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Whether
you're planning your first move or haven't moved
for many years, a long-distance relocation can be
an exciting--although sometimes unsettling--experience.
You've probably already realized that there's so
much to do--and so little time.
This
section contains answers to questions most
commonly asked by families on the move. We
want to help you plan your move properly--to make
your relocation as exciting, rewarding and stress-free
as possible. Whether you're moving across town or
across the country, you'll find the information
useful.
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Packing
Remember that, the bigger the box, the
heavier it is likely to be once packed! Having ample
boxes on hand will help insure that you don’t risk
back injury by over packing your boxes. Pack by room for your new house, being careful not to mix
items from several rooms in one box. This will make it
easier to find everything later. Place heavier items
towards the bottom of the box and lighter items towards
the top. Be sure to secure the bottom box flaps with
moving tape (masking tape is not as strong) before
filling the box.
Pack one box with essential items you will
need throughout your moving process. Having the following
items accessible to you will save you time and money:
coffee cups, local phone book, instant coffee, tea, soft drinks, tape, snacks, bath towels, paper plates, trash
bags, plastic silverware, toiletries, paper towels,
flashlight, toilet paper, utility knife, pencil/paper,
bar soap, dishwashing liquid, utility knife, scissors
pencil / paper, aspirin.
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Plants and Animals
Many movers do not transport plants or
animals. Make arrangements to move plants and pets a few
weeks before the move. This is also a good time to take
pets to the veterinarian for immunization. and order new
identification tags. Attach them to your pet(s) collar
just prior to the move.
Your pet may also need a Health Certificate
to enter another state. You can find out about your new
state’s pet entry laws and regulations by calling
the State Veterinarian Office for that state.
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Computers
It is important to pack your computer
properly for the big move. The safest packing materials
for computers are the original box and styrofoam. If you
can not find the original box, use a sturdy container
with proper packing materials.
Make sure that you have backup copies of all
your files and store the backup disks in a safe place.
Remove any floppy disks from the drives and
check to make sure the drive doors are closed before you
pack them.
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Clean Up
When packing, be sure to leave out cleaning
supplies for that final cleaning, or arrange for a cleaning service to come and perform the job. To make
the job go quickly, clean one room at a time. Start at
the door and work your way right to left, top to bottom.
The floor should be the last thing you clean in each room.
Vacuum vinyl and wood floors before you mop. Remember,
the cleaner it looks and smells, the cleaner it is.
A few tips to ensure a shiny home: Use
products that have a good smell and can do a great job.
Remember, the cleaner it
smells, the cleaner it is. Do not leave a room
until it is completely finished. Do not spray cleaning
products directly onto counters or glass, instead, spray
them onto a cloth and then wipe the surface. If you have
hard water stains on your bathroom fixtures, use a pumice
stick to help rub them away.
To clean those hard to reach areas around water faucets,
use an old toothbrush. Clean one room at a time, giving
each one special attention. Start with the door of the
room and clean right to left, then top to bottom.
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Where do you find those Boxes?
You can purchase boxes, moving tape, bubble
paper, foam peanuts, and other packing materials through
your moving or truck rental company. It may be possible
that your moving company sells used boxes at a discounted
rate. Many grocery and liquor stores will give you their
used boxes for
free, however these boxes may house roaches or other
pests which you will not want to take with you to your
new abode.
Old newspapers make very affordable packing
materials. Be sure to save your newspapers for several
weeks before you begin packing, for ample supply. (Be
careful, the newsprint will rub off onto your hands and
the items you are packing. Be sure to protect linens in
plastic bags before placing next to newsprint, and be
sure to wash your hands before you touch any upholstered
items.)
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Storage
It is often a good idea to select a storage
facility in your old location and then have movers transport you items to the new location once you
are settled in your new home. Choose a storage facility
based on the items that are to be stored. A climate-controlled
facility is recommended for items such as antiques,
artwork and electronics, if you are located in the
extreme north or south. If the contents of the unit can
not be easily damaged, a regular space is fine. There are
various methods of payment and terms involved in renting
a storage unit. Some companies will lease on a month-to-month
basis, but some require a longer contract. Many require a
deposit or first and last months’ rent. Some storage
facilities allow payment in full upon rental or you can pay monthly. Many can automatically charge to your credit
card for convenience. Be sure to check the company’s
insurance policy and find out if you need to have your
stored items insured.
