US Military Academy – West Point

United States Military Academy - West Point

Moving Toolkit

IMG_1877

KEY CONTACTS

West Point Family Homes
126 Washington Rd.
Westpoint, NY 10996
PH: (845) 446-6407

Army Community Service (ACS)
622 Swift Rd.
West Point, NY 10996
PH: (845) 938-4621

School Liaison Officers
681 Hardee Place
Room 206
West Point, NY 10996
PH: (845) 938-2092

Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.

Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time

About United STates Military Academy - West Point

Perched above the Hudson River, the United States Military Academy at West Point offers inspiring natural beauty, unique historical sites, and all the amenities of a first-class institution of higher education. The primary focus for those stationed at West Point is educating and training the more than 4,000 cadets attending the Academy and the West Point Prep School. Cadets are at the heart of a USMA assignment, and the opportunity to mentor and sponsor the next generation of Army leaders is a highlight for families stationed at West Point.

West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States, and history buffs will adore the installation’s links to the Revolutionary War. Trophy Point, a beautiful vantage point on the Hudson River, is both a historical site and an excellent venue for concerts and sightseeing. This combination of history and the beauty of the Hudson River is why West Point ranks second only to New York City as a New York state tourist destination.
Life at West Point centers around the Corps of Cadets (the students at West Point), but with that comes many amenities that are unique for an Army post. Autumn is dominated by Army football at Michie Stadium, continually ranked among America's best venues for college football. However, the opportunity to watch Division I sporting events extends across the academic year. The West Point band hosts fantastic and free concerts on Trophy Point during the summer months, and Eisenhower Hall is a concert venue that attracts top artists and plays year-round. Other unique amenities include a ski slope, horse stables, and a recreation area featuring a mountain-top lake. New York City is also an easy day trip away and is accessible by train if schlepping to the city by car isn’t your cup of tea.

Many stationed at West Point choose to live on post and take advantage of the easy commute and access to USMA activities. Houses on post can be on the small side for junior enlisted soldiers, company-grade officers, and field-grade officers, but neighborhoods tend to be close-knit and very social. Some bristle at the fishbowl-like experience of living so close to your neighbors, but most enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and wealth of activities available on post.

There are more varied housing options in the surrounding towns of the Hudson Valley, such as Monroe, Cornwall, or Cold Spring, but contending with a hilly drive in the winter months is the trade-off for freedom of choice and more space. There is an elementary and middle school on post run by the Department of Defense. High school-aged students attend James O’Neill High School in nearby Highland Falls.

A tour at West Point is a career highlight for many Army families, both for West Point graduates and non-graduates alike. Whether it’s watching the Black Knights parachute team deliver the game ball at a football game or having the chance to play cadet for a day during the rehearsal for Reception Day, living on West Point offers many experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the Army.

A line of suburban homes display large American Flags

Looking at relocating?

Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.

Base Guide Opt-in

Nearby Neighborhoods

Cold Spring

About

There are numerous towns across the river from West Point, each with its character and charm. Cold Spring sits directly across from West Point and is appealing for its gorgeous views of the Hudson River Valley and antique charm. Even pretty modest homes in this bucolic town are expensive, and steep property taxes add to the cost of living in the area. With the train to NYC running on the east side of the Hudson, towns like Cold Spring are more appealing for those who commute to the city for work, making home prices and cost of living considerably higher.

The main area of Cold Spring is known as the Cold Spring Historic District and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has many well-preserved buildings dating to the 19th century. There is a small business district in town with antique stores, boutiques, coffee shops, and cafes that attract locals and visitors.

Neighbors

Cold Spring is ideal for a younger couple looking for a more trendy spot, especially if one spouse is commuting to New York City. An increasing number of transplants from NYC, particularly creative professionals, gives the area a hip, eclectic feel.

Neighborhood Feel

Houses are often historical and well-maintained, though not exceedingly large. Victorians, colonials, and contemporary homes all coexist in Cold Spring.

Neighborhood Info | Cold Spring

Points of Interest

  • Stonecrop Gardens
  • Bannerman Castle
  • West Point Foundry Preserve
  • Boscobel House and Gardens

Big Plus

  • With a Metro-North Station in town, travel to New York City is convenient for commuters and those looking to enjoy the city’s offerings. The trip takes just over an hour.
  • Cold Spring is a beautiful town with enviable views and a charming downtown area perfect for strolling.

