HELPFUL MOVING TIPS
TWO MONTHS:
1. Contact moving companies. Call at least three moving companies to compare rates and services.
2. On average, a family of five in a three-bedroom home will have 10,000 pounds of furniture and 100 boxes(an average box weighs about 40 pounds).
3. Take an inventory of your home, room by room. This list will help you and your movers. - videotape if possible.
4. Take some time with your family and realistically go through your house deciding what you can leave behind and discard it. Just think of it this way, "Is it worth it to move this stuff?"
5. You can also donate your goods to charity. Go through old books, clothes and items you never use. A local charity will be more than happy to take these items off your hands (and you may get a tax deduction out of it - ask for a receipt). If you have enough stuff you don't want to take with you, consider having a garage or estate sale before you move.
6. If you're relocating for your job, see if your Employer offers any assistance.
7. Start saving receipts for moving expenses -a plain manila envelope will do. Many moving expenses are tax-deductible, so ask your tax advisor.
SIX WEEKS:
1. Request copies of all personal records from your doctor and dentist. That way you won't be hit with the expense to have a test repeated. Also, have prescriptions filled for drugs you take regularly so you can take your time choosing a new doctor. If you have pets, be sure to get their records from the Vet.
2. Contact your insurance agent to transfer your coverage. Also, find out if your homeowners insurance covers your belongings during the move. You may want to consider buying insurance from your moving company.
3. Pick up a change of address kit from the post office. Send change of address cards to friends and family, banks, subscriptions, mutual funds, etc. Also send change of address cards with the bills you pay.
4. If you have children, contact schools about enrolling.
5. Send the IRS a change of address form, which you can get from your post office.
6. You should have a few rolls of packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue paper.
ONE MONTH:
1. Contact your current utility companies.
2. Start Packing - we suggest 3 to 5 cartons a day (start with the basement and attic).
3. Retrieve anything you've lent to neighbors and return anything you've borrowed.
4. If you're moving into an apartment building share your moving plans with the Landlord. Make special arrangements to use the elevator if necessary.
TWO WEEKS:
1. Hold your garage sale.
2. Confirm your schedule with the moving company.
TWO OR THREE DAYS:
1. Clean out your safe-deposit box.
2. Get a cashier's check or money order to pay the mover.
3. Plan out your finances to cover your expenses for about two weeks in your new location.
4. Write specific directions to your new home for the movers. Be sure to include an emergency phone.
5. As you pack last-minute belongings, make a separate box of things you will need as soon as you move in.