Lets Get Moving - February 24th

There are so many companies from which to choose, but a little extra research can go a long way in helping you avoid any moving headaches down the road. When you have a list of suggested movers, check them out on websites, such as protectyourmove.gov, mymovingreviews.com, Angie’s List, the Better Business Bureau and Motor Carrier Safety Administration federal for a quick background check.

Clear out your closets. Be ruthless!  Have a yard sale. Transfer your children’s academic records to their new school. Transfer medical records to your new doctor. 

Eliminate what you don’t want or need before you move. If you haven’t used it in over a year, and it isn’t a valuable family heirloom, you probably don’t need it. Donate it to a charity, sell it in a garage sale or get rid of it. There is little sense in paying us to move items which you don’t want and won’t use. Looking to get rid of a few items and make a few bucks, try apps such as Let Go or Offer Up.

Confirm the booking with your moving company if hiring movers. Arrange to have the movers come over two days before moving day, if they are packing for you. Get boxes and packing tape if you are doing it yourself. Start packing out-of-season clothing and other items you won’t need right away. Fill out change-of-address cards at the post office. Notify friends, family, your bank and insurance agent of your new address. Pre-order any new appliances, furniture, dishes and cutlery. Send a change-of-address email to any magazines you subscribe to. Make copies of important papers, such as birth certificates, passports, medical and dental records, or consider investing in a home safe.  

Arrange to have the utilities disconnected a few days after the move. Get the utilities set up at your new residence. Start packing room by room, labeling each box with the room name.  Arrange for a babysitter on moving day if you need one. If necessary, reserve the freight elevator in your building for moving day. 

Move-In Day! If you are hiring movers, make sure you are present as they pack to point out any items that need to be handled with care and to go over paperwork. Ask the movers for their contact information in case you need to call them once the moving truck is underway. Be ready to pay the movers with cash,cashier check or money order and have tip money on hand as well. Before leaving your old home, check through it one last time to make sure nothing is left behind.