Many of our clients have recently moved into new homes. While a move can be an exciting event, it can also trigger many chores and responsibilities. In an effort to keep you organized and minimize the stress associated with moving, we have created a basic checklist of tasks to execute before, during, and after a move. There are also some packing tips you can follow. In our experience, preparing for these common issues and needs can help to create an easy transition.

4-6 Weeks Before the Move:

• Research and book a moving company or organize for friends and family to help.
• Purchase or acquire moving supplies. Moving supply stores are great, but if you’re on a budget you can usually find free boxes behind major retail stores.
• Sort, organize, and purge while you pack. Ensure an easy move, by carefully labeling boxes with room and contents.
• Create a moving list inventory and organize a strategy of what will go where.
• Measure your current furniture and the new space to ensure you have enough room. Door dimensions and tight corners should also be taken into consideration.
• Investigate new professional service providers and organizations that you may need and set up relationships. These can include doctors, dentists, schools, vets, pharmacies, banks, etc.
• If you are moving in or out of an apartment building, secure the elevator for your moving day. And ensure to leave the apartment, through Maid2Match, as clean as it was when you first moved in. If your moving truck will need to block anything or park in a designated area, make the necessary arrangements and notify those affected.

1-2 Weeks Before the Move:

• If repairs or improvements are needed in the new home, attempt, if possible, to get them done prior to the move. They will go more smoothly without furniture or family members interrupting.
• Set up a change of address with us-mailing-change-of-address.com and notify your subscriptions and bill providers directly. This is also the time to send out moving announcements to friends and family.
• Call utility companies (gas, electric, water, garbage, sewage) and organize for the new home to be switched into your name. Schedule a turn-on time for the new place and turn-off time for the current home. Don’t forget to ask the waste management company what day pickup occurs.
• Research cable, internet, and phone providers in your new area. Set up appointments for service installation.
• Start using up perishable items and liquids that can be difficult to move. Throw out flammable or potentially toxic items prior to the move.
• Procure or update items pertaining to your address, including insurance policies, car registration, voter registration, and driver’s license. (Read here to find out how a risky borrower  can get car finance).
• Empty, defrost, and clean your fridge 24 hours before the move to ensure there will be no leakage.

Moving Day:

• Verify licenses of movers if applicable.
• Prepare payment, including tips for the movers.
• Pack snacks and drinks and/or order lunch for those helping you move.
• Organize for a cleaning crew to come following the movers departure from the old home.
• Leave all sets of keys and garage door openers in the old home when you are officially out.
• Take a wrap up inventory to ensure nothing is missing or broken, prior to signing any close of move documents.

Following the Move:

• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide batteries. Mark the next replacement on your calendar.
• Consider having locks re-keyed for safety.
• Locate your circuit breaker box, water shut-off valve, and fire extinguishers for emergency purposes.
• Create a filing system for documents related to the new home. The following categories are useful: warranties/purchases, insurance policies, repairs/home improvement, and tax write-offs for moving related expenses.
• Determine if you need any new storage items, furniture, or other household goods in the new home to create organization from the start.
• Ask neighbors for referrals for pool maintenance firms, gardeners, and cleaning services. Since they are already in the neighborhood, you can often get a discount.

Remember, the key to a successful move is organization and planning.

Good Luck and visit this site for more information.
TWOW

Reference: Northern Lights Exteriors.