Moving from one house to another is always a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. 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 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 track to happen when it’s supposed to.
- Prepare your change of address notices in advance and send them out as soon as it’s appropriate to do so. The Post Office, utilities, people and companies you do business with, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives – all should be notified of your move. Most, if not all, can be done on-line, but the Post Office will still furnish change of address cards if you prefer to do it that way.
- Get an early start on packing by concentrating on seldom-used items first. Each box should have its contents and the room those contents belong in written on it clearly.
- Take a hard look at things you seldom or never use and throw away as many of them as you can. The more you throw away, the less you’ll have to move – and every item you throw away is one less item to clutter up you new home.
- Use your extra towels and linens to protect breakables, and when your supply of these things 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, insurance policies, car titles, etc.) aside in some safe place where they won’t be misplaced, especially if you plan to take them with you and don’t want them packed with your household items.
- When the house is empty, go back for a thorough final inspection. Check closets, crawl spaces, basement, garage, attic, out-of-the-way nooks and crannies of all kinds. Have a second person make the same inspection separately.
- Clean your new home thoroughly before moving 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 valves in your new house. Record meter readings and check smoke detectors.
- Make a list of phone numbers for the local police and fire stations, doctors, nearby hospitals, etc. Put a copy of your list near each phone. If you’re not sure how to find the important contact numbers in your new area, ask your REALTOR® – he/she should have a list already prepared for you.
Above all, plan, plan, plan and plan some more. Make a schedule you can live with, and then stick to it. Preparation and forethought will help you to keep everything under control and finish the move with your sanity and your nerves intact.
The above is not all-inclusive, but should be a good starting point. Your REALTOR® has likely helped many clients with their moves, and should be able to add to this list and answer questions specific to your situation.
Scott Myers
Broker/Owner of Century 21 Scott Myers
(210) 479-1222 or Toll-Free (888) 868-1222
email: Scott.Myers@Century21.com
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