Whether it’s on your own or for a specific job offer, you need to move for your career. The idea can be exciting yet frightening. What do you do first? How do you ensure your move is as hassle-free as possible? Here are 10 to-dos before you move.

Ask your employer about relocation benefits. Many large firms have relationships with relocation companies that offer great financial benefits, such as covering moving expenses and closing costs and even providing a buyout option if your home does not sell prior to your move date.

Pick the right realtor to list your home. An experienced agent will give you a realistic estimate of not only how much your property will sell for, but also how long the process will take. Be careful not to fall into the trap of hiring the agent who suggests the highest listing price. While everyone wants to see a profit, the expected sale price should be supported by comparable sold homes in your area.

Check out your new home. As soon as you know you’ll be moving, start surfing the web and looking at community profiles local to your new employer. One of the most important factors will be understanding the local economy and housing market. You may be excited about landing a job with a higher salary, but if the local economy is significantly more expensive than the one you’re coming from, you may find yourself further behind financially rather than ahead.

Plan to make a few preview trips. It will take some time for you to gain familiarity with a new area, so plan a few preview trips to help you get comfortable there.

Determine what you can live with. The commute to work may be a breeze from the northern suburbs but horrible from the south. You may prefer a bedroom community to the city life. If you have children, the school systems are always critical to your decision.

Find a real estate agent in your new hometown. Your agent should be well-versed in local real estate values, as well as be able to provide helpful information on local amenities such as schools and churches. If you don’t know where to start looking, ask your listing agent for a referral. Also, the people you have spoken to during the interview process might be able to provide you with a name.

Look into mortgage services. Your realtor can provide you with a list of local lenders. Shop around for the best interest rate and closing costs. Keep in mind, however, that the cheapest does not always mean the best. When you make a final decision on a lender, it is important to get a pre-approval letter, which your realtor will include with any offer to purchase.

Decide what kind of moving services you want to use. Be sure to use a reputable, insured firm that frequently handles this type of relocation. You will be entrusting these people with precious cargo, so make sure you understand the process. Moving companies offer various insurance options and your needs will be dictated by what is being carried. There may be additional fees, such as packing services, boxes or large-item fees, as well as storage fees if the truck needs to sit for a day while you close on a property. It is a good idea to have a few companies send out a representative to give you a quote and then get a written contract before you move.

Make your travel arrangements. As soon as you know your move date, book your flight. If you have pets, be sure to understand the airline’s policy and what travel containers will be required. It is also important to decide what items you will want with you and what you can send with the moving company. Keep in mind the number of changes of clothes and the weather where you are heading, and make sure you keep prescriptions and closing paperwork with you.

Attend to transitional details. Once you’ve settled on your new home, have utility services such as gas, electricity and Internet connections turned off at your previous home and turned on in your new home on moving day. Make sure you have stocked up on all prescriptions and got copies of any medical records you need to provide to your new doctors (including your veterinarian). Fill out change-of-address cards at your local post office, and notify credit card companies, banks and other important contacts of your new address. Finally, transfer funds and arrange cheque cashing in your new hometown.