When making a move, the things you focus on are typically finding the right home, inspections, mortgage-related documentation, working towards closing on the new home, and packing. Don't forget the "little" things! There are so many things going on through your mind when moving, and for most, you are still working at your old job, or even possibly, you've started your new job already. So many little things get put off, delayed or forgotten until the last moment. Here are some ideas to help you focus on getting some of those "other" details handled.

Child(ren) Registration: If you have children and they are in need of day care, or are school-aged children, you need to locate the right school for your kids and get them set up for attendance. If it is day care, you will need to visit the nearby centers to decide which one fits your expectations for care, and your budget. If this is delayed until after you move, there is a possibility that your first or second choice is already booked to capacity. Plan ahead and begin this process as soon as you have found the right home. If your children are school age, the public schools will typically permit registration based on a fully executed contract, and is solidified by presenting them with the closing statement typically known as the HUD-1 Statement upon completion of the sale. When you accomplish these types of registration, your mind will be at ease, and more importantly, so will your children's.

Mail: Having your mail forwarded is made relatively easy, however, you have to make the time to fill out the change of address card for the post office. Their processing of this change of address can sometimes take a couple of weeks -- plan ahead so you don't miss any bills and suffer late fees from your creditors. If you can find the time, which I suggest you do, I find it also to be a good idea to place calls to everyone you receive bills from and give them your new address over the phone within a week of your anticipated closing. In this day and age, let us not forget emails too. If you anticipate having to change your email address when you move, make sure and let the people you want to know of your move, your new email address. Many carriers also permit you to forward your emails for a time -- it's just a matter of setting it up.

Registrations and License: You should make arrangements with others who do not send you regular monthly mail, such as your vehicle registration and your voting registration. They do not forward mail so it is up to you to make sure they know where you are. Along these same lines, you need to remember to go to the DMV to get a new driver's license with your new address - this one is law.

Safety and Privacy: One of the first things you should do when you have your new home's keys in hand is to get new ones. In other words, you should immediately have all of your locks on the home and garage changed. Even though you may have received a handful of duplicate keys, it is always possible that the previous owners gave out the key to a neighbor or relative which they have since forgotten. For your personal protection and for your property protection, changing out the locks by actual hardware, or completed by a professional locksmith, is a very smart and safe idea. And don't forget to cover your windows! They don't have to look like Martha has sent out her crew to your home to make it look "just so" right away. Buy inexpensive blinds, or even cover them up with sheets temporarily -- but cover up your windows right away! Once your special order window coverings have arrived, or you have had time to make your own, then you can invite Martha to ogle!

Other Important Miscellaneous Items: Schedule your phone, your electricity, your gas, your water, your trash pickup, your cable or satellite, newspaper delivery, and magazine subscriptions to begin within a day or two of closing. These items must be scheduled and set in motion at least two days to a week before closing. And when packing, have a special box with the important papers in it, such as medical records of all family members, insurance information, warranty information, and all information related to the purchase of this new home, and make sure this box is well-marked and easy to find.

Although moving is an exhausting endeavor, if you plan and organize well, it can be a successful one. Good luck with your move, and with all the "little" details too!

PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be legal advice. Your licensed real estate agent cannot give you legal advice. If you have any questions about your legal rights or obligations, you should consult with an attorney.