Organization
is Key!
Plan,
organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan,
organize...!
If you can master these two concepts, you are well
on your way to an efficient move.
To effectively organize your move, begin months
ahead because you’ll need to tend to countless details and arrangements that
can overwhelm anyone if they’re left to the last month before the move.
Make a list of what you need to do—one approach is
to make a moving time table or “calendar of events”. Let’s review some of the
things you need to think about:
o Whether you’re
moving yourself or hiring a professional mover, don’t move unnecessary items. A
move is a great time to get rid of things that are no longer useful.
o Make a master
checklist of everything that must be done in connection with the move and when
you need to do it. Schedule a deadline for each task, and then check off each
task as it’s completed.
o If you plan to
rent a moving van or hire a professional mover, make reservations well in
advance.
o If you plan to
ask friends and family for help, ask enough people to make the job easier.
Don’t expect one or two friends to help move all your furniture and belongings.
o Get carpets
and slipcovers cleaned before you move. They’ll come back wrapped and ready for
your new home.
o If you plan to
travel by car over long distances, get your car serviced to ensure a smooth
trip. Be sure to check your spare tire.
o Return library
books and anything else you may have borrowed.
o Pick up all
dry cleaning.
o Take the
telephone book with you. It will be useful in case you need to contact former
service providers, friends, etc.
o If you have
listing flyers for your home, have a supply for folks that come by.
COMPILING PERSONAL RECORDS WHEN MOVING
OUT OF YOUR IMMEDIATE AREA
As
you’ve been living in your current home, you’ve been acquiring important
records that document your personal history (medical, dental, financial, and
legal information). Begin gathering this important information several months
before your actual move.
o Contact your
family doctor and dentist (and all of the other specialists you may have been
to like pediatricians, eye doctors, etc.) and obtain copies of your medical
records. Any new physician or dentist will need your medical/dental history.
o If you have a
pet, you will need their medical records, too. Ask your veterinarian to give
you copies of immunization certificates which you may need for getting new pet
tags or licenses.
o Arrange to
transfer the contents of your safety deposit box to a bank near your new home.
Make sure you have a record of the contents.
o While you are
at the bank, notify them of your planned move. If you make a house hunting trip
to your new city, it’s a good time to find a bank and open an account, all
before you move.
MANAGING A MOVING SALE
If
you’re holding a garage sale to liquidate unwanted items before moving, you’ll
not only make money, but you’ll also save money by not having to pay for moving
unwanted possessions. The following hints will help make your sale a success!
o Organize your
sale by categorizing odds and ends in bins. For example, have one bin for
kitchen gadgets, another for books and another for cd’s, videos and dvd’s.
o To get the
best prices at your moving sale, clean the objects you’re selling — and display
them creatively.
o Post signs
around the neighborhood, in advance, to let people know of your upcoming garage
sale.
o If you have
lots of things to sell, place an ad in the local paper.
o To display
clothes, rig up a clothesline.
o Tag items
individually with prices or put articles together on a table with a sign of
their price. Whether or not you want to negotiate the price further is up to
you, but it will save you the hassle of trying to come up with a price on the
spot.
o Encourage your
children to get rid of old toys and belongings by letting them keep the money.
o Make sure you
have plenty of newspapers, old boxes, and grocery bags for packing up the items
you sell.
o Reduce prices
drastically at the end of the day to get rid of everything.
o What you don’t
sell, donate (and keep the receipt as a tax deduction).
TELLING THE WORLD THAT YOU’RE MOVING
Once
you have set the dates and established 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.
o If you have
not found a place to live and do not have a new address, consider getting a
Post Office box for the interim to begin forwarding mail.
o Locate a Post
Office or mail box center near your new place of employment or in the area of
town where you think you’ll be living; it’s best if you try to do this on an
early house hunting trip, since some Post Offices have waiting lists.
o To save money
on cards and postage, write or type half a page giving your old address and
your new address. Make copies and then include this with all your outgoing
correspondence before you move.
