Getting Ready
Realtor, Zillow, Militarybyowner, Trulia: If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home, one of these real estate apps have you covered Filters let you narrow your search to find exactly what you need, whether you plan to buy or rent. With helpful information from neighborhood statistics to school ratings, these free apps are great resources to help find your Home Sweet Home.
Updater: Anyone who has ever moved can share horror stories about playing the Utility-Switch game. Disconnecting, reconnecting and changing your address can be such a pain. Developers of Updater created the app to help take all the complicated logistics off your hands. Currently, it’s invite only, but your mortgage broker or real estate agent can request access. Visit updater.com for more information.
Evernote: Decisions, lists and notes can add up as you plan your move and it can definitely be a struggle to keep them all together. Using a tool like Evernote can help the entire family share and save everything from clipped neighborhood pages off the Internet to travel instructions for everything for your furry family members.
Base Directory: Get ready to go with all the information you need about your new base. This app, available for iPhone and Android, provides contact information, hours and websites for establishments all around military installations. With maps, favorites and powerful search tools, the free app makes sure that you’ll always be in the know. Not an app person? The website, basedirectory.com, offers some of the same great features.
Packing apps
Sortly: This amazing app provides the perfect way to organize every aspect of packing for your move. Take and store pictures of each room, or narrow it down to the items in each box. Make easy and quick lists of items — just two steps — and organize them in folders or “rooms.” Once you seal up the box, print nifty QR code labels that you can scan at any time to see a complete content list. Better yet, the app backs up to Evernote so you’ll never lose your data.
Pro Moving Planner: At just $1.99, this have-it-all organizing app is more than just a packing list. Store all your information in one place, from a detailed moving timeline to an easy to use budget tool. Track contacts, like painters or moving companies, and visualize your new place with an upload tool that allows you to note needed items or work to be completed.
Offer Up: Packing is the perfect time to get rid of all the things you don’t need and Offer Up is just the app to help you do it. List items for pick up locally and score some cash for the new place. Other apps like craigslist and letgo offer similar options, so be sure to find the one that seems most active in your area. Local Facebook sales groups are also another option. Whatever you decide, take advantage of this opportunity to unclutter your life.
The big day
Waze: Driving to your new home? Check out Waze, the smart, real-time traffic app that provides directions and up-do-date insights into your route. Notifications alert you to obstacles in the road and traffic accidents, providing detour suggestions if something stands in your way. Share your ETA with others and earn points for driving. Bonus: you can choose your car icon and little Waze driver from tons of options.
Hotel Tonight: Sometimes the drive is too much and you need a place to crash for the night. Use Hotel Tonight to search for last minute deals on hotels near you. The quick and easy to use features let you book right in the app so you can hit the sack right away. Available for iPhone and Android, Hotel Tonight also offers a handy mobile site at hoteltonight.com.
Dark Sky: Worried about weather? Download Dark Sky and watch as beautiful graphics predict rain and snow down to the minute. Set alerts to notify you before the weather changes and see hourly predictions to help make plans.
Apps for once you’re there
GrubHub: Moving is definitely enough to work up an appetite. Instead of sifting through those “Kitchen” boxes, consider ordering in with GrubHub. The simple app shows lists of local restaurants that deliver, offering up full menus and in-app ordering. Some restaurants even allow you to see each step happen real time, from mixing and baking straight to your doorstep.
Nextdoor: Connect with neighbors, share information and even view Trick-or-Treat stops in this community-based app. By requiring verification of your address through a credit card billing address, you can be sure you’re only sharing information with people who live nearby. Find lost pets, recommend local handymen and provide important safety information.
Meetup: If you’re looking for something to do in your new neighborhood, check out Meetup. Find local groups based around hobbies, interests or careers. From knitting to poker to leadership skills and coding classes, Meetup has something for everyone.
AroundMe: With several categories, this app helps you explore the area around you. Find local bars, restaurants, hospitals and more within any determined distance. Each listing provides detailed information including phone numbers, websites and a general description.
Some app extras
WalkScore: If you’re a walker, use WalkScore to search and find the “walkability score” for your new place. The app provides valuable information about walking distance to various needs like grocery stores and public transit. Find information you might need for walking pets and even search rental properties to find the perfect place.
Scout: Use this app to find military discounts near you. Scout features a Deal of the Day, a deeply discounted or free offer in your area, and allows searching by category so you can find exactly what you need. Even better, Scout offers in-app exclusive deals, military-style.
BrightNest: Home improvements and cleaning tasks aren’t at the top of anyone’s “fun” list, but BrightNest can help make it a little easier. Each day, the app provides helpful tips from categories like savvy, green, clean, healthy, handy and creative. Check off each task for a sense of accomplishment or schedule it for next week.
This article was written by Tara Puckey.
