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Preparing for your MOVE
I think of moving as nature’s way of keeping my belongings in check. Just like preparing the house for sale preparing for the move it is one more opportunity to take and long hard look at our things and make the hard decisions as to what we should move and what things we should let go.
Many years ago and I do mean many I was dating this great guy Rick and he invited me to go and meet his grandparents who lived about two hours away. He told me they were in their late 70’s. He also said they wanted us to stay with them in their house. To be honest I was excited about meeting them but at the time I was only about 31 and late 70’s sounded really old. And staying in a house filled with really old stuff was not something I was looking forward to, especially with my allergies. Needless to say I expected to be pretty uncomfortable.
Well was I surprised. When we got to their house it was this incredibly nice, fairly new townhome. When I walked in the front door it was more like I was in the house of couple no older than Rick and I. Everything was fresh and modern. Their furniture was fairly new and their decorations were very much in line with what I had been seeing in magazines except for here and there were pieces that you could tell were very old. I asked LaVona how she was able to have such a youthful home and she confided in me that each time they move they get rid of things that they do not need or have outgrown. She explained to me that over the years she and her husband Boughton moved often and she learned early on that by getting rid of things it served two purposes: she didn’t have to pay to move the old stuff which she sold, and the monies from the sale gave her the money for replacements and She and her husband never became overwhelmed with clutter and things they did not need or use.
This holds true for all of us. I know people right now who are paying $200 or more a month on a storage unit for stuff and when I ask them when the last time they used any of it they can’t remember. And yet they can’t let go of it and many have been doing this for years. Just think of what they could be doing with that $2400+++ a year.
My point here is that you should embrace your move and take the opportunity to really enhance your life by minimizing your collection of stuff.
Think of it this way if you have a yard sale you’ll have some extra cash and if you give it to charity you will be enriching someone else's life. And the best part you’ll have a lot less to move into your new home.
Preparing for you MOVE
It is a good idea to start your move preparation about 9 weeks before your actual move. I have provided you with a plan to follow
9 WEEKS TO YOUR MOVE PLAN CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Use this plan even if you have less time to move just combine the first few weeks and try to accomplish as much as you can following the guidelines. One tip is if you are moving yourself you need to start getting boxes asap. If you are getting them used from stores a great resource for boxes is the Wine shop especially those big super wine stores. They go through a lot of boxes every day and the boxes are usually pretty clean and free of pests. Also they are very sturdy. Other stores let you get boxes from them too you just have to call and find out when they have them available as most stores break down boxes for recycling. If you are buying boxes on line make sure you order them at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance of packing date to make sure they arrive in time and are the right size and you have the right amount. You don’t want to be short of boxes.
A good rule of thumb is to count the rooms in your house include laundry room, utility room, garage and get at least 8 boxes per room. So let’s say you have 9 rooms you would then get at least 72 boxes. Another thing is the size of boxes, make sure they are not too big. Moving yourself you want to make sure they are easy for you and your friends to carry. If you are packing books, keep the boxes uniform and smaller than the boxes you purchase for light stuff like linens, towels etc… Newspaper is great for wrapping dishes, glasses so you will want to start saving those papers well in advance of your move. Bubble wrap is great for those family heirlooms. Buy lots of big bold magic markers black and red for marking the boxes. I use black for boxes I will be opening over a period of time and I use red magic marker to mark those boxes I will need find and open right away when we get to the new house.
Speaking of those open right away boxes this is what I usually pack so we can get settled in the first night and then I can unpack the rest of the house over the upcoming week. Using this strategy saves so much stress and that hemorrhaging of money because you have to run to the store to pick up this and that which is packed somewhere in one of the boxes looming all over the house.
It is Important to pack What you will need that first night in the new house:
****mark these boxes in big bold RED MAGIC MARKER and keep them separate from boxes going on the truck. These are the boxes you will move. If moving short distance and you have rented a truck pack these boxes last so they are accessible as soon as you get to the new house. If you are moving a long distance put these boxes in your vehicle so that you will have them at the new house while your waiting for the moving truck. If you are flying to your new house you can ship them on the plane as cargo or you can ship UPS prior to you leaving to arrive at your new house when you arrive.
Everyone in the household should pack a personal
OPEN ME FIRST BOX with enough for one week including toiletries just as if you were going on vacation. For you and your spouse if you work you will want to pack a weeks worth of work clothes and shoes (don’t forget the shoes). If the kids are in school then of course they will need a weeks worth of school clothes. Also pack their backpacks with all of their school books.
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In addition to the personal OPEN ME FIRST BOXES you should pack the following for life in the house while you are waiting for your moving van or just while you are unpacking to make life just a little bit easier and a lot less stressful. . .