FORWARDING YOUR MAIL
The
U.S. Post Office will forward mail under the following conditions:
o Free for one
year for express mail, first-class, and priority mail.
o Free for 60
days for second-class mail, including newspaper and magazines.
o Third-class
mail, including circulars, books, catalogues, and advertising not forwarded
unless requested by the sender.
o Fourth-class
mail, including packages weighing 15 ounces or more and not mailed as priority,
will be forwarded locally for one year. (Charges must be paid by you if you
move outside the local area.)
CHANGE OF ADDRESS CHECKLIST
Give
your change of address to the following:
o
PRESENT AND FUTURE POST OFFICES
o
ACCOUNTANTS
o
ADDRESS BOOK—FRIENDS, FAMILY
o
ASSOCIATIONS
o
ATTORNEYS
o
BANKS
o
BOOK/CD/DVD CLUBS
o
CATALOG COMPANIES
o
CHARGE CARDS
o
CHURCH/SYNAGOGUE
o
CREDIT CARDS
o
CREDIT UNIONS
o
DENTISTS
o
DOCTORS
o
EMPLOYERS
o
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
o
FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS
|
o
GYM MEMBERSHIP
o
HOSPITALS
o
INSURANCE COMPANIES
o
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
o
INTERNET PROVIDER
o
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
o
IRA’S
o
LENDING INSTITUTIONS
o
LIBRARIES
o
MAGAZINE/ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
o
MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT
o
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE MEMBERSHIP
o
SCHOOLS
o
STOCKBROKERS
o
VETERINARIAN
o
VOTER REGISTRATION (BOTH OLD AND NEW
JURISDICTIONS)
|
DISCONNECTING/TRANSFERRING/SETTING UP
SERVICES AND UTILITIES
Keep
yourself organized by recording important information below regarding calls
made to disconnect or transfer current services out of your name.
GAS
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
WATER
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
TRASH COLLECTION
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
CABLE/SATELLITE
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
TELEPHONE
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
INTERNET
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
CELL PHONE
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
NEWSPAPER
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
OTHER:
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
OTHER:
Date called
Company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to stop/transfer
New company name
Phone #
Contact person
Date service to begin
|
Packing It Up
A Step-By-Step
Guide On How to Pack Everything
Whether you
are supervising a professional move, or doing the packing yourself, this
section will save you time and headaches with valuable tips on everything from
hiring a professional mover to how to move houseplants.
Hiring Professional Movers
SELECTING A MOVING COMPANY
o
For
a local move, obtain references from friends or check with the Better Business
Bureau about the moving company you are considering.
o
On
interstate moves, charges are based on the weight of the articles to be moved,
the distance to be moved, and additional services provided.
o
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.
o
Be
sure the mover is aware of everything to be moved. The cost will increase if
anything is added to the shipment that was not included in the original
estimate.
o
The
mover will issue you a bill of lading, which represents the legal agreement
between the customer and the mover. Be sure to keep it. Check to make sure your
moving dates, pick-up and delivery, are shown on the bill of lading.
o
Make
sure that any contract you sign identifies complete rates and charges, the
mover’s liability for your possessions, dates for pickup and delivery, and
claims protection.
o
Interstate
moves by moving companies are regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission
(ICC). The mover is obligated to give you a copy of a pamphlet prepared by the
ICC titled “When You Move: Your Rights and Responsibilities.” Make sure you
read and understand this pamphlet.
o
If
you have the option to move between October and April, you may be able to
receive a better price. If your move is scheduled between June and September,
the busiest times for movers, be sure to call well in advance for estimates.
HANDLING CLAIMS
o Professional
movers are responsible for loss or damage to goods caused by the mover. If
anything is missing or if cartons are damaged, this should be noted when you
check the inventory sheet at time of delivery.
o It is not
necessary to unpack all boxes immediately because any damages or losses
discovered, typically within nine months of the delivery, entitles you to file
a claim. Don’t throw away your inventory checklist or any papers signed in
connection with your move until you have unpacked all cartons and/or the nine
months are up. Obviously, the earlier the claim is filed the better, but the nine
month claim period will eliminate the necessity of having to quickly examine
all the contents of all the boxes.