Things to Consider

  • Though Cold Spring is just across the river from West Point, crossing the Hudson River involves looping down the Bear Mountain Bridge and paying a toll.
  • It’s not cheap to live in this popular town. Such a desirable location carries a pretty steep price tag.

School Scoop

  • The public schools in Cold Spring belong to Haldane Central School District.
  • The Haldane Central School District is supported by the Haldane School Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the quality of public education by engaging the support and partnership of educators, citizens, parents, and students. The Foundation is committed to the development of an exceptional system of public education by promoting excellence.
  • Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are given the opportunity to learn in the Haldane Central School District’s outside classroom, the Haldane School Garden. Here students of all ages are able to apply real-world applications to school lessons. In the winter, the garden moves into a greenhouse space at the district’s middle school.

Highlighted Areas

  • Forge Gate
  • Cold Spring Historic District
IMG_2087[1]
IMG_2079[1]

Cornwall

About

“Quaint” and “picturesque” are commonly used to describe Cornwall. This charming town overlooks the Hudson River and is brimming with one-of-a-kind shops, great restaurants, and historic homes.

There is a real community feel in this town. Schools are well-regarded, and families flock to the area for the social vibe and commitment to education. There are also lovely parks, an excellent library, and a community pool. Cornwall is also home to Storm King Art Center, a beautiful, outdoor sculpture museum of national renown.

Though Cornwall is not far from West Point, mileage-wise—just ten miles away— the commute involves crossing Storm King Mountain. Many commuters make the drive on a daily basis and are not phased by it, but if you are not comfortable with winter driving or crossing steep terrain, think carefully about settling in Cornwall. Four-wheel drive is recommended and is essential during winter storms.

Adjacent to Cornwall is the small village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. This small, quiet community shares many characteristics with Cornwall but values its identity as an independent enclave.

Neighbors

There are pockets of more affordable housing in Cornwall, but overall it is a more affluent area than some of the neighboring towns and has a higher concentration of professionals. The area is popular among those stationed at West Point, but the town does not have an overwhelming military feel.

Neighborhood Feel

With many historic homes, the neighborhoods in Cornwall have a stately vibe. There are some townhomes, but most of the properties are single-family homes. There is some newer construction sprinkled among the older properties. Ranch, colonial, and Cape Cod are common styles.

Neighborhood Info | Cornwall

Points of Interest

  • Riverbank Historic House Museum
  • Storm King State Park
  • Black Rock Forest Consortium
  • Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
  • Jones Farm
  • Storm King Art Center

Big Plus

  • Cornwall is a charming town with a lot of character. Restaurants and shops draw visitors to the town, which is a lovely place to call home.
  • The public schools in Cornwall have a great reputation.
  • Many homes offer mountain views.

Things to Consider

  • Crossing Storm King Mountain in the winter months can be precarious. Consider investing in a four-wheel drive!
  • Property taxes and heating costs can both be quite high. Be sure to ask for a couple of years' worth of bills for both before committing to a home, so you have a clear idea of the costs involved for a given property.

School Scoop

  • Public schools in Cornwall belong to Cornwall Central School District.
  • Registration takes place by appointment in the Student Registration office. Be on the lookout for kindergarten registration – it takes place in March.
  • Schools in the Cornwall Central School District are part of the Microsoft for Education Student Advantage program. All students in the school district are allowed five free downloads of Microsoft 365 ProPlus at no cost while enrolled in Cornwall schools.
  • The elementary schools in the district pride themselves on offering an integrated performing and visual arts curriculum complete with performances and art shows yearly. The middle and high schools offer an array of extracurricular activities, from athletics to orchestra and technology, complementing a solid academic program.

