| |
Moving "To Do" List
Whether you're moving across country or just a few blocks, moving can be
stressful. Planning and preparing in advance can make all the difference
in the world in getting ready for the big day. Here's a helpful
checklist to keep on hand during the weeks prior to MOVING DAY!
8 Weeks To the Big Move!
|
|
* |
Reserve a moving vehicle, either professional or do-it-yourself. |
*
|
Draw
a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture
you'll take with you and what you need to sell or give away. |
|
* |
Contact the Chamber of Commerce of your new location and get information
about your new hometown. |
6-7 Weeks To the Big Move!
|
* |
Inventory all of your possessions and determine what can be sold and
what can be given away. |
*
|
Get
copies of your medical, dental and optical records and contact your
lawyer, personal banker and stockbroker. Arrange to transfer your
children's school records. |
|
* |
Contact your accountant about tax deductible moving expenses-and keep
good records! |
4-5 Weeks to the Big Move!
|
* |
If
needed, arrange for storage. |
|
* |
As
your credit card statements come in, complete the 'change of address'
section on your bills. |
|
* |
Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, appliances, holes in walls,
etc. that need it. |
*
|
If
moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you may need. And don't
forget to figure in those non-boxable items you'll be moving and how
much space they'll take up. You may need to contact the rental company
and adjust the size of moving van you'll be renting and they may have
tips on calculating space. |
3 Weeks to the Big Move
*
|
Get
moving supplies: Boxes (plan on more than you think you'll need),
furniture pads, dolly, packing tape, bubble wrap (for breakables such as
mirrors and vases), labels, crumpled newspaper, scissors, utility knife,
markers. |
*
|
Begin packing items you won't need right away. Be sure to not "over
pack" a box so that it's too heavy to lift or may not stay together. |
*
|
Call
all relevant services and utilities to give an ending date for your
current location and a starting date for your new one. Services could
include newspapers, home security, garbage collection, cable TV, lawn or
snow removal, cleaning services. Utilities you'll need to contact
include local and long distance telephone, electrical, gas / fuel oil,
and water / sewer. |
2 Weeks Before the Move
*
|
Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to a new bank or branch
location. This includes canceling any direct deposits or automatic
withdrawals. Don't forget to empty and cancel your safe deposit box.
Also close local charge accounts if moving to a new city. |
|
* |
Make
special arrangements to move your pets and notify your veterinarian. |
Moving Week
|
* |
Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new town. |
|
* |
If
needed, arrange for a babysitter. |
|
* |
Return borrowed or rented items, such as library books and videotapes. |
|
* |
Clean your current home and don't forget the oven and defrosting your
freezer. |
|
* |
If
using a professional mover, they'll pack your items for you. If moving
yourself, finish packing. |
*
|
Set
aside valuables, important papers, etc. for you to take with you so you
can find them quickly. Don't put them in a box, especially those you may
need for your closing. |
|
* |
Pack
a small bag with toiletries, medications, and a few days of clothing. |
Moving Day
*
|
Hopefully you have pre-signed your closing papers so you don't have to
attend one-if not two-closings. If you're interested in finding out how
you can eliminate attending closings on your moving day, contact your
realtor. |
|
* |
If
moving yourself, pick up the truck early. |
|
* |
Number and make a list of every box and its contents so you can find
things easily. |
|
* |
Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water and no
leave-behind appliances are running. |
|
* |
Inspect basement, attic and garage. Lock windows and doors. |
*
|
Pack
a "handy items box" for your first night and day in your new home. It
should include: scissors, utility knife, cups, paper plates and towels,
toilet paper, snacks and portable beverages, soap, pens and paper, local
phone book, tape, bath towels, trash bags, toiletries, sponge and shelf
liner. |
If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us
know!
|