WHEN MOVERS PACK FOR YOU
If
you are using the services of a professional mover, you may consider providing
little or no packing on your own. However, you may want to take some
precautions to ensure that cherished, irreplaceable or valuable items are
handled and protected to your satisfaction.
o
Ask
your professional mover how they package and transport items such as antiques,
crystal, etc. to determine whether you would prefer to pack and perhaps even
move these valuables yourself.
o
Often
times moving companies that transport items you pack yourself won’t insure or
take responsibility for them. Confirm the company’s policy in advance.
o
Ask
about the amount of insurance coverage the moving company provides, and whether
coverage is for replacement cost or the depreciated value.
o
Professional
movers have boxes and containers specifically designed for many items. For
added protection you may request extra boxes to pack any items you choose to
move on your own. Be sure to label them “Do Not Move” so your movers will not
load these boxes into their truck in error.
Moving It Yourself
TIPS FOR A DO-IT-YOURSELF MOVE
o
If
you are renting a van or truck, make reservations early.
o
Confirm
vehicle size/capacity with rental company:
2-3
rooms - 15 foot truck
4-6
rooms - 18 foot truck
7-8
rooms - 22 foot truck
o
Make
sure you have these supplies:
_
Loading ramps
_
Padding
_
Dollies
_
Boxes
o
Additional
costs:
Insurance
deductibles
Drop
off charges
o
Loading
tips:
Load
heavy furniture first
Pad
delicate items
Secure
load
o
Keep
the following supplies and accessories on hand:
_
Marking pens
_
Packing tape
_
Scissors
_
Tape measure
_
All size boxes
_
Furniture pads or sheets
_
Rope or twine
_
Tool Box
o Label all
boxes clearly indicating the contents.
o Identify each
box with a number and keep a list of what is in each box.
o Clearly mark
fragile items.
o Carry your
most fragile items in the car with you.
o If you have
children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip (if lengthy)
Packing it Up
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:
Comfortable Clothing
Towels
Alarm Clock
Daily Medications
Linens
Toothbrushes
Toilet Paper
Toothpaste
Toiletries
Shower Curtain
First Aid Kit
Soap
Cosmetics
Iron
Tissues
Shortcut
Meals:
Disposable Plates, Cups
Pots and Pans
Utensils, Can/Bottle Opener
Paper Towels
Dish Soap and Sponges
Plastic Containers
Foil or Plastic Wrap
Dish Towels
Instant Coffee, Creamer and Sugar
|
To Settle
In:
Telephones/tablets and charging
cords
Mop and Broom
Light Bulbs
Scrub Brush
Cleaning Products
Extension Cords
Garbage Can and Bags
Pail
Tool Kit
Vacuum Cleaner
Flashlight
Shelf Liner
Ladder or Step Stool
Rope/Twine
Dust Cloth
Matches
Activities
for Kids:
Favorite Toys
Books
Coloring Books/Crayons
Puzzles
DVDs
Small Surprise Gift
|
PACKING
Start
collecting boxes early. Pack on a room-by-room basis, and don’t mix items from
different rooms in one box (i.e. don’t pack items from the bedroom in boxes
with articles from the kitchen). If possible, start packing early. Remember, if
you were to pack only a box a day, in thirty days you would have thirty boxes
packed. You could start in areas where the items are not in frequent use—such
as the attic, garage, closet shelves, good china, books, out-of -season
clothes, etc.
