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May 1, 2007

How Do I Prepare My Family for the Big Move?

How Do I Prepare
My Family for
the Big Move?

 

Moving into a new place can be very exciting for your family or it can be very stressful. The difference depends on how much you plan & prepare for the move. Try not to procrastinate until the last week.

Starting at 6 weeks before closing, call moving companies and reserve moving trucks. Talk to an accountant about tax deductible moving expenses and keep records. Start using up frozen foods and pantry items. Decide what you want to move and decide to either have a yard sale or donate items to charity. At 5 weeks before closing, request a change of address kit from the local post office and start that process. If moving out of the area and you have children, arrange for the transfers to new school districts. At 4 weeks, start collecting boxes for packing, along with all packing materials such as tape, markers, scissors, etc. You may purchase moving boxes & packing paper from local moving companies.

Start packing items that you won’t need to use until after closing. Mark each box with its new destination, ie spare room/linens. Be careful not to over-pack boxes, which may lead to breakage or problems with transporting.  Most moving companies will ask about your household items and will be able to provide you with the number of boxes and the size of truck you’ll need. 

Be careful not to pack important legal documents. Keep them in a safe place and transport them the day of closing. Especially if you need any of those items for your new mortgage, ie tax returns, divorce decrees, W2’s, paystubs, etc. Call your insurance agent and arrange for insurance on your new home.

At 3 weeks, schedule a cancellation date for utilities and services at your old place and arrange for service to begin at the new home. At 2 weeks, get a new drivers license with the new address. If you have children, arrange for day care the day of the move.

At 1 week pack a box of necessity items for when you arrive at your new place. Include trash bags, soap, bath towels, paper plates, toilet paper and paper towels. On moving day, pick up the moving truck early. After loading all of the furniture and boxes, inspect your old house to ensure that utilities are shut off, everything is removed, and lock all windows and doors.

As a courtesy, leave your home clean, free of garbage, and move in ready for the new owners.  Leave the garage door opener, spare keys, and any instruction manuals for any appliance on the counter for the new owner.

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