Moving Tips
MOVING TIPS
Provided by Allen & Teresa Stowinsky
TELLING THE WORLD THAT YOU’RE MOVING
• After setting your moving date and establishing a new address, you need to begin notifying people who need to know you’re moving. The Postal Service offers change of address kits that include notification cards for businesses and the Postmaster. Rubber stamps or stickers with your old and new addresses will make the job of completing the cards much easier and less time consuming.
• If you have not found a place to live and do not have a new address, consider getting a Post Office box in your new locale to begin forwarding mail. It’s best if you try to do this on an early house-hunting trip, since some Post Offices have waiting lists.
FORWARDING YOUR MAIL
The U.S. Post Office will forward mail under the following conditions:
• Free for one year for express mail, first-class, and priority mail.
• Free for 60 days for second-class mail, including newspaper and magazines.
• Third-class mail, including circulars, books, catalogues, and advertising not forwarded unless requested by the sender.
• Fourth-class mail, including packages weighing 15 ounces or more and not mailed as priority, will be forwarded locally for one year. (You must pay Charges if you move outside the local area.)
Planning the Move
CHANGE OF ADDRESS CHECKLIST
Give your change of address to the following:
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_ Present And Future Post Offices |
_ Accountants |
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_ Associations/Clubs |
_ Attorneys |
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_ Banks & Lending Institutions |
_ Catalog Companies |
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_ Charge And Credit Cards |
_ Church/Synagogue |
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_ Doctors/Dentists |
_ Employers |
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_ Friends, Family |
_ Frequent Flyer Programs |
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_ Gym Membership |
_ Insurance Companies |
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_ Internal Revenue Service, Federal, State And Local Government Agencies |
_ Internet Provider |
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_ Investment Companies |
_ Ira’s |
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_ Libraries |
_ Magazine/Online Subscriptions |
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_ Motor Vehicle Department |
_ Roadside Assistance Club |
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_ Schools |
_ Stockbrokers |
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_ Veterinarian |
_ Voter Registration (Both Old And New Jurisdictions) |
Planning the Move
DISCONNECTING SERVICES AND UTILITIES
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Gas/Electric Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date service to stop/transfer: |
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Trash Collection Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date service to stop/transfer: |
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Phone/Cell Provider Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date service to stop/transfer: |
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Water Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date service to stop/transfer: |
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Cable/Satellite TV Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date service to stop/transfer: |
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Internet Provider Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date service to stop/transfer: |
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Newspaper Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date service to stop/transfer: |
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SELECTING A MOVING COMPANY
• For a local move, obtain references from friends or check with the Better Business Bureau about the moving company you are considering.
• On interstate moves, charges are based on the weight of the articles to be moved, the distance to be moved, and additional services provided.
• Get at least three estimates well in advance of your move, however remember most estimates are “nonbinding”. The final price is determined by the total charges for transportation and services. A “binding estimate” requires the mover to bill you for the specific services at a specific price. If you add additional services, you will void the binding estimate.
PACKING TIPS
Whether you are supervising a professional move, or doing the packing yourself—this section will save you time and headaches.
• Keep the following supplies and accessories on hand:
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_ Marking pens and notepad |
_ Packing tape |
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_ Scissors |
_ Tape measure |
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_ All size boxes |
_ Furniture pads or sheets |
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_ Rope or twine |
_ Tool Box |
• Label all boxes clearly indicating the contents.
• Identify each box with a number and use your notepad to keep a list of what is in each box.
• Clearly mark fragile items. Carry your most fragile items in the car with you.
• Clearly label boxes with the room destination where they should be delivered when unloaded at your new home.
KEEP THE BASICS HANDY
Pack essentials in separate boxes to keep them on hand. You’ll need them during the first days in your new home. It is important to identify those items that will be essential to your family during the move and the first few days to help ensure a smooth transition— from toilet paper to tool kits.
