Moving can be very stressful but you can make things much easier on yourself when you plan everything out before hand. Advanced planning relives a great deal of stress and helps make sure that the whole process will go as smooth as possible.
Five to Eight Weeks Before The Move – When moving day is about two months away, it is time for serious planning. Get written estimates from various moving companies. Check with several to make sure you get the best deal. Look into any tax deductions that might apply to your move and learn what paperwork you need to keep track of for tax purposes. Request your health records from all doctors and vets that your family has used and prepare them for your new health care providers. Make sure you have any official paperwork you may need to secure locally like vaccination records from the health department or birth certificates.
Meet with your insurance agent and find out if you need to adjust any of your policies. Make a list of all of your possessions and figure out which valuables you want to be responsible for, which ones you will ship ahead, and which ones you will entrust to the movers. Begin gathering boxes. You can buy boxes or collect them from your weekly grocery store visits. Buy all packing supplies such as markers, tape, foam peanuts, and boxes so they will be handy at any time you get a free minute to pack up a few things. You can pack up seasonal items and other belongings that you will not need until after your move.
2 to 4 Weeks Prior To Moving – In the month leading up to moving day, you must get serious about packing and preparing to move. Register a change of address form with the Post Office and let the utility companies know when to shut off service to your old home and begin service at your new location. Figure out if you want to move your live plants or find new homes for them. Plan your final menus so you won’t have a lot of perishable food to throw away.
Clean out your garage and storage shed and properly dispose of old paint and partially full gas cans so you don’t have to move dangerous chemicals. Visit your bank and find out if you should close your account, keep it open, or transfer it to a branch at your new location.
Moving Week – About a week before moving day, confirm your appointment with the mover to make sure they have the right time, date, and location. Pay your deposit and make sure you understand any stipulations they make have regarding allowable items and packing procedures. Dig out your written estimate and keep it readily accessible so you will have it should any questions over pricing arise.
Be sure that you let your friends and family know where you are headed! You also need to drain and water hoses and defrost your refrigerator in preparation for the move. You will also want to clean the appliances before you leave.
Moving In – Moving out of your old home is half of the battle. Moving into your new one can be stressful as well. There are many things you need to do, but stick with the essentials at first so you don’t become overwhelmed. Check to make sure the utilities are turned on and functioning properly and give the house a quick going over before bring all of your belongings inside.
Hook up your refrigerator and make sure it works properly before going out and buying food. You will want to be at your new home before the movers arrive. That way you can let them in and get the process underway. Instruct them on furniture and box placement in a way that will make it the easiest for you. Don’t deposit all of your boxes in the front room; let the movers haul them upstairs for you. You will have enough work to do as it is.
About the author: J. Dyess has been in the Texas Electricity business for many years. He has published many articles on Texas Electric prices.
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