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Community Corner

29 Tips for the Moving Process

"If you are planning a move, here are some tips for making a smooth transition."

Purchasing a new home and moving into it is exciting and a little overwhelming.  With so many details involved in the actual purchase of a new home, often times the important particulars of a move get lost in the shuffle.

If you are planning a move, here are some tips for making a smooth transition.

You’ve found a house, now what?

  • If you haven’t already started a file with papers, receipts and notes, now is a good time to do so.
  • Make up a checklist of your own to keep on hand.
  • Carefully go through the new house and imagine your furnishings placed there; make a note of items that you won’t be bringing to your new home.
  • Go through your clothing and other collections and set aside items that you no longer need.
  • Have a yard sale and arrange to donate items that don’t sell.
  • Arrange to send carpets, drapes and furnishings that you will be bringing out for cleaning.
  • Contact a few moving companies for estimates; be sure that the estimates are detailed and that the movers are bonded. Be sure to ask your insurance company if your possessions will be covered in transit. If you are moving yourself, reserve a truck at your local rental establishment and get packing materials. Shop around since each rental company is different.
  • If you have kids, alert the school that you are leaving and will need your child’s records. Make contact with your new school and arrange for a visit.
  • If you have pets, contact your vet and get a copy of your pet’s records; schedule a last visit if it is near time for a check-up.
  • Contact the family’s doctors to arrange for health and dental care records to be transferred; if you are nearing time for your annual check-up it would be good to schedule it before the move. If family members are on medication; be sure to have enough of the medications to last a few weeks after the move and transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new area.
  • Search in your new neighborhood for  doctors, dentists and any specialists you might need;  do a little research and schedule appointments to meet with prospects to help narrow down the list.
  • Cancel club memberships and newspapers; the realtor in your new area can recommend new clubs in your area to visit.
  • Get your postal change of address forms filled out and deliver them to the post office two weeks before the move.
  • Change your billing address with your credit card companies and send a change of address card out to others that will need your new address.
  •  Transfer bank accounts and clear out safety deposit boxes.
  • Have cars serviced.
  • Arrange for a cleaning service to clean your old house and your new one.
  • Make arrangements for any repairs that need to be done in either home.
  • Arrange a gathering with friends and family, be sure to invite the kids' friends to say goodbye.

Moving week and reality is upon you, now what?

  • Make arrangements to donate pantry items and foodstuffs to a local shelter.
  • If you are moving yourself pack and label boxes; be sure that you don’t make the boxes too heavy to carry.
  • If you have a mover, arrange for them to pack up two days before the move. Be sure to have a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries packed up along with small valuables that you will transport.
  • Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers and stay until they are finished.
  • Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods and complete information on bill of lading and carefully read the document before you sign it. Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and inventory. Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
  • Take one final look through the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
  • Give the driver directions to your new home and make sure that the moving company has your cell phone number.

You arrive at your new destination; what next?

  • Be on hand to answer any questions, give directions and supervise the movers.
  • You must pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded. This is a federal requirement for interstate moves.
  • Check carefully for any damaged or missing items and make note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to un-boxed items. Before you sign anything, be sure the driver initials all notes regarding damage.

Moving to a new house is a fresh beginning; don’t pack everything you own and hope to clear out clutter on the other end. The key to a successful move is organization.

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