Personal Items:
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_ Comfortable Clothing |
_ Alarm Clock |
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_ Toiletries and Cosmetics |
_ Toilet Paper/Tissues |
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_ First Aid Kit (Band aids, etc) |
_ Towels |
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_ Daily Medications |
_ Toothbrushes/ Toothpaste |
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_ Shower Curtain |
_ Soap |
Shortcut Meals:
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_ Disposable Plates, Cups |
_ Pots and Pans |
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_ Utensils, Can/Bottle Opener |
_ Paper Towels |
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_ Dish Soap and Sponges |
_ Plastic Containers |
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_ Foil or Plastic Wrap |
_ Dish Towels |
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_ Instant Coffee, Creamer and Sugar |
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To Settle In:
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_ Cleaning Products |
_ Extension Cords |
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_ Flashlight |
_ Garbage Can and Bags |
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_ Ladder or Step Stool |
_ Light Bulbs |
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_ Matches |
_ Mop, Broom and Pail |
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_ Rope/Twine |
_ Shelf Liner |
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_ Telephones |
_ Tool Kit |
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_ Vacuum Cleaner |
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Activities for Kids:
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_ Favorite Toys, Car Games |
_ Books |
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_ Coloring Books/Crayons |
_ Small Surprise Gift |
Packing It Up
MANAGING THE MOVE
• To save time and eliminate confusion, draw a floor plan of your new home before your move. Sketch in and number your furnishings the way you want them arranged. Tag furniture pieces to correspond to the floor plan so the movers know where to place each piece.
• Be sure to be on hand during packing, pickup and delivery of your belongings. If you cannot be there, ask a friend or relative to be on hand. If utilizing a moving service, the mover should issue you an inventory of all items. Make sure the inventory is correct and legible before you sign it.
• Keep children and pets out of the way of movers.
MOVING OUT
• Confirm the arrival time with moving company.
• Keep important documents and keys handy.
• Make a final inspection to be sure nothing is forgotten. Look through closets, attic, and garage.
• Turn off lights; close and lock windows and doors.
• Leave keys with real estate agent or landlord.
• Leave home only after the moving truck is on its way.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
• If possible, hire a cleaning service to help you clean your new house, either before the movers arrive or after they’ve left.
• Make sure the previous owner has removed all goods before you take possession of your new home.
• Check your list of contents against the list of what is delivered, and inspect all boxes for damage.
• Unless you’ve hired the movers to help unpack, don’t try to unpack everything at once. Sort your boxes so that you only have to unpack what is necessary. This gives you the time to organize your space as you go, instead of being forced to toss things randomly into cupboards and closets.
MOVING IN
• Meet the movers promptly and supervise placement of boxes and furniture.
• Check circuit breakers or fuse box to be sure all power is on.
• Check the pilots on the stove.
• Install or check the batteries on smoke detectors.
• Make sure the telephones are working.
• Install new locks. Make an extra set of keys and leave a set with a friend, relative or neighbor.
MAKING THE TRANSITION
Whether you’re moving out of state or around the block, relocating a household is seldom easy—but it can be fun.
• If you’re moving to an unfamiliar location, obtain local maps as soon as possible. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce for information on shopping, dining and services in your new area. Contact your town’s Department of Parks & Recreation for information on playground and community recreational activities.
• Change your address on your driver’s license or get a new license and get your car registered if you move to a new state.
• Make it a point to get to know your new community. Get library cards and find out about community-sponsored activities. Subscribe to the local paper so that you get a feel for your new community.
• If you’re fortunate, your new neighbors will welcome you. If they don’t, spend some time outside so they have the opportunity to approach you—or introduce yourself. Talk to the postal carriers, and let them know where you’re from and the names of your family members. Postal carriers often will share this information with your neighbors.
• If your children are moving to a new school, try to find some time to volunteer for school activities. This will help you get to know the school and help you understand any problems your children experience as they get oriented to their new school.
Move
ARRANGING SERVICES AND UTILITIES
Be sure to call at least two weeks ahead to set up basic services for your home. Keep yourself organized by recording important information below.
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Gas/Electric Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date new service to begin: |
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Trash Collection Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date new service to begin: |
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Phone/Cell Provider Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date new service to begin: (Order a telephone directory in advance for your new area) |
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Water Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date new service to begin: |
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Cable/Satellite TV Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date new service to begin: |
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Internet Provider Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date new service to begin: |
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Newspaper Phone Number: |
Date Called: |
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Company Name: |
Contact Person: |
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Date new service to begin: |
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As your Real Estate Agents, we can assist you with many of the aspects of your move. Remember to call Allen & Teresa Stowinsky whenever you need community information, contact information and recommendations throughout the course of your move.
