Sometimes we forget some of the key elements associated
with our comfort at home. Worst of all, if preparations are not made in
advance, you can be needlessly inconvenienced. To avoid these problems, start
preparing as soon as you know when you will be moving.
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Notify post office of new address and when change goes into effect. Give
several weeks notice to ensure the forwarding order is in place. |
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Select a Moving Company that has a good reputation and one that you can get
references from. Check with friends or relatives who have recently moved and
find out if they were pleased with the company they used. Be sure to ask the
movers about their rate schedule. Inquire about packaging and whether packing
materials are charged separately. Make sure the company you choose is licensed
and insured and verify the information. Be sure to have a complete
understanding of what services will be performed as well as what the charges
will be - in advance. |
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Make up postcards that advise others that you are moving. Give your name,
new address, and new phone number, as well as your former address. Give the
date the new address will be effective. Place a card in with every bill you
receive and send one to every person you correspond with, including magazines
and other subscriptions, for the month prior to the move. Order plenty of
cards, you'll be surprised how many you will go through! This will help ensure
you don't lose any mail or delay any important correspondence after you've
moved. |
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Notify schools (if you have children) of when you anticipate the move will
take place. Also of importance - meet with administrators at new school to
arrange for an orientation and tour for you and your children. Try to arrange
for your child to meet new teachers and classmates prior to their first day.
This will help lessen some of their anxiety on the first day at their new
school. |
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Arrange with a locksmith to have the locks changed at your new home prior
to moving in. You can schedule to meet the locksmith after the closing. The
changeover usually doesn't take more than an hour or so, and is a good security
measure. |
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Electric: Make arrangements for power to be turned on in your name, as of
the possession date. Take care of turning off the old service too. |
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Telephone: Make arrangements with the telephone company for your new
service. If your move is not too far from your old residence, you may even be
able to keep your old phone number. Otherwise, be sure to have them turn off
the old number at the same time. |
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Cable TV: Make the same arrangements for your cable television service.
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Donate any unwanted clothing or nonperishable food items and toiletries to
your local charitable organization. Often these items are hastily thrown out,
and would be gladly used by someone less fortunate. You may also be entitled to
a receipt, which may offer a tax deduction. Ask for details. |
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Order new nametags for your pets prior to the move, even if they are indoor
pets. Be sure to include the animal's name, your address, and your business as
well as residence phone numbers. Moving can frighten and disorient pets. Be
sure they have complete identification before they make the move. In the event
they become lost, you will have a better chance of recovering them. |
Your Realtor may be able to help with some of these
arrangements. Don't be afraid to ask what assistance is available. The best thing
you can do is be prepared. Ask questions. If you aren't sure about something,
ask. Your Realtor is there to assist you.
