Over the course of my 20 years in real estate, I've had the opportunity to observe people as they prepare to move to a new residence. Whether it's across town or across the country, the move is essentially the same. I've also moved a few times and have succumbed to pitfalls and the stress of moving as well. So, below are my "moving tips". I hope they help you have a more streamlined and successful move day.
Eight Weeks from Moving Day:
- Donate, Donate, Donate - If you don't absolutely need it, donate or sell the items you don't intend to bring with you. Not only will this save you countless hours of packing items you probably won't use at your new destination, you'll save on moving costs. Consider holding a yard sale. You might be pleasantly surprised at the end of the day!
- Start Packing Now! In my experience, packing always takes longer than you expect. Start with items that you're not currently using such as off-season clothing, basement, attic and garage items. Kitchens actually take a lot of time to pack, so plan accordingly.
- Perishable Items - Use things now that you can't move such as perishable food items and cleaning supplies.
- Moving Company Estimates - Solicit at least three estimates on moving your possessions. Contact your homeowner's insurance company to see if any portion of your move is covered.
- School Records - Transfer your children's school records, if applicable.
Six Weeks from Moving Day:
- Possessions Inventory - Evaluate what items you intend to bring with you. Do you need it all? Are there any more items that should be donated/sold?
- Notifications - Complete post-office change of address cards for the following: banks; charge cards; religious organizations; doctors/dentist; relatives and friends; income tax bureau/Social Security Administration/union; insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/ stockbroker; magazines; post office; and schools.
- Moving Company - Contact the moving company of your choice and schedule the move date. Inquire about insurance coverage.
- Yard Sale - If you haven't done so already, hold a yard sale or donate any unwanted items.
- Health Professionals - Locate heath care professionals in your new town.
- Subscribe - Consider subscribing to the newspaper in your new town or keep abreast of local news through the internet.
Four Weeks from Moving Day:
- Gather Important Documentation - Gather auto licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation, etc. Keep it in a safe, readily accessible place.
- Contact Insurance Companies - (auto, homeowner's, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
- Pack, Pack, Pack - Keep packing!
- Contact Service Providers - Contact gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection companies for service disconnect /connect at your old and new addresses. Also, ask for final readings.
- Request Refunds - Check to see if you're due a refund on unused homeowner's insurance, security deposit with landlord, or prepaid cable/internet service.
Keep your eyes open for Moving Tips - Part 2!
Catherine Condon, Broker MA & NH