What
size boxes will you need? The type of items you need to pack will provide a
good idea. Heavy articles such as books, canned goods, etc. should go in
smaller boxes. Bulkier but not-so-heavy items, such as pots and pans, linens,
small kitchen appliances, etc., should go in somewhat larger boxes. Bulky,
lightweight articles such as blankets, pillows, etc. should go in the largest
boxes.
o
If
you don’t collect enough boxes, call a local mover to inquire about purchasing
the boxes required.
o
Save
space by not packing the unbreakable contents of tightly loaded drawers. Tape
the drawer contents in place with masking tape. To minimize tape marks, remove
the tape as soon as the furniture arrives at your new home (or you may choose
not to use tape for short distance moves).
o
For
long distance moves, obtain wardrobe boxes for your clothes. By hanging clothes
inside these “closet” boxes, you’ll save time packing and unpacking. If you are
moving a shorter distance, leave clothes on hangers and cover with a large
garbage bag or consider renting a clothing rack with wheels to allow you to
move an entire closet rod at one time.
o
Small
linens such as towels and washcloths can also serve as packing material.
o
Wrap
sofa and chair cushions in sheets or plastic bags to use as extra padding for
other large items you transport.
o
To
save space, alternate the spines of books as you pack.
o
To
prevent odors from developing in the refrigerator or freezer during the move,
place some charcoal briquettes inside the unit; they will absorb odors. Then
insert newspaper throughout the freezer; this will absorb any moisture and help
prevent odors.
o
Remove
furniture casters ahead of time to prevent them from falling off during the
move. Tie them together with heavy twine, and tag them so you know which piece
of furniture they fit.
o
Plates
should be packed standing on edge. To minimize breakage of glasses, place the
heavier items on the bottom of the box and the more delicate ones on top.
Pieces of crumpled newspaper make excellent packing material.
o
Pack
similar items together—it will make unpacking easier.
o
As
you tape up each packed box, place a string underneath each piece of tape,
leaving about an inch sticking out. When it’s time to unpack, just pull on the
string, which will quickly and easily cut right through the tape.
o
Load
young children’s toys and things last. If these items are first off it may be
helpful to keep your children occupied while you pay attention to the articles
being off-loaded.
o
Move
dresser drawers without removing their contents to avoid repacking.
o
Clearly
label boxes with the room destination where they should be delivered when
unloaded at your new home.
o
Dispose
of flammable liquids such as spray paints, solvents and thinners, and gas in
lawn mowers. Dispose of these items in advance.
o
Label
leftover paint cans as to where it was used and leave behind in the garage (the
new residents will appreciate it!)
MOVING LARGE FURNITURE
Measure
the following pieces of furniture to be sure they will all fit in the moving
truck:
o
Assembled
Shelving Units
o
Large
Dressers
o
Beds
o
Pianos/Organs
o
China
Cabinets
o
Sofas
o
Large
Appliances
o
Make
measurements of all doors and hallways in your new home. Note stairs that have
several flights with landings where large pieces may be hard to maneuver.
o
Measure
sofas, large chairs and dining tables to ensure furniture will fit through
narrow doors, halls or stairways.
o
Be
prepared to remove a window to move in large bedroom furniture, such as a king
size bed. If necessary, arrange in advance for a hoist.
o
You
may want to disassemble shelving units when packing. (Don’t bother if space is
not a constraint.)
Moving Special
Items
Many
of your possessions may require special care when moving. Use the following
guidelines that follow as needed:
ELECTRONIC
EQUIPMENT
o
If
possible, pack items in the original cartons. If not, pack each item
individually.
o
Unplug
all TV sets 24 hours in advance so they will be at room temperature the day of
the move. Moving a set in which heat is retained could cause internal damage.
o
In
hot or cold weather, allow electronic equipment to return to room temperature
before turning it on: suggestion - wait 24 hours.
o
When
moving a personal computer, “park” the hard disk using the program often
included on the diagnostics cd. Back up important data to USBs.
o
Mark
wires and cords with tape for easier reinstallation.
o
When
moving a compact disc player, check instructions to secure the laser. Heat can
warp compact discs, so don’t move them in a vehicle which may get too hot.
o
For
all electronic equipment, be sure to check your Owner’s Manual for special
moving instructions.
o
Most
professional movers do not pay for repair or replacement of electronic
equipment such as stereos, DVD/blue ray players, CD players, computers...
unless physical damage to the item or the item’s carton has been noted upon
delivery.
