Relocating to a new area can be a daunting task.  Here are a few tips to help make the move easier.

If you are relocating to a new job, your employer might pay for some expenses.  Determine what expenses your employer will pay and which ones you will need to pay for yourself.  Keep a log of moving expense receipts, as some may be tax deductible.

About a month before the move, get estimates from two or more reputable movers, including pickup and delivery dates.  Check their references and the limits of insurance they offer, including if their insurance covers replacement costs should your items become damaged during the move.  A week prior to your moving date, confirm with your moving company the dates and times for pick up and delivery. On moving day be sure the moving company understands your directions and can read your writing on the boxes for where the boxes are to be moved.

Don’t forget to notify the post office, newspaper and magazine subscriptions as well as your health club and other memberships.  Remember, Meridian Ranch has a recreation center with a full size gymnasium, fitness and cardio machines, and aerobics classes, so you won’t need to join a new health club.

Make financial arrangements with your bank to transfer your accounts, order new checks with your new address, and clean out your safety deposit box.  Notify creditors of your new address.

Make sure to contact schools your children will be attending and arrange for a transfer of your children’s student records.  Meridian Ranch has excellent local schools.  For information on schools in the area, visit www.d49.org.

Contact your doctor to get your medical records transferred to your new physician.  Make sure your health insurance provider has your new address.

If you are driving your car a fair distance, be sure to have your mechanic do a thorough check of your vehicle.  Check with your veterinarian if your pets need special care for the trip.

Keep your important records in a fire-safe box, including birth certificates, social security cards, passports, school records, pet documents, home purchase and sale documents, wills, marriage and divorce papers, financial records and stock certificates.

Make sure to change your property and auto insurance.  If you are renting out the property from which you are moving, contact your insurance agent to make sure you have the proper type of insurance.  Similarly, be sure you have the appropriate type of insurance for your new residence, even if you are renting.

Prior to moving is a great time to sort through your things and figure out what to move and what to sell, give away or toss. This way you won’t be paying for moving what you don’t need.  This takes time; so don’t wait until the last minute.

Don’t forget to return those library books; overdue fees can add up quickly!  Return borrowed items from your friends and neighbors.

Arrange for disconnecting or changing over utilities at your current residence.  Contact the utility companies that service Meridian Ranch:

• Gas:  Black Hills Energy 888-890-5554
• Electricity:  Mountain View Electric 800-388-9881 or 719-495-2283
• Telephone:  CenturyLink 800-244-1111
• Water: Meridian Service Metropolitan District, c/o CRS 303-381-4960
• Cable TV/Internet:  Comcast 719-473-2731

Once you’re moved in, take a break and have dinner at the CreekView Grill, a full service restaurant located at the Antler Creek Golf Course within Meridian Ranch.  Visit their website to view the menu or for more information, www.antlercreekgolf.com.