Real Estate Advice Column Column - Tips For a Smoother Move

Tips For a Smoother Move

Rarely do people live in the same house throughout their lives anymore. Moving is a fact of life for most people sooner or later. When the time comes for you to pick up and move on, plan ahead and involve everyone in the family.

Two Months.

Contact movers at least two-months-in advance. Call a few companies and set up appointments with agents to see your belongings. Also call the Better Business Bureau and your state's agency that regulates movers to ensure that your choice has receive few or no complaints against them. At this point, determine how involved you and your family want to be in the moving process. Be sure that all bids are for the same work. Give identical details to each mover's agent: the number of levels in your new and current home, the items you will pack yourself, the exact date you need to be moved in, and any delicate items requiring extra care.

One Month.

Complete all your moving-related errands about one month before the big day. Look through all your recent receipts as a reminder to pick up dry cleaning and appliances at repair shops. Contact utility companies to give them your shut-off dates. Collect everyone's medical, dental and school records. Stop by the post office to complete a change-of-address form and then send your new address to any paper or magazine to which you Subscribe. Also, invite friends or family for get-togethers and a good-bye party.

The Countdown Begins.

Pack belongings you'll need during the move as the days preceding it arrive. Along with clothes, pack an essentials suitcase with everyday items such as toiletries, a plastic tableware set for snacks and non-perishable foods like tuna fish, crackers and granola bars. Try to eat all remaining perishable food and defrost the fridge to room temperature for your moving day. The computer, television and other electronics should also be cooled down. Don't forget to label and carry important papers with you.

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