PACKING SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES
It’s
best to pack your small kitchen appliances (toaster, can opener, coffee maker,
blender, etc.) together in a few boxes rather than in other boxes with other
goods.
When
all appliances have been packed in a box or boxes, fill in any small empty
spaces with some packing paper. However, if you have a lot of space left over,
then you should pack some other kitchen items in the box to fill it up and not
waste the space.
MORE KITCHEN PACKING TIPS
Boxed
Foods (cereals, etc.): No need to wrap such items in packing paper. If your
shipment is going into storage then you should dispose of boxed foods. These
items can attract rodents and insects.
Spices:
Make sure all cans are closed and won’t leak. If in doubt, seal them with tape.
Canister
Sets: Contents may be left in canister sets; however, you may want to seal them
with tape.
PACKING TALL TABLE LAMPS
When
packing tall lamps it may be difficult finding a box large enough to
accommodate the lamp. If you can’t find such a box, you can purchase boxes from
a professional mover.
Remove
lamp shade and bulb, wrapping cord around base of lamp.
Line
the bottom of the box with wadded-up newspaper, towels or sheets. This will
ensure extra cushioning and protection for the lamp.
If
you have several tall table lamps, place them in the box so that the base of
one lamp is next to the top of the next lamp. This will make them fit better in
the box.
When
all lamps are packed in the carton, fill the box with plenty of wadded-up
packing paper. Be sure to mark “FRAGILE” and “LAMPS” in large, clear letters on
all sides of the box.
LAMP SHADES
Lamp
shades, where possible, should be nested so that you can get two or three in a
box. Use CLEAN packing paper (do not use newspaper) as protective lining
between each shade.
Do
NOT pack anything else with lamp shades.
Be
sure and mark on all sides of the box in large, bold letters “FRAGILE”, “LAMP
SHADES”.
PACKING PICTURES
Small
pictures can be wrapped and stood up in normal packing boxes with other items.
Pictures that are just a little too large to fit in regular boxes can be packed
in a self-designed box. Follow these instructions:
1.
Select a box that is larger than your picture when open at both ends.
2.
Open the bottom of the box, and then flatten. Seal one of the open sides with
tape.
3.
Lay your picture, face down, on several sheets of newspaper which has been
spread out so as to be almost twice as wide as your picture.
4.
Wrap the picture similar to wrapping a present. Bring one side of the packing
paper around the picture so that it will cover most of the back of the picture.
Then bring the second side of the paper around to cover the back of the
picture. Seal with tape. Fold up both ends of the paper and bring over the back
of the picture. Seal with tape. Turn picture over and seal the areas where the
paper overlaps.
5.
Slide the picture into unsealed side of your box and seal the end with tape.
Packing It
Up
RECORDS
o
Pack records vertically, in small cartons to
keep weight down.
o
You may separate albums with corrugated paper or
cardboard dividers to cushion them.
PLANTS
o
On short trips, you can move most plants
yourself by placing them in an open box on the floor of your car. During long
distance moves, plants may get crushed or become wilted. So why not give them
to neighbors as “goodbye” gifts!
o
If you are moving to another state, federal or
state laws may require plants to be quarantined and/or inspected to certify
that they are pest-free.
o
Professional moving companies usually will move
houseplants within the same state and within 150 miles. Moving personnel
won’t necessarily water your plants during the move or take special care of
them, so be sure to ask on long distance moves.
o
Most indoor houseplants cannot survive temperatures
below 30 degrees or higher than 100 degrees for more than an hour. If you are
moving during the winter over long distances, pack plants in boxes and move
in a heated vehicle. Do not leave in an unheated car or moving van overnight.
o
Make sure plants are moist when they are packed
for moving. Plants can usually survive for about ten days without water.
MOVING BREAKABLE ITEMS
o
You are going to need plenty of wrapping paper.
Many people save and use old newspapers.
o
Due to their sturdiness, wine boxes are
excellent packing boxes for glasses and other breakable items.
