In this article, we wanted to provide you with some helpful tips when it comes time to move from your old home to your new home. No matter how well you plan, you want to allow a little bit of flexibility in that usually, not everything goes according to plan. However, by planning he right way, you can reduce or completely eliminate any unexpected problems, making the move easy and smooth.
As soon as you list your old home on the market, start getting your moving supplies together to include boxes, tape, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, stickers, markers, and so on. Even if your home does not sell for months, this will allow you to start going through closets and cabinets, packing away things not needed right away. We also recommend you keep track of everything spent for the move, which can be deducted during tax time. This is also the best time to “clean house”. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear, discard broken items, and give linens, curtains, and other items you no longer want to charity.
Once your home has a firm contract and you know your moving date, you will need to hire the movers. You want to start by talking to about three or four reputable companies, asking questions, and doing a price comparison. After the moving company has been hired, we recommend you pack certain boxes yourself. For instance, you should organize any personal treasures to include family heirlooms, important documents, and other items that you prefer to handle yourself. If you will be doing all the packing, you want about four weeks, which will give you plenty of time so you are not rushing.
Then, about two weeks prior to the moving company showing up at your door, you will need to contact the utility companies on both ends. For the old house, readings will need to be taken so your final bill can be sent to the new address. For the new house, you will need to schedule the date for utilities to be turned on. After taking care of gas, electricity, cable, and phone, you want to file a change of address with the post office so any lingering mail will be forwarded on. If you currently get any magazine or paper subscriptions, you will need to cancel or put in a change of address. Then, make sure
all of your creditors, doctors, dentists, and pharmacies have your new address so files can be sent or transferred.
Finally, we strongly suggest you set three boxes aside as your “essentials” boxes. In one, you would put medication, again your precious items or important documents, and other valuables you want to hand carry to the new home. In the second box, which is especially helpful if you have children, pack books, coloring book and crayons, non-perishable snacks, favorite stuffed animals, etc to keep them entertained before everything else arrives. Then, the third box should be a box for tools, which would consists of standard tools that you might need, upon arrive at your new home. Chances are, you will have room in this box for a blanket and pillow just in case.