Highlighted Areas

  • Quaker Mill
  • Hampton Place
  • Oak Park
2017-04-21 11.02.12
2017-04-21 10.48.50

Fort Montgomery

About

A couple of miles past Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery is nearly as convenient to West Point as its neighbor to the north. Residents enjoy a short commute to the post and live in a quaint, historic town. Fort Montgomery references a Revolutionary War fort that was the site of a storied battle that determined control of the Hudson River. New York State operates a small museum on the remains of the 14-acre fortification that includes wartime artifacts, weapons, models, and recreations of the battle.
There is no right downtown in Fort Montgomery, but a few restaurants are scattered throughout this small town. There are also several hotels frequently used by visitors to West Point. The city is also adjacent to Bear Mountain State Park, a regional gem that brings many visitors to the area and offers hiking, ice skating, a small zoo, and a carousel.

Neighbors

Fort Montgomery has a great mix of blue-collar neighbors, soldiers stationed at West Point, and military retirees.

Neighborhood Feel

Homes in Fort Montgomery are mostly townhomes or single-family homes. Ranch and colonial are common styles.

Neighborhood Info | Fort Montgomery

gordon3

Points of Interest

  • Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
  • Hudson River
  • Bear Mountain State Park
  • Patriot Garden

Big Plus

  • Close to both West Point and beautiful Bear Mountain State Park, Fort Montgomery offers easy access to both popular spots.
  • The area tends to be priced more competitively than other towns.

Things to Consider

  • Lacking a downtown area and amenities such as a grocery store, Fort Montgomery residents travel to West Point or Central Valley for daily shopping.
  • Property taxes and heating costs are both quite high. Be sure you have a realistic idea of the expenses related to a property before committing to a home.
Solano County,  Suisun City along the water front on a beautiful

School Scoop

  • Public schools in Fort Montgomery belong to either Valley Central School District or Highland Falls-Montgomery Central School District.
  • Registration in the Highland Falls. Montgomery Central School District is a two-step process. Each family must submit registration paperwork to the school in their attendance zone and schedule a meeting with the school's guidance counselor/administrator for a screening. Non-district residents may transfer into the Highland Falls-Montgomery Central School District but must pay tuition and provide their transportation.
  • Highland Falls-Montgomery Central School District offers full-day, Pre-Kindergarten classes at various sites throughout the district. The universal Pre-Kindergarten program provides services to students in the district who turn four years old on or before enrolling on December 1st of the year. Registration occurs at the information night in the spring before your child starts.
  • Registration in the Valley Central School district is also a two-step process. Step one is registering at the Registrar's office in the Administration Building. Appointments are required! After completing the registration paperwork, each student and guardian head to their assigned school to obtain a class schedule and transportation.
  • Valley Central School district offers publically funded, half-day or full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten for children who live in the district and are four on or before December 1st of the year they are enrolling. Parents provide transportation. Getting your application turned in from February to April is essential to be included in the lottery. You'll go on a waitlist if you're late applying.

Highlighted Areas

  • Mine Torn Road
  • The Village at Corbin Hill

Highland Falls

About

With an enviable location just outside the main gate of West Point and right above the shores of the Hudson River, Highland Falls is a small town tied economically, historically, and socially to the Academy.

The commute to post from Highland Falls is quick and free of traffic. The proximity makes it easy for those living in Highland Falls to be involved in West Point community activities. Many Highland Falls residents who work at the Academy love having the freedom of selecting a home to suit their needs best while still being able to hop over to West Point for work efficiently or to catch a football game.

Main Street is the economic center of Highland Falls. Several family-run restaurants dot the street, including favorites like Schade’s, The Park, and American Burrito. The town also has a lovely library with excellent family programming.

Homes are eclectic in Highland Falls, and the area doesn’t have subdivisions or developments. Neighborhoods offer varied home styles, with small bungalows next to expansive Victorians. The area is generally safe, though some pockets are run down. Older homes can be “worn” and suffer from issues commonly associated with age.

Neighbors

Highland Falls residents are a delightful mix of folks. Many working-class people live alongside professionals, often on the same block. Many residents work at the Academy, and there is a large military contingent.

Neighborhood Feel

Homes vary widely in Highland Falls. You can find everything from apartments to large, upscale homes. New construction is rare, with many homes dating to the mid-twentieth century. Some properties offer views of the Hudson River.

Neighborhood Info | Highland Falls

IMG_1783

Points of Interest

  • West Point Museum
  • Constitution Island

Big Plus

  • The commute to West Point is quick, easy, and not affected by inclement weather.
  • The proximity to post allows Highland Falls residents to take advantage of all West Point offers easily.

