Consider holding a garage sale or selling items online to reduce the amount you need to move.
6. Pack Strategically
- Gather Supplies: Stock up on packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers.
- Label Boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking much easier. Consider a color code system. “Orange dots go into the primary bedroom” that you can give to the mover.
- Pack Essentials: Pack a separate box of essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen items.
7. Notify Important Parties
- Address Change: Submit a change of address form with the postal service and update your address with banks, insurance companies, and subscriptions.
- Utilities: Arrange for utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) to be turned off at your old home and set up at your new one.
- School and Medical Records: If you have children, transfer their school records. Also, request your medical records and find new healthcare providers in Fort Collins.
The Move
8. Final Preparations
- Confirm Details: Confirm the moving date, time, and details with your moving company. Ensure they have your new address and contact information.
- Clean: Thoroughly clean your old home or arrange for a cleaning service. This is especially important if you’re a renter and want your security deposit back.
- Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
9. Moving Day
- Supervise Loading: Be present to supervise the loading of your belongings onto the moving truck. Ensure everything is handled with care.
- Keep Valuables Safe: Keep important documents, valuables, and personal items with you rather than in the moving truck.
- Last-Minute Checks: Double-check that all windows and doors are locked and that the utilities are turned off before leaving.
Settling In
10. Unpack and Organize
- Essentials First: Start by unpacking the essentials box so you have what you need for the first few days.
- Room by Room: Tackle unpacking one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Dispose of Packing Materials: Recycle boxes and packing materials as you go to keep your new home tidy.
11. Set Up Utilities and Services
- Utilities: Ensure all utilities are up and running. Contact providers if there are any issues.
- Internet and Cable: Set up your internet and cable services. This may require scheduling an installation appointment.
- Trash and Recycling: Familiarize yourself with the local trash and recycling pickup schedule.
12. Get to Know Your New Community
- Meet Neighbors: Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. They can be a great source of local information and make you feel more at home.
- Explore: Spend time exploring Fort Collins. Visit local parks, shops, and restaurants to get a feel for your new surroundings.
- Join Local Groups: Look for community groups or social media pages for Fort Collins residents. This can help you stay informed and meet new people.
Final Touches
13. Update Important Documents
- Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration: Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with your new address.
- Voter Registration: Register to vote in your new location.
- Insurance: Update your homeowners or renters insurance with your new address and ensure coverage is adequate.
14. Enjoy Your New Home
- Personalize: Add personal touches to make your new house feel like home. Decorate, hang pictures, and arrange furniture to your liking.
- Relax: Take time to relax and enjoy your new home and community. Moving can be stressful, so give yourself a break and celebrate this new chapter in your life.
Moving to Fort Collins is a wonderful opportunity to start fresh in a vibrant and welcoming community. By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and be well on your way to enjoying everything this beautiful city has to offer. Welcome to Fort Collins!
