Don't Forget
To Prepare For Your Move
The
entire sales process, from sales contract to settlement, can go by
very quickly. Buyers and sellers will do everything they need to do
to get through the transaction, but often forget that there is a lot
that must be done to prepare for the actual move. Careful planning
can make it a lot easier to settle in to your new home.
Start
by making a checklist of everything that you will need to do. If you
can, make your list in a document on your computer, so you can insert
items as you think of them and keep everything in chronological order.
Alternately (or in addition), write everything on a calendar, so things
are done when they need to be done. Then of course, there is the method
of writing notes on 63 separate pieces of paper and scattering them
throughout your house in strategic locations.
As
you begin, get estimates of what each of your moving expenses are
going to be. Contact competing companies to get an idea of where you
can get the best deal. Don't always assume the least expensive is
the best deal. If you will be using a moving company, get references
to make sure the company will handle your belongings carefully and
won't hit you with any hidden charges.
Call
ahead to make arrangements for your new location before you get there.
Many services will need to be set up before you move in to your new
home. Make sure you have made arrangements to transfer over utilities
at least two weeks before settlement. If you don't make arrangements
far enough in advance, the utilities company may not properly bill
the utilities, or they may be shut off as of settlement day.
Check
with your employer as to what your work schedule is going to be, and
to determine when you will have to time to work on your move, and
your home search if necessary.
You
can start packing smaller items as soon as you know you are moving.
Start organizing files and getting rid of things that you don't need.
Have a yard sale to help get rid of things. Throw out old magazines
if you won't be reading them any more. Start pulling together boxes
and other packing materials. MAKE SURE YOU LABEL EVERYTHING AS YOU
PACK. Label both what is in a box and also what room the items in
the box will go to. Make sure everything is packed before the movers
arrive.
Moving
Checklist
When
you work with us, we can help you find almost any home related service
(movers, home inspectors, appliance repair, etc.) through our Home
Service Connections® service.
GAS
& ELECTRIC - As a seller, make sure the utilities will be switched
over to the new owner. Call about two weeks before settlement to find
out what you will need to do to end the service. As a buyer, make
sure the seller has transferred the gas and electric service. Coordinate
the transfer with the sellers. It is generally cheaper to transfer
the utilities, than to allow the seller to have utilities shut off.
BGE
(Gas & Electric)
SCHOOL
BOARDS - Contact the school boards in your new community to make arrangements
to have your children transferred to the new school or school system.
Also contact the old school board to let them know your kids will
be transferring out of that system. Do this as soon as you know where
you will be moving to. Don't forget to ask for a schedule of when
classes will start.
Area
School Boards
TELEPHONE
/ TV / INTERNET - Contact the local company at your new address. Expect
the local company to ask you who you want to select as long-distance
provider, if you are using one (if you don't make a lot of long-distance
calls, it can be cheaper to just use a calling card). If you are ordering
any additional services, it will probably be less expensive to get
them all at the time you are ordering your new service. Don't forget
to cancel your old service, effective on the date of your move.
Verizon
Cavalier
POST
OFFICE - At least 10 days before your move, submit a change of address
form at your local post office. The Post Office will also give you
a helpful moving package. In addition to notifying the Post Office,
notify each company that sends you monthly bills or other regular
mail you may need. Don't forget your insurance companies (car, life,
health, etc.), stock broker or investment advisor.
U.S.
Postal Service
LOCATE
NEW SERVICES - Find a new bank, doctors, dentist, lawyers, accountants,
health club.
Super
Pages
LOCAL
LAWS - Find out if there are laws or neighborhood restrictions in
your new location that could affect your move. Will a larger moving
truck be allowed on the street? Will you need to make arrangements
through any local agency before your move?
Local
Governments
©Copyright
2003 Douglas R. Barry
