Some Moving Tips
There's little doubt that Americans are on the move. Whether moving from an apartment to a home
or a home to a home, moving is no simple matter. With careful planning, your transition can be
facilitated in an organized and efficient manner allowing you the peace of mind you need to prepare
to settle into your new home.
Planning should begin at least one month in advance. Confirm with your real estate agent your
closing date before scheduling your moving date. If you are renting, confirm your move-in date.
Make a list of all records that must be transferred to a new location, such as children's school
records, financial and medical records.
This is a good time for a SERIOUS cleaning of the closets or basement. It can be expensive and
time-consuming tomove things you don't need or worse, have no place for in your new home.
If you are disposing of a large number of items, consider holding a garage sale to offset your
moving expenses. If you're donating items to charity, ask for a receipt for tax purposes.
Send change of address cards to magazines, credit card companies and organizations to which you
belong. This is an ideal time to request help for packing and moving. If you are moving yourself,
schedule a moving party complete with
pizza and beverages.
Take inventory of borrowed or lent items and retrieve or return them. Dispose of flammable liquids
such as gasoline oroil. Is there gasoline in your lawn mower?
Two weeks before you move, contact local utility companies to advise a date to disconnect service.
Arrange for utility service in your new home. Plan carefully for the transfer of checking and savings
accounts. Open an account in your new community to have access to funds when you arrive.
Service your car before you move. Make appointments with doctors and dentists for final
check-ups and to discuss medical history.
Begin packing early by gathering boxes and packing materials. Don't pack possessions without
cleaning them-you are more likely to have energy at the beginning of the move.Make sure all boxes
are clearly labeled with their contents and denote which are "fragile."
Keep careful records of all your moving expenses at they occur-some may be tax deductible.
Pack a suitcase with the essentials in case your boxes are misplaced.
Appoint someone to meet the mover and point out items to be loaded on the truck. If you are
handling your own move, organize loading to maximize space and to ensure heavy items are
not placed on fragile boxes.
Finally, try to unpack in an organized manner, noting which boxes can be stored without unpacking.
Now, relax and enjoy your new community and home!