Milwaukee Relocation and Moving Information

Greater Milwaukee Relocation Handbook
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Important Records

Moving to a new city means developing new relationships. In order to do that, you need to make sure you have the records you need to establish yourself in your new community.

BIRTH AND CHURCH RECORDS

Make sure you have the originals or certified copies of birth certificates for everyone in the family. Don’t forget about your baptismal, confirmation and other church records. It is much easier to obtain this information in the community where you live than it is to send for it from 1,500 miles away.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

One of your most important tasks is to tell people where you are moving. Write your new address on postcards and send them to all of your friends, colleagues and acquaintances, even if you plan to tell them in person. That way you’ll avoid "overlooking" the person you meant to call but never did. The U.S. Postal Service has a Change of Address form that will forward mail to a new address for up to six months, which should be plenty of time to get the word out to the people you forgot to notify. It is Form 3575 and is available in the lobby of most post offices. Fill it out and mail it in at least four weeks before you move.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Get copies or originals of everything you have given your attorney. In addition, check to see if you will have to write a new will or choose a new executor.

SCHOOL RECORDS

Academic and immunization records should be sent directly to the new school district.

Financial Records

CHECKING ACCOUNTS

Many stores won’t accept "starter" checks for new accounts. Keep your existing account open to cover your moving expenses. Once you open a new checking account in the Milwaukee area and receive your numbered checks, you can contact your old bank and request a cashier’s check for the remaining balance.

CREDITORS

Provide creditors with your new address, your old address and account number.

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Don’t worry about moving an IRA, SEP or other retirement account if it is invested in a CD or some other type of time deposit. Wait until it comes due and then ask the custodian to help you make the transfer to a financial institution in your new community. If you are leaving a company, check to see if you can withdraw your retirement funds and invest them yourself. Consult an accountant or tax preparation handbook to make sure you properly report any transfer on your tax returns.

STOCKS, BONDS AND

OTHER INVESTMENTS

You may want to change the address on your stock certificates. Your broker can provide the necessary forms, but you may have to do the transfer yourself if the stock is in your name. Remember that transfers can take up to two months. You should check to see if you can trade the stock during that period.

CHARGE CARDS

Know the names, billing addresses and account numbers for all of your credit cards. It is also useful to know your outstanding balance and your total line of credit.

DEBTS

List all of your debts that will be outstanding more than six months from now. This can include loans for cars, home improvements, etc. You should have the creditor’s name and address, your account number, the monthly payment and the outstanding balance.

INCOME

Have copies of your tax returns for the last two years to verify your salary. If you are self-employed or starting a company, you will also need to provide profit-and-loss statements and balance sheets for several years of business activity.

INSURANCE

Have the names and addresses of the companies insuring your life, car and home. Your current agent may be able to refer you to an agency in the Milwaukee area. If not, know the face amount and premiums of each policy so you can shop for new policies.

OTHER ASSETS

Know the model and year of all your vehicles, boats and other sizeable assets. Check to see that you have all the titles and that they are free of liens if the debt has been paid off.

REAL ESTATE

It is helpful to know the present value, location, equity owed, mortgage holder and account number for every home and real estate parcel you own.

Medical Records

MEDICAL AND DENTAL RECORDS

Although you are legally entitled to all of your medical and dental records, it might be easier to have them transferred directly to your new physician or dentist.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Get your prescriptions filled before you move. Some pharmacists will refill heart and blood-pressure prescriptions for up to six months, but you will probably have to pay for an exam before a physician will dispense antibiotics, pain killers and other controlled drugs.

Licenses

BOAT LICENSES

All motorboats and sailboats 12’ or longer are required to be registered before being used in Wisconsin waters. Registration forms are available at marine dealers.

BICYCLE LICENSES

Contact the appropriate local government for information on fees, rules and regulations.

DOG LICENSES

Most communities require dogs to be licensed and limit the number of dogs you can have without a kennel permit. For more information, contact the treasurer or clerk’s office of the municipality.

SNOWMOBILE LICENSES

All snowmobiles that are operated in Wisconsin must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources. Applications are available at the Milwaukee-area DNR office, 2300 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee, Telephone (414) 263-8500; at DNR field offices; or from snowmobile dealers.

SPORTS LICENSES

Hunting, trapping and fishing are popular outdoor sports in Wisconsin and are regulated by the State Department of Natural Resources. Information on sport licenses can be obtained from the DNR. The Milwaukee-area DNR office is located at 2300 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee; Telephone: (414) 263-8500.

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