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Moving Tips ...
November 5, 2019
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Pardon the pun but working in radio can be a moving experience. During my career journey I've picked up a few tips on how to do it as painlessly as possible. When moving to a different market, reach out to others like myself who've moved around a bit. It could save you time and money. Stay on top of things and keep to-do lists for both your departure and arrival locations.
Get Moving Estimates...
If your new employer is paying for your move, find out how many estimates you'll need for them to choose from. Try and make one of the companies under consideration one that gives an exact price and not an estimate. Except for the driver, many moving companies hire independents at both ends for loading and unloading. Nothing is free, although your move is being paid for, the IRS sees it as taxable income.
Packing ...
Pack your own things because the cost of allowing them to do it is high and they are not always careful with your things (you can still get it insured). Find a store that will give you boxes for no cost. Pack in stages, and clearly mark each box to identify exactly what's inside and what room it goes to (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc.).
Moving Story ...
Those of us who've moved a few times in this business have stories to tell. For example, when I moved from Kansas City to work in Dallas for Service Broadcasting, I didn't think to renew my Missouri plates, and they were due to expire at the end of the month. I had things to do and not much time to get them done. My priorities were --finding a place to live, meet my staff, learn the town, and prepare for an upcoming rating period.
The only people I knew in Dallas were the station owner and the COO. I didn't feel comfortable dragging them to the County Tax Assessor's Office to sign a document vouching for my new residency so I could pay the property taxes on my car and get plates.
Getting Settled ...
Most companies will pay for a 2 to 3-week hotel stay while you're looking for a place to live-IRS considers this taxable income. It's been my experience that requirements before moving into places varies - some cities require a cleaning deposit plus first and last month's rent. Don't sign any long-term rental leases or immediately buy a house. If you have a family, you want to be sure of the neighborhood and schools your kids might attend.
Take Things Slowly ...
It takes more than a few weeks to learn a new city and where you would feel the most comfortable living. Many radio people have beaten the odds and stayed employed at one station for a long time, but that's not the norm. I've had friends who were prepared to put down roots in a town regardless of whether the radio job lasted or not --they were prepared for life outside of radio.
My Residency Story ...
I had an out-of-state license and needed to transfer it to a Texas license. For that I needed proof of residency. I was still living in the hotel and could not use its address as my residence and a work address was not acceptable, either. So, I googled to see what Texas required for proof of residency. I found out I could use an auto insurance invoice bill.
I Took A Shortcut ...
My next move was to head to UPS to get a mailbox. I did my homework; the DMV form specifically stated no PO boxes. However, a UPS mailbox is a US mailing address. I called my insurance company, gave them my new address, and they sent me an invoice indicating the information. I went to the DMV, handed over my Missouri Driver's license, and they accepted the insurance invoice for proof of Texas residency. What's acceptable in one state is not always the same in another; that and things change, so do your homework before trying what I did.
New License & Vehicle Plates ...
The DMV issued me a Texas driver's license, I paid my vehicle property tax, and got my Texas plates. Once I moved to an actual residence, I went back to the DMV and had them update my license with the new information; very important because it's a potential fine situation in many states if the police pull you over and the address on your license is not what's in the computer data base for place of residence.
Getting Things Turned On ...
Before you leave town for the new job, make sure you're paid up on gas, electric, and water. In the case of cable, thanks to consolidation, you could end up with the same cable provider from 3 cities ago. Usually the worst thing that can happen is a higher deposit required before anything is turned on at your new place.
One Last Thing ...
Once the moving truck has dropped off your things, unpack one room at a time. Tempting as it may be to jump from room to room unpacking boxes, try to focus on one room at a time. This way there will be at least one uncluttered space you can take a breather in.
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