Things to Consider

  • The elementary and middle schools in Highland Falls don’t rank as highly with military spouses as the school on-post or ones in nearby towns.
  • Highland Falls is a small town with slim options for shopping or recreation. Expect to head to the commissary and PX or travel to Central Valley for your shopping needs.

School Scoop

  • Public schools in Highland Falls belong to Highland Falls-Montgomery Central School District.
  • Registration is a two-step process. Each family must submit registration paperwork to the school in their attendance zone and schedule a meeting with the school’s guidance counselor/administrator for a screening.
  • Non-district residents may transfer into the Highland Falls-Montgomery Central School District but must pay tuition and provide their transportation.
  • Highland Falls-Montgomery Central School District offers full-day Pre-Kindergarten classes at various sites throughout the district. The Pre-Kindergarten program provides services to students in the community who are four years old on or before December 1 of the year applying. Registration takes place at the information night in the spring before your child starts classes.

Highlighted Areas

  • Ondaora Park

Monroe

About

Monroe is a sprawling area to the west of West Point, often referenced in combination with the nearby town of Woodbury. Some parts are very remote and rural, while others are in the heart of retail shopping, restaurants, and the commercial industry. The town of Monroe includes the village of Monroe, the village of Harriman, and the village of Kiryas Joel. Nearby towns often included under the Monroe-Woodbury umbrella include Tuxedo, Blooming Grove, and Chester. Some areas—particularly those around the extremely popular Woodbury Common outlet mall—can be quite busy and experience heavy traffic.

The Monroe area is known for more than just great shopping. The town has a wonderful park system and is surrounded by wooded areas. Earl Reservoir is a popular spot to enjoy the outdoors. There are also several wineries in the area, including Brotherhood Winery, the oldest operating winery in the country,

The Monroe-Woodbury area is a convenient commuting spot. There are multiple options for transportation around the region, with easy access to the Harriman Train Station, bus lines, and major highways in the area. If a spouse is hoping to find employment in the area, living in Monroe or Woodbury can help keep options open.

Known for its excellent school system, Monroe-Woodbury is one of few districts that have a SEPTA (Special Education PTA), which serves not only students with delays but also those geared towards advanced placement and gifted programs. Monroe-Woodbury is a very diverse school district. Like many schools, the school calendar recognizes holidays that may not be common in other areas of the country.

Neighbors

Monroe is a wonderfully diverse area. Some residents make the daily commute to New York City, while others work in a variety of industries in the Hudson Valley region. Monroe is also home to a large ultra-Orthodox Jewish population, concentrated in the town of Kiryas Joel.

Neighborhood Feel

Single-family homes are common, along with some condos and townhomes.

Neighborhood Info | Monroe

Points of Interest

  • Museum Village, Inc.
  • Fitzgerald Falls
  • Hudson Valley Biking

Big Plus

  • Monroe-Woodbury is a great commuter location, with easy access to the Harriman Train Station, bus lines, and major highways. Because this is a commuter-friendly area, roads and parking lots are often cleared very well and very quickly during significant weather events.
  • This area offers close access to lots of great shopping. Woodbury Commons is so popular that it draws busloads of visitors each weekend!

Things to Consider

  • Owning in this area can be pricey. It is not uncommon to see $10,000 to $20,000 in annual property taxes.
  • The atmosphere between the residents of Kiryas Joel, the Orthodox Jewish community, and Monroe is often politically charged, with ongoing debates around potential annexation. This is not likely to affect potential renters, but those interested in buying should familiarize themselves with the proposed annexation.

School Scoop

  • The public schools in Monroe belong to Monroe-Woodbury Central School District.
  • Registration takes place by appointment in the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District Education Center. ParentSteps informational meetings are held for parents of incoming kindergarteners in March prior to enrolling.
  • The Monroe-Woodbury Central School District offers a highly sought-after part-time preschool program, Little Miracles. The publically-funded program is located at the local high school. Preschoolers who turn four years old on or before December 1st are taught by high school students taking Early Childhood Education classes under the direction of a certified faculty member. Registration takes place in early May, and a lottery is implemented only if there are more applicants than slots.
  • The middle and high schools are organized into “house plans,” where students are divided into four large groups and taught core subjects by a team of teachers. Clubs and extracurricular offerings supplement this curriculum.

