Moving After Getting Married: Tips and Advice

Getting married is one of most profound events of your life. You have chosen a partner that you are going to spend the rest of your life with as you embark on an incredible journey together. Moving is just one of the (many) life events that you will experience as a couple.

Where are you going? The first thing you will have to decide is where you are going to move, and what type of house or apartment you prefer. Do you want to move somewhere close to work, or do you want to plan ahead and choose a nice suburban neighborhood that is child-friendly? Budget will also play a critical role in deciding what you choose. Are you looking for a house with a nice backyard, or a town home with a balcony?

Use a real estate professional. Whether you are purchasing a home or renting one, you will benefit from employing the services of a qualified realtor or real estate agent. A realtor knows the ins and outs of the area you are looking in as well as market values. They are an invaluable resource when it comes to choosing your first home, whether it's a purchase or a rental. They will go over all of the necessary procedures and forms with you so that you can make an informed decision on your home.

Assess your priorities. It's important to sit down as a couple and discuss your needs and wants. What are your priorities? Are you looking for a big backyard, or a chef-style kitchen? How many bedrooms? Do you want a basement that is already finished, or do you want to finish it yourselves? This is a wonderful exercise in compromising, as you discuss your wants and needs. You will soon see that your spouse may have different ideas about what's important than you do.

Consider a lawyer. You will also need to employ the services of a good real estate lawyer. Together, with your realtor, they will ensure a stress-free and pleasant experience. Your lawyer will make sure that title is clear, and there are no liens that could jeopardize the closing. 

Get everything in order. Before moving day, you will have to contact local utility companies, such as heat, hydro, cable, and telephone. If neither you nor your spouse has had accounts with these companies, they may require a security deposit. Make sure you tell them the exact date that you need service commenced on your property.

Choose a moving company. You will also have to hire a moving company, or use a moving truck. If you were not living together beforehand, the moving company will have to go to your residence, your spouse's residence and your new home. Make sure you know exactly how much this will cost.

Using moving services can be a stressful and harrowing experience, if you are not prepared and don’t know what to expect. With the right members on your team, you can be assured of a stress-free move. You and your new spouse will be comfortably settled in your new home, where you can embark on the next journey of your lives together. Chances are, this will not be the only move you make together; but you will gain knowledge and experience that will make your next move (and adventure together) even better.