Whether you are an old hat at moving or this is your first time, we are sure you could use a few helpful hints. We have met the challenges of moving for many years (moving with the military plus being a military Relocation Manager for 11 years) and to help you get off to an easier start we can share some of our experiences and hints that might make your move a great experience.

Being well organized will probably save your sanity. Make lists!!! Get a spiral notebook – having all your pertinent information in one place will save you time from searching and save you problems. The first thing you want to do is get your tape measure and measure all your large pieces of furniture. WHY? Because when you get on the phone or email with a realtor you will need to have decided how much room you are going to need in your new home!!!

Before military members seek off-base accommodations, they are required to process through the Housing Referral Office (Bldg 714, Commercial 580-213-7438, DSN 448-7438) for a briefing and counseling.

BUYING A HOME

Consider the following points of home shopping:

adequate square footage
sunny and comfortable rooms
sound walls, floors and good carpentry
good lighting and ventilation
lots of cabinets and counter space in the kitchen
amount of closets and storage areas throughout the house
good electrical, heating and cooling system
garage or carport
doors, windows and drawers that work easily and safely
efficient plumbing
safe stairs and handrails
good landscaping
good water source and water pressure
good roof, gutters and downspouts
sidewalks for busy streets
well cared for surrounding properties and nice views

If you are moving with a company, they sometimes offer you a home finding trip. If not you can usually find most of what you need on the internet or through people you will be working with. Your realtor will be one of the best sources of information so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Take a look at some photos of Enid..You will want a list of phone numbers to help you become familiar with your new community and just in case, what you need for emergencies.

If you are military and want to see photos of Vance and need info, check Vance info. Please utilize this site, 71st Force Support Squadron as a resource for all Services activities at Vance.
You can also contact your Family Readiness Center (580-213-7120). You can view current happenings in the base newspaper The Scoop and there is information on the base website. Military can also get official info online on Vance and other military installations at: AF Crossroads. The Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN.com) is sponsored by the Department of Defense and is designed to improve the process of securing available housing for relocating military members and their families.

Get phone numbers/addresses for hospitals and minor emergency clinics, pharmacies, physicians, and dentists. (Before you move Don’t forget to get or have transferred your and your families medical records, prescriptions or your pets medical records). You will also need addresses and phone numbers for utilitycompanies.  (City of Enid, Oklahoma via Enid Regional Development Alliance  Did you know that the City of Enid (EEDA) will pay utility connection fees, deposits, and the first 3 water, sewer, and trash bills for new employees in Enid who have relocated from greater than 50 miles away and who earn less than $40,000/year? See the link for details…City of Enid, Oklahoma : Relocation Assistance Program.  enid.org)

Find a realtor or real estate agency. Be sure and ask them to send you a city map and city brochure or call the Chamber of Commerce for one. If you feel you need to check on moving insurance, call an agent. You can also check the Automated Housing Referral Network for housing.

Check out the information on schools (if applicable and don’t forget to pick up your child’s school records if you decide to move). You might also need to look into child care services. Another important feature are the many local churches and things for kids to do, parks and sports.

If you don’t already have a job and are looking or have a spouse that might like to have a job once you move here, check out our jobs page. If you or your spouse needs information on licensing (professional or occupational) check our licensing page..

If you are a volunteer kind of person, check out Enid’s volunteer opportunities. Check into Enid clubs and organizations. If you like to work out you will want to know about Fitness and Gyms or golf courses. You might also want to see Enid’s attractions, entertainment, the music scene and the Enid calendar of events.

You will need phone numbers and locations for banks,, the post office (don’t forget to pick up your change of address packet from your local post office) grocery stores, and your favorite type of restaurant.

Check out city laws for pets and licenses, get vet phone numbers and addresses. Also check on state license plates and drivers license costs.

Look into local internet providers so you can easily keep in touch with your family and friends after the move.

If you have a senior citizen moving with your family you may need information on senior living facilities, nursing homes and senior volunteering.

If you plan on living in a mobile home see our mobile parks listings.

One Bag – The Art and Science of Traveling Light
There’s no question: over packing tops the list of biggest travel mistakes. Thus this Web site, offering exhaustive (some might say exhausting!) detail on the art and science of traveling light, going pretty much anywhere, for an indefinite length of time, with nothing more than a single (carry-on-sized) bag.

RENTING (Apartments & Houses)

If you are going to be renting you need to check into a few items or ask your home finder these questions:

Are the grounds of the apartments/home well cared for. Room sizes, closet space, protected parking, bicycle storage, patio (are grills allowed), cover for car, number of cars a tenant may park on premises, do they accept deliveries, does the landlord refurbish or paint frequently, replacement of air conditioning and heating filters and how is lawn care and snow removal handled.

Distance to your place of work.

What are the prices, monthly fees (for utilities, maintenance, and club, if one and are there frequent rental increases)

Availability of the landlord or manager and after-hours maintenance service. What if changes are made (drapes/paint) and who is responsible for costs.

Leases will vary but they need to include:

Name of the landlord and tenant, correct property address, dollar amount of rent, due date and where or to whom to make payments. What are the charges for a late payment. Length of lease and when to renew. Who is responsible for utilities ie, water, sewage, electricity and gas, garbage removal. Is there a security deposit and amount. Rules on pets and deposits if necessary.

WHEN YOU GET READY TO MOVE

Be sure and make a file, enclose the following, and carry it with you in the car: (Why take it with you? Because you will safeguard it better than the movers will)

Birth certificates
Immunization records
Medical records (if not already forwarded)
Social Security cards and numbers
Passports
Naturalization papers
Adoption papers
Pet vaccination records
ID cards
Papers needed to sell or purchase a home
Marriage certificate
Insurance policies
Original last will and testament
Bank books
State and federal tax records
Car registration and title
Deeds and mortgages
Professional licenses
Divorce papers
Spouse resume and a last pay statement
List of stocks, bonds, credit card numbers and phone numbers

HAVE A SAFE TRIP!!!