Moving Guide
Following these tips can take confusion out of the journey to your new home - whether it's down the block or across the country!
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SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:
- List the things you want to move, throw out or give away. Be strict; the fewer items to move, the easier the job.
- Alert the post office. Request their special kit designed to insure that your mail won't be interrupted.
- Request medical, dental and academic records. Make sure you have them all well in advance of the move.
- Choose a moving company. Ask for references from former customers.
- Talk to friends or relatives who have moved recently - learn from their mistakes.
- Plan the move. What items should be given special attention? How long will the move take? Who can help?
- Try to anticipate problems. Will the move take place around aholiday? Could highway construction delay your plans? Could weather pose a serious threat?
THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:
- Call the power company and the phone company - arrange for any services you'll need at the new house.
- Confirm departure and arrival dates with everyone concerned: mover, realtor, relatives, people you're buying the house from, etc.
- Book motel rooms, rental cars, etc., if necessary
- Start to pack. Begin with valuable, rarely used items.
- Make sure all your boxes are labeled.
- Involve your children in the move. Bring them in on planning sessions and have them help with packing.
- Determine what special items you've added to the house that should be moved: lighting fixtures, security system, etc.
- Do a thorough cleaning of the house.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:
- Transfer bank accounts to your new area. Notify credit card and insurance companies and complete any forms required so that coverage will continue.
- Confirm dates and details of new phone and electric service.
- Mail change of address cards.
- Return anything you may have borrowed; ask for important items back by a certain date.
- Review arrival date and time with people from whom you are buying your new house.
- Make sure any repairs, changes or additions agreed to for the new house are on schedule.
- Review your progress in packing. Make a list of items to be packed at the last minute.
ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING:
- Discontinue all unnecessary services such as newspaper delivery, laundry, garbage collection, etc.
- Set date for termination of gas, water, electric and fuel delivery.
- Arrange to have the telephone service stopped one day after you move.
- Reconfirm all arrangements at the new location.
- Have gas, water and electric meters read.
- Outline the plan for moving day to family and movers. Who will be responsible for what?
- Set a schedule and stick to it.
- Make a general inspection of your house to determine if you've forgotten anything.
ONE DAY BEFORE MOVING:
- Defrost refrigerator and dry thoroughly to avoid mildew.