Moving into a new home is a big step. There are a lot of things to remember and consider. You have to be really prepared to not miss out on anything. Here’s a checklist on how you should prepare when you’re moving.
8 Weeks before the move:
- You may want to sell off your other stuff through a garage sale, set the date and make an announcement.
- If you have children who are already in school, make sure that you arrange a transfer of school records.
- Look for new schools in the new community by checking www.theschoolreport.com.
- Inform your insurance companies that you are moving.
- Have a separate file folder where you will compile all the papers, receipts, estimates, and all documents related to your move.
6 weeks before the move:
- Choose a van line or a rental truck company that you will use for the move. Inform them of the tentative date of pick-up and delivery.
- Moving to a new city? Make sure you ask your attorney, doctor and other providers for referrals and any other necessary records.
- Some homeowners are pet lovers and would like to take their pets with them, if you are one of them, schedule a check-up and be sure and get a copy
of their health and shot records from their veterinarian. - Set schedules with you real estate agents and/or landlords.
- Have your new home inspected, set a schedule for a home inspection!
4 weeks before the move:
- You have to make sure that all your utilities will be disconnected once you leave your old home, so set a schedule with them when you want the services terminated.
- Since you’re moving to a new home, look for the new utilities provider and notify them when you want the connection to start.
- Drain you lawnmower or other power equipment. Moving companies won’t move them if they are full of oil.
- Notify your newspaper delivery and trash pick-up when you will move and have them cancel the services on the move date.
- Give your carpet a good cleaning before all of the furniture is moved into the new address.
1 week before the move:
- It’s time to clean out your refrigerator and defrost your freezer. You don’t want them dripping in the moving truck if you will be bringing it in your new home.
- If you will be moving far from your original location, have your car serviced and checked to avoid unnecessary disturbances or accidents while moving.
- Confirm connect dates for utilities in your new home.
- Transfer or close your checking account.
- Be sure to get all items from your safe deposit box.
On the Day of the Move:
Spend the entire day at home with the movers. Do not let them out of your sight ever. Remind them which the fragile packages are.- Carry any valuables or family heirlooms with you. Do not include them on the boxes for the movers.
- Before you let the movers leave, take a finishing tour of your home, make sure nothing has been forgotten behind in the cabinets or closets and that all doors and windows are protected and secured.
- Specify a “Do Not Move” area where you can place the items you do not want the movers to take with them.
Arrival at the New Home:
- First, you should have the numbers needed in an emergency such as the fire department and police.
- Check with the post office to see if there is any mail that is being held for you.
- Register your cars. Also, register to vote in your new area.
- Enroll your children in their new schools.
Once settled in, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your new abode!