An efficient, well-managed move not only saves you time and money. It can also make the transition to your new home easier and more pleasant for your whole family.


The Before-You-Move Checklist

• Hire the movers. Retain a reliable moving company as early as possible. Be clear about your needs and expectations, and make sure you understand the company's policies.
• Take a room-by-room inventory of your home. This list will help you when it's time to pack.
• Organize your belongings. Clean and sort your possessions and set aside unwanted items for a garage sale, your favorite charity or the garbage pickup.
• Arrange for the shut-off or transfer of your phone and other utilities.
• Contact your bank and transfer the contents of your safe deposit box to a bank closer to your new home.
• Complete the change-of-address kit at your post office.
• Give your friends and relatives your new address and phone number.
• Obtain copies of all medical and dental records, school transcripts and birth certificates.

Packing Tips

• Label contents on the outside of each box and indicate where it will go in your new home.
• Write FRAGILE in large, legible letters on boxes that contain breakable and/or valuable items.
• Pack all breakables and liquids separately.
• Seal all medicines and other containers to prevent leaking and move them in leak-proof bags or containers.
• To conserve space, fill drawers with light items such as shirts, underwear, blankets, pillowcases, etc.
• Transport your plants and pets personally, if possible. Make sure pets are kept in a well-ventilated cage.
• Hard-to-replace or extremely valuable items such as jewelry, documents or artwork should also remain under your personal supervision.

What to Do When Moving Day Arrives

• Get plenty of rest the day before you move.
• Have food and beverages available for the movers at both ends of your journey.
• When the movers arrive, show them which items you want loaded last, and which items they should not load.
• When you arrive at your new house, check the utilities and do as much cleaning as you can before moving furniture inside.
• After the movers have finished unloading, you might be asked to sign an inventory list. Note any apparent damage before you sign and indicate in writing that you have not finished inspecting your possessions.
• Plan something special for the whole family at the end of the day.
  
  For more tips on making the most of your move, talk to me, Rudy Schulte, a Certified Residential Specialist. As a REALTOR with special experience and training in residential sales, I draw on a wealth of experience to help you make your move a success.