PACKING THE KITCHEN
o
Packing is much more convenient and less tiring
when you have a large work area. Consider clearing the kitchen table, placing
a towel down to protect the finish, and do your packing on the table. Keep in
mind that when you are packing fragile items, you should plan to pack the
heaviest objects toward the bottom of the box and the more delicate items
closer to the top.
|
Making The
Move
Making the
Transition to Your New Home a Smooth One.
Whether you’re
moving out of state or around the block, relocating a household is seldom
easy—but it can be fun.
MANAGING THE MOVE
o 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.
o 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.
o If your
friends are helping you move, have as much as possible packed ahead of time and
ready to be loaded into the moving truck. Don’t expect your friends to pack
your belongings. Be sure to have plenty of soda and snacks, and take-out food
if the work goes into the lunch or dinner hour.
o Keep children and
pets out of the way of movers.
MOVING OUT
o
Confirm
the arrival time with moving company.
o
Keep
important documents and keys handy.
o
Make
a final inspection to be sure nothing is forgotten. Look through closets,
attic, and garage.
o
Turn
off lights; close and lock windows and doors.
o
Leave
keys with real estate agent or landlord.
o
Leave
home only after the moving truck is on its way.
IN TRANSIT
o
Keep
important papers and documents with you.
o
Make
sure you allow enough time to get to your new home before the movers.
o
If
you are moving over a long distance, keep in touch with the moving company so
they are able to notify you of any delays they may encounter.
o
If
you drive to your new location and arrive late in the evening, spend the first
night at a motel rather than trying to “settle in” when everyone’s tired.
Everything will seem much more manageable in the morning.
WHEN YOU
ARRIVE
o
If
possible, hire a cleaning service to help you clean the house, either before
the movers arrive or after they’ve left.
o
Make
sure all goods have been removed by the previous owner before you take
possession of your new home.
o
If
you’ve hired a professional mover, make sure you have the payment ready when
the truck arrives as specified in the agreement. On interstate moves, if the
charges exceed the written estimate, you are responsible for the estimate plus
ten percent of the balance when your goods are delivered. Any remaining amount
is usually due within 30 days.
o
Check
your list of contents against the list of what is delivered, and inspect all
boxes for damage.
o
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
o
Meet
the movers promptly.
o
Supervise
placement of boxes and furniture.
o
Check
circuit breakers or fuse box to be sure all power is on.
o
Check
the pilots on the stove.
o
Install
or check the batteries on smoke detectors.
o
Make
sure the telephones are working.
o
Install
new locks.
o
Make
an extra set of keys and leave a set with a friend, relative or neighbor.
MAKING THE TRANSITION
o
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.
o
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.
o
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.
o
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
who the members of your family are. Postal carriers often will share this
information with your neighbors.
o
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.
MOVING WITH CHILDREN
Moving
can be stressful. Be sure to monitor the effects of the move on your family.
Children and adolescents rarely relish change - your attitude about the move
and your willingness to let your children share in the experience will
influence their feelings about the transition. Try the following to make the
move as anxiety-free as possible for everyone:
o Talk to your
children about the move and encourage them to express their feelings.
Acknowledge their feelings about losing a friend and encourage your children to
exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends. A few long distance
calls won’t break the bank and will help your children make the transition
easier. If your children are having trouble with the move, give them extra
attention and don’t become impatient. Let them call their old friends and, if
possible, arrange for them to visit.
o Sending
preschoolers to a sitter or relative during the move may make it easier for
you, but it could produce anxiety for the children. Try to involve children in
packing and make sure that some of their belongings are with them on the trip.
o When leaving
your previous home, empty the children’s rooms last, and restructure their
rooms first when you’ve arrived at your new home. This helps them adjust
psychologically.
o Encourage your
children to look up facts on your new location at the library, or let them help
you plot the most convenient route on a map. If you’re moving only a short
distance, let them examine the new house and neighborhood before you move.
o Don’t think
you have to postpone your move until summer vacation. Some experts believe that
summer is the worst time to move children because they have to wait until
school starts again to get involved socially. However, if your children aren’t
doing well in school, it may be advisable to let them finish out the school
year in familiar surroundings.
