Moving into a newly built home is one of the most exciting times of anyone’s life. It is a chance to put down roots and make a space truly your own. Since there is so much to do in the process of moving from one location to another, it is a great idea to have a checklist so you can make certain you are properly prepared and organized for this momentous occasion.

Utility Set Up

There are basics that everyone requires, and you will want to make sure that the essential utilities are already set up when you move into your new home. You will also want to be sure you have stopped the service of the utilities in your name at the location you are leaving. These include:

• Oil/Gas/Electric
• Security System
• Cable/Phone/Internet
• Water/Sewer
• Garbage Pickup/Recycling

Get Acquainted with Your Child’s New School

One of the reasons you are moving to Montana may be for the nationally recognized, top-rated school system. However, there are still some items to check off your list before your child’s first day. 

• Let their previous school know that your child will be transferring to -so they can send their transcript.
• Provide the required Proof of Residency or other required paperwork to your new school in order to enroll. This may look different at each school, so check with the school first to see exactly what documentation is needed.
• Request or make a portfolio of your child’s work to take to the new school.
• Bring your child to the new school for a tour. Make it fun to get acquainted with the campus and facilities.
• Download or contact the schools for the current academic calendar. Research family-friendly activities from sports teams and social clubs to summer camps and outdoor attractions. 
• Meet with your child’s new principal, teacher or year coordinator. You might like to set up a review meeting, even within the first 1-2 weeks, to see how things are going.

Find the Right Moving Company

If there’s ever a time you want to hire professionals, it’s when you’re moving. They will be handling all of your furniture and fragile possessions so you want to make certain that they will get the job done on time and without incident. 

• Check company reviews to see other customer’s’ experience with the company.
• How do they charge? Some companies charge one flat rate (which would be ideal for moves from one state to another) and some charge an hourly rate.
• Confirm that they are bonded and insured.
• If you are paying per hour, consider doing some of the work yourself such as disassembling furniture and packing boxes.

Box it Up!

It might feel like your life is all about boxes right now – but once you’re in your newly built home you’ll enjoy unpacking them and making the place your own. When it’s time to gather boxes for the move keep this in mind:

• You can obtain general boxes from places such as hardware stores, liquor stores (which are ideal for small, fragile items because they have convenient cardboard separators inside of them), grocery stores and big box stores.
• Ask the moving company you’ve hired for any specialty boxes you may need to move things like pictures and clothing.

If you do the packing yourself, there is an efficient and streamline process to follow:

• Pack up one room at a time, don’t move to the next until the current room is complete.
• Label each box boldly or with colors so it is very clear to you and the movers where each box should go.
• On top of the items you pack in each box, place a list of what is inside. This provides an easy peek into the box without having to dig through it. 
• Mark “Start Here” on the boxes you want to unload first. This might be items for the kitchen or toiletry items.
• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and newspaper. You should pack any fragile items that you can’t bear to lose.

Plan for Boxes Ahead of Time

Color coding your boxes in addition to boldly labeling them will be helpful to movers when they unpack the boxes and load them in your new home. Tape a piece of paper that is the same color as the coded boxes to specify what goes where. This eliminates confusion when you have more than one family gathering room such as a great room and a dining room, as it may be difficult to differentiate when there is not yet any furniture in place.

Ask the movers to start with the “Start Here” boxes by putting them in easily accessible locations. 

Have an idea of where each piece of furniture will go so movers can place them exactly or roughly in that visualized space.

At the end of this process, you can start to enjoy making memories in your new home at Prescott Ranch in Belgrade. 

To live in Belgrade Montana is to live with intention. From fly fishing along the many miles of scenic waterways to skiing the slopes, Belgrade, Montana truly has it all. It provides a more affordable and less populated alternative to the county seat, Bozeman which is a mere 15-minute drive away.

What Makes Belgrade A Nice Place to Live?

At the foothill of the Rocky Mountains, visitors, and residents of Belgrade are greeted every day by spectacular scenery. Those who adore nature and wildlife have much in store for them here. With a variety of outdoor activities, cultural events, and an abundance of conveniences, Belgrade spoils residents with its ‘hidden gem’ status.

Community-oriented neighborhoods such as Prescott Ranch in Belgrade make it easy to live a life of luxury, stability, and security, smack dab in a landscape that never fails to awe and inspire.

What is Belgrade, Montana Named After?

Thomas B. Quaw, an entrepreneur, located the land that is now Belgrade in 1882 and took a great liking to the area. He named it after the capital of Serbia in part to show his appreciation for the Serbian investors who financed part of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Downtown Belgrade

This charming city prides itself in being home to a multitude of locally owned shops and businesses. A lively town of 10,000 people, downtown Belgrade offers many opportunities for antiquing, dining, and shopping. There’s a quaint, rustic atmosphere that runs through the city via a welcoming community who are loyal to their small town and to preserving its delightful character.