What should I pack in my
"OPEN ME FIRST BOXES"
Kitchen
__ Bottle of Champagne (sparkling cider for the kids) to celebrate new home
__ aluminum foil
__ disposable flatware, cups, bowls, and plates
__ matches/lighter
__corkscrew/bottle opener __ can opener __ radio
__ batteries __ scissors __sharp knife
__ coffee maker (remember filters!) __ coffee
__ sugar/sweetener __ powder cream
__ dishwasher detergent __ dish detergent
__ laundry soap __ frying pan and spatula
__ one qt saucepan __ tea kettle __ paper towels __napkins
__ cleaner for sink
__ snacks __ groceries for at least a couple of days
Main Bathroom
__ toilet tissue __ bath mat
__ bath towels/wash cloths enough for each person in household
__ first-aid kit (aspirin, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide)
__ hair dryer __ shampoo/conditioner
__ shower curtain and rings __ soap
__ toothbrushes and toothpaste
Bedrooms for each bed
__bottom sheet __ top sheet __blanket __pillow/pillowcase
Tools
__ batteries __ light bulbs __ duct tape
__ flashlight __ flat-head screwdriver
__ hammer __ level __ Phillips-head screwdriver
__ picture hangers __ tape measure __ utility knife
Packing the Open Me First boxes makes those first days in your new home easier on you and your family by providing you with those things you will need right away!
Remember possession of the house will be given to the new owners on the day of closing so if possible you will want to move all of your things out at least two days prior to closing date to allow for cleaning and the walk through.
You may also want to consider that many moving companies offer discounts on Tuesdays through Thursdays during the first 3 weeks of each month. So if you are closing on the 30th you would want to be out on the 28th. Now many people stay in the house “camping out” until closing day. This is when those “Open me first” boxes, described in the checklist, come in handy.
9 weeks before your moving day (this will take about 2-3 weeks)
Create a “MOVING” file to keep track of estimates, contracts, receipts and other important moving information. I find that writing web addresses, user names/passwords etc. and names and numbers of movers right on the file folder helps to make sure I don't lose this information. I even had file folders printed up for my clients so that they could keep this information handy. I can't tell you how many times I wrote information like this in wonderful little notebooks, or day planners only to have them become misplaced during all the hoopala of preparing for the move. Now I advise using the file folder and keeping it in a kitchen drawer.
Start researching your new location on the internet google (Or use your favorite browser) and search for your new town and go to the Chamber of Commerce site and request their relocation package. You can also start looking at your new areas newspaper on line and familiarize yourself with what is going on in your new community.
If you have the floor plan for your new home start thinking about where you are going to put things and what you don’t need to take with you.
If you are moving out of the area and flying to your new city now is the time to make your plane reservations so you can take advantage of super saver discounts.
If you are using a moving company now is the time to find a mover and make the arrangements for your move.
- Check with your employer to verify your moving allowance.
- Make appointment with Moving Company for their representative to come out to give you an estimate and schedule your move.
- Take pictures of your belongings making sure to get close ups of your big items for damage claims.
If you are moving yourself you could let friends know when you plan to move so that they can make arrangements to help.
Call truck rental place and reserve your truck or you could use the POD I have used pod and I can really recommend the POD. I stored my things in NC while living in Richmond for 2 years and everything was in perfect shape when I finally had it delivered and unloaded it. I also had access to it while it was in climate controlled storage with only 24 hours notice. Since Pod started there are now other companies like SMART BOX, UPACK, and BOXCART but I have not tried them. I would imagine they are all ok but I would check them out and compare prices. When you use this kind of container moving you have to provide the moving men. It can be yourselves or you can hire individuals that will load for you.
Order your boxes or begin to get them from stores or purchase online.
Make your own “Moving Kit” you'll want to include, packing tape, packing material, BIG magic markers black and red, box cutter, change of address postcards, postage stamps, scissors, pens, labels, what ever you think you will need.
Now is also the time to plan and have your yard sale and make the donations of any furniture or other household items and/or clothes you have decided not to take to your new home.
Remember that Federal law requires that you dispose of all flammables such as propane tanks, fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer, paint thinner, bleach etc. (read the list of non-allowables from your mover) so you may want to include these items in your yard sale or give them to friends or relatives. Also you may want to put house plants in yard sale. (most movers will not move them, check with your mover)
If giving to charity make arrangements for pick ups (be sure to save tax receipts for tax deductions)
Set an appointment for days before the move for service technician to prepare any major appliances you are moving for the move.
4-6 weeks before your move (over the next 2 weeks)
Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Make sure you set these things aside and pack to carry with you. If you have more than you wish to carry you can send them certified mail.
Notify the US Post Office of your change of address and date you want your mail to begin forwarding to your new address. If there is going to be a lapse between the time you move and the time you move into your new house either ask the Post Office to HOLD your mail for you to pick up or give them a temporary mailing forwarding address. An online change of address form is available on their web site at USPS
Besides friends and relatives you will want to prepare postcards to notify businesses and service providers you do business with:
___ Electric Company ___ Gas Company ___ Water/Sewer
___ Telephone ___ Trash Company ___ Cable/SatelliTE
___ Oil/Propane ___ Pharmacy ___ Dry Cleaner
___ Lawn Care ___ Bank ___ Credit Cd Co
___ Car Loan(s) ___ Health Club ___ DM
___ Newspapers ___ Magazines ___ Newsletters
___ Something of the month Clubs
___ Through the mail clubs like Netflix, Gevalia Coffee, Fruit of the month clubs, Disney Movies Club, Book Clubs, etc…
In addition to notifying of change of address you need to call service providers like electric co, gas co, telephone, water/sewer co, cable etc to disconnect service. I advise you set the date for the day after your move. That way you will have utilities on the day of your move and just in case you end up sleeping in the house that night you have utilities.