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Choosing a Mover
Choose a moving company at least 8 weeks
prior to your move. Before making arrangements, call
around for estimates. Remember that if your apartment is
on the third floor, or your front walk is exceptionally
long, the extra steps may create add-on moving costs.
Peak times for moving are the usual school holidays and
breaks, especially summer vacation. Be aware that moving
costs are more expensive during this time.
Try not to pick a mover based solely on cost.
Instead, weigh the mover’s reputation and references
with the information you have gathered. If you are still
unsure about the mover you have chosen, call your local
consumer protection group. They can inform you of
complaints against local moving companies.
For longer moves, the Interstate Commerce
Commission can provide you with a performance report of
larger, national moving companies.
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Miscellaneous
Before leaving your old home, be sure to
collect all extra spare keys from neighbors and hiding
places. Also, do not forget to leave any garage door
openers for the new owners of your old home.
Make sure to empty your safety deposit box
and pick up all items on layaway, those at the dry
cleaners, items being repaired, etc.
Try to establish a checking account in your
new location about a month before your arrival. This
ensures you will be able to start using your account
immediately.
Obtain forms for transferring drivers’
licenses and voter registration cards about a month
before your move. Also obtain copies of your medical
records to transport to your new location.
Pack up some phone books from your old
location. You might need those numbers again!
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Income Taxes
If your move is job related, you can deduct
the cost of moving trucks needed to move from your old
home to your new one. You can also deduct the cost of
packing and unpacking (by professionals). There are other
deductible items such as the cost of shipping your car,
storage and household pets. These deductions can really
add up, so check with you local IRS office to get more
details. There is a cap on how much of your moving
expenses you are able to deduct and you will want to be
sure you qualify for this moving perk.
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Change of Address
4 weeks prior to your move, complete a
change of address form available at any United States
Post Office. Also, do not forget to notify friends and
family, periodicals, and billing companies of your
address change. It is also helpful to keep your new
address handy in a purse or wallet, just incase the new
address slips your mind and you need to pass it on to a
friend.
Also at this time, schools need to be
notified of a child’s transfer. Obtain a notarized
permanent school record and check into pre-registration
procedures for any new school(s).
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Transferring Utilities
In all of the confusion, it is easy to
forget to transfer your utilities. It is best to contact
the power, gas and phone, cable and Internet companies in
your area two weeks prior to your move date to have your
service transferred. Be prepared to furnish your complete
new address and cut-on, cut-off dates. You may be charged
a small deposit if prior service was not in your name.
For convenience, most utilities will allow you
overlapping service at both addresses for several days,
to allow you to return to your old address for final
clean-up, etc.
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Garage Sale Guidelines
Having a garage sale prior to your move can
save you money in two ways! You'll not only have some
extra money in your pocket, but you'll also be getting
rid of some of the things
you own, thereby having fewer items to move.
Have your sale on the weekend and when the
weather is mild. To catch all interested buyers, hold a
two-day sale. Holding a garage sale can be exhausting, so
be sure to have someone
there to help you throughout the day.
The golden rule of garage sales is "anything
goes." If you have doubts whether something will
sell, put it out anyway. Remember that your junk just may
be another person's treasure.
Think about where you're moving and what items might be obsolete there. That snow blower will go
unused in Miami, and some items might cost more to move
than to replace--firewood, for example.
When pricing items for sale, be realistic.
Put yourself in the buyer's shoes: How much would you be
willing to pay for clothing that went out of style 10 years ago?
Keep the set up simple and organized.
Arrange tables for your goods so that browsers have room
to walk. If possible, make an electrical outlet available
to test appliances.
Secure all cash that you receive in a
strongbox or piggybank. Keep out only enough money to
make change and put the rest in the house. Don't accept
checks unless you're well-acquainted with the buyer.
Place a classified ad in local papers,
featuring your best or most unusual items. Take advantage
of any free advertising in your community--bulletin
boards in your supermarket, church, school or club.
Consider putting up signs on your front lawn and at
nearby street corners a day or two before your sale.
Also, many local radio stations have swap-and-shop
programs where you can have your sale announced free.
Consider donating unsold items to charitable
organizations. Some will send a truck to your home to
pick up the goods. Be sure to get a receipt, as your
donation may be tax-deductible.
If an item has no resale value, if it has no
practical or sentimental value, and if it's inappropriate
as a charitable donation, simplify your life and just
throw it out. It'll reduce the cost of your move and make
settling into your new home much easier.
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