Eateries

Don’t let the small-town vibe fool you, though! There are restaurants to cater to every taste with a variety of cuisine from burgers and pizza to the more exotic, you’ll find culinary experiences like Cugino’s Pizzeria, The Local American Saloon, and The Wok. Stop in at the Madison River Brewery for a refreshing beverage and a chat with the locals.

Shopping

You might expect a town like Belgrade, Montana to have a few stores dedicated to outdoor adventure and you would be right. There are also shops to be explored that concentrate on art, gifts, and rustic furniture to help you bring the feel of the Big Sky indoors, leather shops such as RO Brooks Custom Leather, and places to discover antiques like Brass Monkey the Sandman. The shopper in you will never be disappointed.

Outdoor Activities

Celebrating every season, there are a number of outdoor activities to be enjoyed including picnicking at the Lewis and Clark Park, catching the parade at the Belgrade Fall Festival, or simply strolling through downtown to people-watch.

Prescott Ranch in Belgrade is also home to five neighborhood parks. Residents love having these amazing outdoor features where the kids can run and play. Whether it’s a soccer game or building snowmen, the parks are a place where neighbors can congregate for fun and community. 

For those who enjoy celebrating the December holidays, a month-long community celebration brings you the Festival of Lights which includes the exciting Christmas Convoy and the Truck Village at the Gallatin Speedway.

A Cheerful Community

Belgrade, Montana is fully committed to fostering a sense of well-being and togetherness among its residents to create a cheerful community. The Belgrade Community Library is home to a number of family-oriented events, clubs, and presentations designed for both entertainment and education.

With one high school, three middle schools, seven elementary schools, and ten preschools, the Belgrade School District ranks among the highest-rated public schools in Montana.  The high school boasts the largest sporting facility in the state, making it a popular host for various state, regional, and district sporting events.

What is Belgrade, Montana Best Known For?

A mere 10 miles away from Bozeman, Belgrade Montana has seen interest and growth increase over the past couple of years, but it is still a small western town. The tight-knit community atmosphere appeals to people who are looking for a delightful blend of gorgeous vistas, outdoor adventure, and community pride.

International Airport

Belgrade is home to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, one of the most beautifully crafted airport terminals in the country featuring a view of the snowcapped mountains, while inside visitors are treated to a prominent wood and stone aesthetic that accurately reflects the beauty and prominence of the surrounding landscape. The airport underwent an expansion in 2021 to add 31 new routes and destinations.

Exciting Speedway

The Gallatin Speedway is a popular destination for those looking for some good old-fashioned, dirt track fun. A variety of events are planned every year featuring different classes that are guaranteed to keep the entire family enthralled and rooting for their favorite racer.

Unprecedented Mountain Skiing

If you’re into skiing or boarding, there’s simply no overlooking the trails at Big Sky Ski Resort. Spanning over 5,800 acres of terrain, half of them are dedicated to those who are aiming at improving their skills and techniques. The other half presents experts with some of the most vigorous runs in the country. Big Sky Ski Resort is just one of many ski resorts to explore in the Gallatin Valley, there is also Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Discovery Ski Area, and Great Divide Ski Area, to name just a few.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

The caverns at Lewis and Clark State Park were discovered back in 1892. The Park is home to caves filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and other beautiful natural formations; they are open year-round for safe and well-lit guided tours. Just 45 minutes from Belgrade, visitors are treated to limestone formations that rival the most magnificent cave sites in the world.

Madison River

A beautiful tributary of the Missouri River, the Madison River runs 183 miles long through the states of Montana and Wyoming. A quick 30-minute drive from Belgrade, the river is fly fishing only and is also a great place for a refreshing swim. It boasts a hot spring to sit in and banks to explore.

Yellowstone National Park

Belgrade is a mere 1 ½ hour drive away from one of the most majestic national parks in the world. At over 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone spreads through three different states – Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. It features a variety of must-see features including jaw-dropping canyons, lush and fragrant pine forests, rivers flanked by endless evergreens, and of course, geysers such as the world-famous Old Faithful. Wildlife abounds in this raw, untouched country including wolves, elk, bison, antelope, and bears. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is just one of the many reasons why living in Montana, Belgrade is so spectacular.

 

There’s no arguing that the Gallatin Valley has a mean breakfast game. Brunching on a Sunday is something of a sport in this area, similar to the likes of New York City (only it’s a lot easier to get a spot at a table). Belgrade is no exception. When it comes to breakfast joints and cafes, locals can look forward to an array of options that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to grab on your way or a good sit-down meal, we’ve got Belgrade’s best cafe and breakfast spots nailed down for you.

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