Some simple tips on how to make your move with minimal stress and strain:
- Look at all the alternatives: hiring a moving company, for example, versus renting a truck and doing it yourself. Whichever alternative makes most sense for you, get bids from more than one vendor.
- A few days before the moving company is scheduled to arrive or you’re supposed to pick up your rental truck, call to confirm that everything is on schedule.
- Prepare your change of address cards in advance and send them out via mail or email as soon as it is appropriate to do so. The post office, utilities, credit card companies and people you do business with, friends and relatives - all should be notified of your move.
- Get an early start on packing by concentrating on seldom-used items first. Each box should have its contents and the room those contents belong in written on it clearly.
- Take a hard look at things you seldom or never use and throw away or donate as many of them as you can. The more you get rid of, the less you’ll have to move. This may be the perfect time for a garage sale!
- Use your extra towels and linens to protect breakables. When your supply of these things is exhausted, crumpled newspaper makes an excellent substitute. Write “Fragile” on all appropriate boxes.
- Put your valuables (such as jewelry) and important documents (birth certificates, car titles, etc.) aside in a safe place where they won’t be misplaced. You should transport them yourself.
- Empty freezer
- Donate non-perishables to local food bank
- Find out if you can move houseplants across state lines.
- When the house is empty, go back for a thorough final inspection. Check closets, crawl spaces, basement, attic, out-of-the-way nooks and crannies of all kinds. Have a second person make the same inspection separately.
- Decide in advance where you want the heavy furniture in your new home. Changing your mind after the movers have departed is no fun - especially for your back!
- Locate all fuses, circuit breakers, and water/gas and electrical valves. Check the smoke detectors.
- Create a list of phone numbers of the local police and fire stations, and nearby hospitals, etc.in your new city.
Be sure to contact:
- Utility Hookup: For more information on line utility & services hookup, go to www.conciergeservice.com. Note: For gas, electricity, water, telephone, get refund of any deposit made; arrange for immediate service in new town; arrange final reading and change of name for billing.
- Bank: Transfer funds if needed, arrange check cashing in new city.
- Insurance: Notify new location for coverage (Life, health, fire, auto, homeowners).
- Automobile: Transfer car title registration; driver's license; auto club membership
- School: Ask for copies or transfer of children's records and vaccinations required for new location.
- Medical: ask Doctor, Dentist and Pharmacist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays and records.
- Pets: Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations and tags.