Moving to TV this August: Steps to take, in order?

[bsloan1960]

We're moving to TV in August from Mass. It has been a long time since we moved. We're wondering what steps to take. All we really know is that we need to pick up our house keys and our mail keys. So it would really help if we had some tips on what to do in the 1st couple of days, couple of weeks, couple of months. Thanks!

[Papa_lecki]

Internet and cable
Other utilities transferred into your name - make sure your realtor helps
Coordinate movers
Get golf cart
Figure out getting around - understand the MMP system and where everything is.
You might need a hotel to stay in for a night or two, til furniture is delivered and bed is set up
Get AC inspected
Set up lawn service and other monthly services you want (weeds, trimming, pests, etc).

[dewilson58]

add to papa's list:

get homeowner's insurance
forward mail or hold mail at old location
make extra key's
change garage door code
determine hot water heater temp is good for you
run ice machine and pitch new ice
determine residency??
local banking??
check sprinkler timer times (may be running long for new growth)
florida car insurance??
determine if you want cameras or alarm or nothing
homestead exemption??

visit all town squares and enjoy

:thumbup:

[Smalley]

add to papa's list:

get homeowner's insurance
forward mail or hold mail at old location
make extra key's
change garage door code
determine hot water heater temp is good for you
run ice machine and pitch new ice
determine residency??
local banking??
check sprinkler timer times (may be running long for new growth)
florida car insurance??
determine if you want cameras or alarm or nothing
homestead exemption??

visit all town squares and enjoy

:thumbup:

Those are great lists for you to start with. Be prepared for some chaotic days at the beginning. Try not to spend 100% of your time on the moving-in chores but save some time for a walk, swim or rec center visit. A lot of stuff can wait. Pick up a copy of the Thursday Rec center schedule; free at all Rec centers. As you browse, you'll start to get a sense for the scope of the interests and activities here. It's a unique place!

[MrFlorida]

First thing I would get is the Village GPS app so you can get around without getting lost.

[kkingston57]

We're moving to TV in August from Mass. It has been a long time since we moved. We're wondering what steps to take. All we really know is that we need to pick up our house keys and our mail keys. So it would really help if we had some tips on what to do in the 1st couple of days, couple of weeks, couple of months. Thanks!

Seen a lot of good/constructive ideas. Moving here is no different than other places that people move to. Biggest difference is getting a golf cart (if you intend to use one). If not a golfer, they have more advantages than dis advantages. Make sure that you still have colder weather clothing. We do have around 20 days when the temps get down into the 30's and several days in the high 20's.

[mrf0151]

You will want to get with an attorney that specializes in Wills and Trusts. Florida law is different, especially where taxes are involved. If Florida is going to be your primary residence, then updating is a wise move.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Also BEFORE you move in - check with your home inspector to ensure that your property is deed compliant. If it isn't, renegotiate the cost to buy the property to account for the cost to bring the property in to compliance. Or ask the seller to do so. Or accept that you might have to bear the burden yourself at some point, if someone files a complaint.

[Number 10 GI]

If you have any health issues, get started on finding a medical professional. It can take a few weeks sometimes to get an appointment with a specialist. Make sure you have enough maintenance medicines you take that will carry you through the time required to get an appointment with a primary care doctor.

[Flyers999]

If you are going to get major landscaping done, get one company to do it all, if you can. Curbing, trees/hedges/schrubs installation, ponds, patio /driveway pavers, etc. The less cooks the better.
Be careful about self- overwatering and over fertilizing.
Just my opinion. Others may feel different.

[DAVES]

We're moving to TV in August from Mass. It has been a long time since we moved. We're wondering what steps to take. All we really know is that we need to pick up our house keys and our mail keys. So it would really help if we had some tips on what to do in the 1st couple of days, couple of weeks, couple of months. Thanks!

Massachusetts to Florida. Our experience. Closing on our previous home. Often as in our case the buyer pulls some last minute NONSENSE at closing. You had to empty the house so your stuff is on the moving truck. All were shocked that I was not going to allow this.

Assuming you will be driving your car and having a moving van, you want to get to the villages a day or two before the moving van arrives. I would photograph you stuff-proof that it was there and it was not damaged. You want to have photos of the home you sold. Explained in paragraph above. You want to have a few pots , basic tools, a knife to open the boxes, tableware AND AN AIR MATRESS. Sleeping on an air mattress, is an experience-not a good one but an adventure.

Movers-beware. They will dump all your boxes in no order and demand you sign a manifest that it is all there with no damages. We had over two hundred boxes. We paid for extra insurance. Do not allow them to BULLY YOU. So many scams re: movers. The estimate is based on weight. You see them by the side of the road-weigh stations. A typical moving truck, they load several customers on the same truck and they have to keep track of the weight and document it. You might find they hold your stuff hostage till you pay them MORE than the estimate. Long distance move. You have the right to inspect the property days before closing. It is wise to come to Florida and do this inspection. We bought NEW. Frankly they did a good job. Any issues were minor and the builder promptly took care of them.

RE: house keys.
Traditional is to change the locks as you do not know who has keys to your home.
The villages uses STAY SET LOCKS. It is easy to change the keys. Look it up on the internet. You can purchase a random key and make your lock fit it. Takes only a few minutes to do.

We are ex-New Yorkers. We were pleasantly shocked how easy it was to get a Florida drivers license, plates for your car, tax exemption, voter registration. It is all in the same place and unlike NY the people were helpful and pleasant. For us it is at the library so while your there and discover how little time it takes, with the extra time you can get your library card. For us it was the best welcome to the villages

[VApeople]

Biggest difference is getting a golf cart (if you intend to use one). If not a golfer, they have more advantages than dis advantages.

My wife and I have been here for seven years. We do not have a golf cart and have no intention of buying one.

Yes, we often play golf and are able to easily walk the 9-hole executive golf courses.

We can easily drive our cars to get wherever we want to go.