MOVING WITH PETS
o
Take
pets to the veterinarian. Most states require health certificates and rabies
inoculations.
o
Most
states have laws regarding the entry of animals. Hawaii, for example, requires
that cats and dogs be quarantined for 90 days. Although most states do not
quarantine, be sure to check on what is required.
o
Border
inspections of all animals being transported are conducted by some states,
while others have random inspection. Be prepared to have current certificates for
dogs and up-to-date rabies inoculations for dogs and cats.
o
Make
your pet feel at home by putting out its food and water bowls, bed, and/or favorite
toys right away.
CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESS
TWO MONTHS
BEFORE
[ ] Collect cartons, gather moving
supplies.
[ ] Select mover and go over all
details of the move.
[ ] Begin packing unnecessary items.
[ ] Have a yard sale or donate items
to a charity.
[ ] Plan menus to use up food in the
cupboards.
[ ] Contact IRS or your accountant
regarding tax deductible expenses.
ONE MONTH
BEFORE
[ ] Begin packing.
[ ] Notify post office of change of
address.
[ ] Notify utility companies of
changes or
disconnections.
[ ] Notify newspaper of address
change or
discontinuation.
[ ] Collect and keep important
papers handy (medical, etc.)
[ ] Save moving receipts.
[ ] Make any reservations for
lodging.
[ ] List important new phone
numbers.
[ ] If employer helps pay moving
expenses, confirm what preparations, if any, you will be required to make.
[ ] Decide what goes with you, what
to sell and what to give away.
[ ] Hold a garage sale or donate
items.
[ ] Finalize arrangements with your
moving company, or make reservations if you’re renting a truck.
[ ] Call friends and relatives to
let them know when and where you’re moving (and to recruit moving day help!).
TWO WEEKS
BEFORE
[ ] Clear up outstanding accounts.
[ ] Transfer checking and savings
accounts and
contents of safe deposit box.
[ ] Cancel any direct deposit or
automatic payment arrangements on bank account that will be closed.
[ ] Call telephone company for
assistance in arranging telephone service for your new home.
[ ] Arrange for pet travel.
[ ] Return/retrieve borrowed items.
[ ] Service your car, especially if
traveling a distance.
[ ] Dispose of flammable liquids
such as spray paints, aerosols, solvents and thinners, and gas in yard equipment such as lawn mowers.
[ ] If shipping a car, empty gas
tank to less than 1/4 of a tank by move day, do not completely empty – mover needs to be able to drive the auto on and off the van.
[ ] Renew or transfer prescriptions.
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WEEK OF MOVE
[ ] Transfer or close bank account.
[ ] Defrost refrigerator.
[ ] Tag furniture to identify its
location in the new home.
[ ] Prepare “survival” package so
the family can get along if the moving company is late.
[ ] Arrange for new cell phone
service.
DAY BEFORE
MOVE
[ ] Set aside moving materials like
tape measure,
pocket knife, rope, etc.
[ ] Pick up rental truck.
[ ] Check oil and gas in your car.
[ ] Get a good night’s rest.
AFTER MOVE
[ ] Mail that has been forwarded
from your old
address will have a yellow address label on it.
Notify the sender of your new address.
[ ] Register to vote. Call your
local board of elections for specific registration information. Ask them how to notify your previous voting district of your change of address.
[ ] If you have moved into a
different state, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to exchange your driver’s license and register your vehicle. Ask whether you will be required to take a test.
[ ] Call the Sanitation Department
in your new town to find out which day trash is collected. Ask whether your community has recycling programs.
[ ] Call your Chamber of Commerce
for information on:
•
Newspapers
•
Schools
•
Cultural events and community activities
•
Libraries and parks
•
Emergency calling services, such as 911
[ ] Provide your new doctor and
dentist with your medical history. You may have to request your file from your previous doctor/dentist.
[ ] Scout your new neighborhood for
shopping areas.
[ ] Seek out new service providers
(bank, cleaners, veterinarian.)
[ ] Locate the hospital as well as
police and fire
stations near your home
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