 Moving Resources
Moving from one home to another can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare because Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is ready to help. For personalized assistance in coordinating your move and access to highly qualified movers through Coldwell Banker Moving Services, contact our relocation specialists. Here are some simple tips on how to get it done 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 the 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 as soon as it is appropriate to do so. The post office, utilities, companies and people you do business with, plus friends and relatives should all be notified of your move.
- Get an early start on packing by concentrating on seldom-used items first. Clearly mark each box with the contents and the room the box belongs in.
- Take a hard look at things you seldom or never use and dispose of as much as you can. The more you give away, the less you’ll have to move. Every item you discard is one less item to clutter up you new home. This may be the perfect time for a garage sale and a trip to Goodwill or the Salvation Army!
- Use your extra towels and linens to protect breakables. When your supply 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 may consider transporting them yourself.
- When the house is empty, go back for a thorough final inspection. Check closets, crawl spaces, basement, attic, out-of-the-way spaces of all kinds. Have a second person make the same inspection separately.
- Clean your new home thoroughly before moving your belongings in. It’s infinitely easier that way.
- Decide in advance where you want the heavy furniture. 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. Record the meter readings and replace batteries in the smoke detectors.
- List the phone numbers of local police and fire stations, doctors, nearby hospital, etc. Put a copy of your list near each phone.
Above all, plan, plan, plan and plan some more! Make a schedule you can live with and stick to it. Preparation and forethought will help keep everything under control and finish the move with your sanity and nervous system intact.
Send change of address to:
- Post Office -- give forwarding address
- Charge accounts, credit cards
- Subscriptions -- notice requires several weeks
- Friends and relatives
Be sure to contact:
- Utility Hookups -- For online, utility and services hookup. Contact gas, electricity, water, telephone and Internet providers, getting refunds of any deposits made. Arrange for immediate services in your new town and be sure to request a final reading and change of name for billing.
- Bank -- Transfer funds, 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; motor club membership.
- Route Delivery -- Laundry, newspaper delivery.
- Schools -- Ask for copies or transfer of children's records and vaccinations required for new location.
- Medical -- Ask doctor, dentist and pharmacist for referrals and transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays and records.
- Organizations -- Transfer memberships (houses of worship, clubs, civic organizations) and get letters of introduction.
- Pets -- Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations and tags.
And, don't forget to:
- Empty freezer
- Plan use of foods
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