Suggestions & Tips When Moving

Moving can be an exciting time if we plan ahead. Two or three months of proper planning and organization can help make a move.

Boxes.... Start collecting cardboard boxes from grocers or discount stores.

• Boxes that are the same size and shape can be stacked easier.

• You can usually break the boxes down by cutting the tape on the bottom and folding on the creases. This makes the box a flat cardboard slab. By doing this your boxes are easier to stack until needed and will take up less room.

Junk.... Get rid of anything you no longer need or want. There is no point in moving these items to your new home and then discarding them.

• If you have any boxes that you have stored in the attic, garage or basement, go through them and determine if the contents are family treasures or just plain junk.

• Prior to discarding clothing, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances and other items we tend to store, contact your church or charitable organizations such as Good Will and donate them. In many cases they will pickup the items and give you a donation receipt that is tax deductible.

Staging Area... Choose an area to stage packed boxes.

• Pack items that are not needed prior to the move. This will speed up the final days of packing.

• Mark all boxes and containers with the contents of the box and what room in the new home the box should go to.

• Large color coded labels for boxes or containers designating the room are a simple way to rapidly identify what room the box is to be placed in the new home. Blue for Master Bedroom, Green for Johnny's room and so on.

Records.... Collecting records can minimize cost and time when services are needed once you move. Necessary records to collect on yourself and all family members prior to your move are;

• Medical including X-Rays.

• Dental including X-Rays.

• School records and Transcripts.

• Veterinarian records on all pets.

Notification.... Make a list of all services that need to be notified of a discontinue or disconnect date with the telephone numbers and or addresses for a quick reference. Examples are;

• Telephone service.

• Electric company.

• Gas company.

• Water company.

• Trash service.

• Cable or Satellite Service.

• Internet Service.

Service Request.... Remember to have all necessary services turned on such as those listed above prior to moving into your new home.

Change of Address... A Change of address form can be obtained from any post office however, it is necessary to notify the following;

• Banks and lending institutions.

• Credit Card companies. Most companies use your address and or your phone number as a means for authorization or verification. For example, if using your Credit Card online for a purchase, your shipping and billing address is required. If your address does not match the one the company has on file, the purchase may be blocked.

• Current Employer for your tax statement at years end for filing.

• Friends and Family.

Entertainment... If you have Children you can make a trip much more pleasant by planning ahead how to keep your Children entertained and occupied.

• Small bag of  favorite Toys.

• Familiar Games.

• Flash Cards.

• Videos if available.

Remotes... On the final morning of packing, go through the house and collect all the TV, VCR, Stereo and DVD remotes. Take them to your car and put them in the glove box or a place that will be easily accessible when you arrive at your new home. Place any garage door remotes in one of the empty kitchen drawers and tell your Realtor their location.

Warranty Books.... Place all Warranty Books and Manuals for appliances, heaters, air conditioners or anything that stays with the home you are selling in the same kitchen drawer with the garage door remotes.

-Rhonda McMillan