Make sure you have all the boxes and packing material you need.
Collect boxes from grocery stores, and craft stores I especially like the boxes from the Wine and Liquor stores they seem to be really strong and most are divided so they are perfect for small fragile items, glasses, collectibles etc...
Your can also purchase boxes and packing materials on line.
2-3 weeks before the move
Call the utilities companies for your new house and make sure everything will be turned on for the day you move in
__electricity __ gas __ water __ phone
are the most important.
If your are moving yourself start packing up your rooms, carefully marking each box with a number, room and contents.
Example 1 KITCHEN/SM APPLIANCES, 6 CINDI’S ROOM/BEDDING, ETC…. Make an inventory list with box #/location
**Keep out the items for you “Open Me First Boxes”
Notify the following of your moving and new address:
___ Accountant ___ Lawyer ___ Insurance Agent
___ Doctor(s) arrange to have medical records transferred ask for referral
___ Dentist(s) arrange to have dental records transferred ask for referral
___ Department of Motor Vehicles
___ Social Security Administration
___ State/Federal Tax Bureaus
___ City/County Tax Assessor Personal Property
___ Veteran’s Administration
If you are moving out of the area make time for family and friends. Visit people and places that hold happy memories for you and your family. Maybe have an open house or an informal dinner or barbeque. Keep it simple.
If you are moving to a new area make family travel plans including making reservations at Hotel if you will not be able to move in to your new home on day of arrival.
1-2 weeks before the move
If moving to a new area open your new checking account (many banks take 10 days to process deposits on new accounts so you want to do this now so that your closing check won’t be held up when you close on the house) and savings account. Leave enough money in your existing account to take care of moving expenses, travel to new location, and a living allowance.
Give away or arrange for transportation of houseplants. (most moving companies will not move)
If moving yourself finish packing boxes and live out of your suitcases for last couple of days before the move.
Now is the time to start cleaning out that pantry and fridge. Use up those staples and all that food in your freezer. Start to shop only for what you need and don’t stock up on anything except things you don’t mind moving.
Make sure you have all your items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, furs, shoes, watches, jewelry, etc.)
Return any library books, DVDs or anything borrowed from friends or neighbors, and collect things you may have loaned.
Mail your change of address cards and your moving postcards to friends and relatives.
If you are planning on having a cleaning service clean your house after the move make those arrangements now.
Day before the move
Go to bank and get cashiers check or money order for Movers or if moving yourself the truck rental. Pack up your “Open Me First Boxes” and pack them in your car/truck or put them where they will go on moving truck last so they will be the first things off the truck.
Relax and get a good nights rest.
Day of the move
Plan to spend your entire day at the house. If children are young, hire someone or ask a friend or relative to watch the children for the day. As boxes are being loaded mark them off your inventory list. This is especially important if you are using a commercial mover. Tell everyone about boxes that contain fragile or precious items. After everything has been loaded on the truck before it leaves review the entire house and make sure everything has been moved that is being moved and that everything that is to stay is still in the house. Many times a washer/dryer gets loaded that is to stay with the house and sellers have had to replace them with new so watch out for this.
If you are sure everything is loaded correctly you can check and sign the Mover’s Inventory. ***IMPORTANT***If there is anything wrong this is the time to note it on that Mover’s Inventory, once you sign that you are stating that unless it is noted on that inventory everything is OK this is important after delivery too. Do not think you can tell them later something was broken note it right then on that inventory!!!
Delivery day at the new HOME
While waiting for the moving van make sure all the appliances are working Pretty much like moving day in reverse. The important thing here is for you or someone to be there as items come off the truck and check them for damage and mark them off your inventory. Someone should also be in the house to tell the movers where items are to go in the new house.
Make sure you keep your “Open Me First Boxes” separate and easy to find.
Checking the inventory is very important because if you have to make a claim any discrepancies must be noted on the operators copy of the inventory sheet before you sign it because once you sign it you are confirming that everything is acceptable and you have no claims against the moving company. In addition to noting loss or damage on the operator’s inventory sheets you should immediately report the loss or damage to the salesperson or move coordinator.
The first Night at the new HOME
If your friends helped you move ask them to help you set up the beds before they leave. I always go and get a couple of buckets of chicken, sides, some chips and have drinks available so after the move we can kick back for a moment and enjoy being moved.
You have your “Open Me First Boxes” so your first night should be a time to take in your new home. Go ahead and open up these boxes so you will have the supplies you need for your first few days and nights.
continue to How to make repairs and find contractors go to Repairs
Pop the cork on that
Champagne and/or Sparkling Cider and
CELEBRATE your new HOME!
You Deserve
It ! ! !
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Copyright©Oct 1, 2009 forsalebyownerhow2 abjf Blake Enterprises
Information deemed to be reliable although not guaranteed
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
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