Highlighted Areas

  • Village of Monroe
  • Village of Harriman
  • Woodbury

New Windsor

About

New Windsor has a lot in common with Cornwall, its neighbor to the south, although it does provide easier access to restaurants and shopping. It is near Newburgh and major commuter roadways, making for convenient access to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and the towns across the Hudson River. New Windsor is also “over the mountain,” making for a challenging commute during inclement weather.

Parents will want to note that New Windsor students are spread between the Newburgh, Washingtonville, and Cornwall school districts. Before deciding on a property, be sure you are clear on the school district the property is zoned for and whether or not you will need to participate in a lottery for school assignments—common in the Newburgh district.

New Windsor can be a good choice financially. Property taxes are often less expensive than in nearby Cornwall, and residents often find that housing dollars stretch a bit further.

Neighbors

With a mix of blue and white-collar residents, New Windsor draws a wonderful mix of people. Plenty of active duty and retired military members live in the area, including many with ties to West Point and many who work at nearby Stewart Air National Guard Base.

Neighborhood Feel

Home styles vary in New Windsor, with ranches, farmhouses, and colonials all commonly seen.

Neighborhood Info | New Windsor

Acr50837897600-2018255

Points of Interest

  • Schunnemunk State Park
  • Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point
  • Purple Heart Hall of Honor
  • Beaverdam Lake

Big Plus

  • Living in New Windsor can make sound financial sense in an otherwise expensive area. Property taxes and housing costs tend to be a bit lower than surrounding towns.
  • With plenty of national chains and local businesses, it’s easy to meet your daily shopping needs in town.

Things to Consider

  • School districts vary in New Windsor—be sure you are familiar with both the school and the district a house is zoned for, as both can vary in New Windsor.
  • Though currently undergoing a revitalization effort, nearby Newburgh has pockets of questionable safety. If you are considering a property in one of the areas of New Windsor bordering Newburgh, be sure to thoroughly explore the area and surrounding neighborhoods.
2017-04-21 12.52.02

School Scoop

  • The public schools in New Windsor belong to Newburgh City School District or Washingtonville Central School District.
  • Registration takes place at the Newburgh School District Office of Registration. The Office of Registration determines school placement with priority given to the school in your attendance zone, but a lottery is implemented if that school is close to capacity. Students wishing to transfer into the Newburgh School District from a different county must do so in writing and will be required to pay tuition.
  • The Newburgh City School District offers a publicly-funded universal Pre-K program for all preschoolers in the district who turn four on or before December 1st of the enrolling year. The program is offered at various sites throughout the district. A lottery determines Pre-K placement.
  • Schools in the Newburgh School District are part of the Microsoft for Education Student Advantage program. All students in the school district are allowed five free downloads of Microsoft 365 ProPlus at no cost while enrolled in Newburgh schools.
  • Newburgh Elementary Schools incorporate innovative teaching methods for traditional and nontraditional subjects through the Schools of Choice program. Secondary schools have modified programs of choice available for students.
  • Registration in the Washington Central School District takes place in the Administration building. Kindergarteners register in March and must turn five years old on or before December 1st of the enrolling year. Those wishing to enroll their preschooler in the Universal Pre-K program must register in June, and their child must turn four years old on or before December 1st of the enrolling year.
  • The Washington Central School district schools pride themselves on offering a robust extracurricular program complete with athletics to orchestra and technology complementing a strong academic curriculum.

Highlighted Areas

  • The Reserve
  • The Grove at New Windsor
  • Forest Glen at New Windsor

Looking at relocating?

Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.

Base Guide Opt-in

7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home

1. TAX ADVANTAGES

To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.

2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS

Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.

3. HOUSE HACKING

Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.

4. Increased Privacy

Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.

5. Pets Are Welcome!

For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!

6. Pride of Ownership

One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.

7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings

Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.

Acr50837897600-2593550

FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS

Acr50837897600198952

Your PCS is underway!

The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.

Consider these five resources to help you in the process

1. MOVING COMPANIES

Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.

2. STORAGE

Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.

3. TEMPORARY HOUSING

It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.

4. USPS/IRS

Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.

5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES

No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.

Acr50837897600-2018255