Hints and Tips to Make Your Move Go Smoother

No matter how many times you have moved, it never becomes fun or gets easier! While there are many aspects of moving that are tedious and time consuming, taking some time to make a moving plan and prepare for the move will make everything go smoother. Use the following tips to take the headaches out of your move:

• Start De-cluttering Early- Packing up for a move is the perfect opportunity to get rid of the junk that may have piled up in your current home, Take the time to sort through your possessions, and throw away or donate the items that you no longer need or use.
• Start Packing In Advance- As soon as you learn of your closing date it is a good idea to begin packing up your home. This will give you time to organize your possessions, and pack each room carefully. Begin by packing items that you do not use regularly.
• Don’t Forget to Label Packing Boxes- You will probably end up with more boxes than you expect! Clearly labeling each one to indicate the items inside will make it much easier to unpack when you move into your new home.
• Make a List of Items You Will Need- A new home may require items, such as window coverings, shower curtains, or appliances, that you do not currently own. Make a list of items that you need to purchase, and begin buying these items prior to your move-in date.
• Turn On or Transfer Utilities- Call your local utility companies to arrange having the water, gas, and electricity turned on in your new home; it is very difficult to move into a new property without these things. If the home is currently unoccupied, you may be able to have the utilities turned on early. If you have to wait for the occupants to move out, arrange to have the utilities turned on the morning of your closing date.
• Organize Your Moving Date- Work with your real estate agent and the seller’s agent to ensure that both you and the seller are on the same page in regards to the moving date. You don’t want to show up at your new home with a moving truck to discover that the prior owners are still moving their stuff out.
• Moving Flammables- Prepare any mowers, snow blowers, boats, and snowmobiles for the move by draining gasoline and oil. Moving companies typically won't move propane tanks, gasoline, pain, thinners, aerosol cans, etc. Make arrangements to transport it yourself or dispose of it properly.
• Ease your pet’s stress- Pay close attention to your pet's behavior during the weeks before and after your move. You'll want to surround your pet with familiar objects to help ease the stress of settling into new surroundings.
• Medical Records- Contact your doctor and dentist to inform them of your move. If you haven't selected a new doctor in your new town, get referrals and your medical records from your current doctors.
• Financial Records- Your statements contain account balances and account numbers, so you do not want your statements lading up in the wrong hangs. Keep a file for all your financial statements so when you are ready, you can notify them of your new mailing address.  If you are changing banks, open a bank account in your new community. Do not close your existing bank account until all outstanding checks have cleared. 

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