Relocation

Step 1: Get Organized

It all starts with planning and organizing your move. Like any big project, you need to plan your work and then work your plan.

• Purchase a special notebook where you record information about your move. Try to return it to the same place each night so you will know where to find it the next day.

• Purchase moving supplies: tape, markers, scissors, pocketknife, newspaper, blankets, moving pads, plastic storage bins, rope and a hand truck. Free boxes can usually be obtained at a local supermarket, but consider purchasing wardrobe boxes for moving clothes. Also try to keep these items in one central location so they will be easy to locate day after day.

• Buy supplies for cleaning your old home before you leave. These can then be packed and brought to your new home so you can clean first thing.

• Consider having a garage or tag sale to clear out unwanted items and plan accordingly. Otherwise consider donating the items you do not want to bring with you.

• Keep a detailed record of all moving expenses for tax purposes. Your costs may be tax deductible depending on the circumstances of your move.

• Coordinate moving help. Ask friends and family well in advance if they can lend a hand and do your best to accommodate their schedules.

• For safety reasons, make arrangements for young children and pets to be out of the house on moving day.

• If you are moving some distance, make travel arrangements including hotel and airfare.

• Create a floor plan of the new house for reference during packing and on moving day.

• Make back-ups of computer files and determine how you will move this delicate equipment.

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Step 2: Get In Touch

When you move there are many people you need to contact. Here is the essential call list.

• Interview and hire a reputable mover or rent a moving truck. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, get estimates, purchase moving insurance and get referrals or references.

• Two weeks before moving day, contact your telephone, electric, gas, cable/satellite, refuse and water companies to set a specific date when service will be discontinued. Verify this date with your real estate professional as well.

• Contact utilities in your new town and let them know when to start services. Do the same for Internet and long distance telephone service.

• Notify health care professionals (doctors, dentists, veterinarians) of your impending move and ask for referrals and for the transfer of records.

• Register children for school and ask for school records to be transferred.

• Tell lawn service, cleaning and security companies when service should be terminated.

• Notify clubs, churches and other organizations you belong to of your move. If applicable, see if membership fees can be partially refunded.

• Advise the post office, publications and correspondents of change of address and date of move.

• Check your homeowners insurance and make arrangements for new coverage.

• If you are moving to a new state, see if you will need new car insurance.

• Pick up items from your dry cleaners.

• Make arrangements for any bulky trash to be hauled away when the move is over.

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Step 3: Pack It Up

Putting your entire life into a few dozen boxes can be overwhelming. Try these tips for a smoother move.

• Create an inventory of all the items you are moving.

• Disassemble items for easier moving and transfer.

• Put breakable items in plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes, pack with newspaper or other cushioning material and label "FRAGILE."

• Label each box with the room it came from, its contents and its destination in your new house. Color coding or using a number system also works great (i.e. red stickers for bedroom or 1 for bathroom.)

• Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less. Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.

• Tape the bottom of boxes to reinforce and tape shut the top once filled to prevent spills.

• Use suitcases to their full potential. Fill them with clothes or other items for the move.

• Whenever possible use the original boxes for televisions, computers, stereos or other electronics.

• Create an "Open First" box with all the things you need upon arrival (medications, toiletries, linens, first aid kit, garbage bags, phone, light bulbs, flashlight, phone books, towels, food for pets, a leash, etc.) Make sure it is the last item packed so it will be easy to retrieve. Also make sure that tools are easy to access for reassembling beds and other items.

• Create special boxes for children that can also be opened upon first arrival. Contents may include photos, security items like a stuffed animal or blanket, radio, CDs, phone books, etc.

• As you pack, put aside and label different house related keys you come across. You will need to give these to the new homeowners.

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Step 4: Moving Day

It can be a hectic 24 hours, but there are some things you can do to make it easier.

• Have wrenches and other tools handy for breaking down beds and appliances.

• Move valuables (jewelry, legal documents, family photos, records and collections) yourself - do not send with a moving company.

• If you are using a professional mover, check the inventory list and make sure you agree with the condition of items. Get a copy of the list for your records.

• Load trucks or supervise the moving company. Give every room a final once over. Don't forget to check the basement, yards, attic, garage and closets.

• Turn off the water heater and lower the thermostat.

• Get the name of the driver and give him your contact information. Also review directions to the new house and the related floor plan.

• Be sure you have the final payment for the movers and money for a tip (if you are satisfied with the job, about $20 per mover is recommended.)

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Now that you are in your new home, it is time to settle in. In addition to unpacking, these "to-dos" will help you get up to speed.

• Contact utility companies and verify start dates.

• Check the condition of items as they are unloaded. Note damaged or missing items on the inventory list.

• Get necessary licenses including drivers and pet licenses.

• Resume delivery of newspapers and other publications.

• Let the local post office know that you have arrived.

• Create an emergency phone list for your new community and post on the refrigerator.

• Change batteries in smoke detectors and plan a fire escape route.

• Send a thank you note to neighbors, friends and family that assisted with the move.

• Consider changing the house locks.

• Register to vote.

• Research and get involved in community groups including children's art, recreation and sports programs.

• Mail "We've Moved" cards with your new address and telephone to friends and family.

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