Moving to a new area, especially in another state, is no picnic! But the earlier you can plan for your relocation, the easier your move will be. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own — we’re here to help! This moving timeline will help you learn exactly what to expect when you move to the Triangle area, giving you more time to focus on finding the right home.
As Soon As Possible
Declutter Your Home and Pack Up Your Belongings
As soon as you learn you’re moving to the Triangle, start packing. Clean and declutter your home first, starting with one room of your home at a time and sorting through the items that can be donated, sold, or thrown away. If your moving date is a few months away, you can host a yard sale to get rid of unwanted items (and earn a bit of extra money, too).
Contact Your Insurance Providers
As you’re packing, call your car, homeowners, and health insurance companies to let them know you’re moving to the Triangle. Determine whether you’ll need to change your coverage or whether you need to switch providers altogether.
About 2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Change Your Mailing Address
It usually takes a few weeks for the post office to process your change of address and start forwarding your mail, so request a change of address at least two weeks before the move. You will also need to update your address on file with your credit card company, your bank, your doctor and other medical professionals, and your employer. Be sure to tell your friends and family, too!
Register Your Pet
The Triangle is one of the most pet-friendly areas in North Carolina! You and your furry friend will feel right at home here. Luckily, there aren’t too many steps to take to establish your dog or cat as an official resident.
Unless you will be living in Raleigh (which no longer requires dog and cat tags) or Holly Springs (which only requires proof of vaccination), your pets will require tags, either from Wake County or local municipalities. Fill out the application about two weeks before moving so you can pick up your pet’s tags soon after moving day. Here is contact information for registering your pet:
- Cary pet license — Fill out the application found on the Town of Cary’s Pet Services page and pick up the tags at a local community center, or call Animal Control at 919-319-4517.
- Garner pet license — Contact the Finance Department at 919-773-4408.
- Other Wake County areas (Apex, Morrisville, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, etc.) — Call 919-856-6911.
On Moving Day
Bring the Essentials with You
Keep a box of first aid supplies, medication, financial and medical records, a list of emergency contacts, and other important documents and high-value items with you at all times. You may also want to bring a box of essentials — toilet paper, a change of clothes, snacks, and phone chargers — with you just in case you make it to your new home before the moving truck does.
Within 60 Days of Moving
Register Your Vehicle
If you are moving to the Triangle area from out of state, you’ll need to register your car and apply for a North Carolina driver’s license within two months after moving to your new home.
Let Us Handle All the Details
Our dedicated real estate professionals will help you with everything you need to make your move smooth and hassle free. Explore our Triangle relocation guide to find even more helpful information about public schools, utilities and emergency services, and local mortgage lenders.
Whether you have questions or want to know about the real estate market in our area, we’d be happy to talk! Contact us at 919.612.9885.
