(Sorry I think this may be too late...hadn't notice the date of posting.)
Hi Lori,
Congratulations on your recent marriage and finding a new home for your new life together.
I've included a moving checklist at the end of my message from steve-debbie.com- my realtors' website. It's mostly geared for a long-distance moves, but a lot of the items apply and they give some great tips on things we sometimes don't think about.
In particular, I think you should do the thinning out of closets and storage areas. Get rid of items you do not need/want either by selling or donating them. (Use the 1 year rule: If you have not used it in 1 year's time, you don't need it- get rid of it.) Once you've gotten down to the things you want to keep, begin boxing the things you won't be using/need until your move. Be sure to mark the boxes clearly with content and intended room for delivery. On moving day, have your movers/helpers place all your boxes neatly against a designated wall of each room they're marked for. Once you've unloaded and placed your furniture where you want it, begin unpacking your boxes. You should not have unpacked boxes, because you've gotten rid of all things you no longer want!
Good luck to you,
I.
During the hectic month before your move, it is easy to overlook details. Use the timetable checklist below to plan and conveniently schedule the things you must accomplish when the time comes. Plan to complete a few tasks each day.
One Month before the Move:
___ Clean out your closets, attic, basement, cupboard, toy chest, and book shelves. Discard anything you don't want or need.
___ Evaluate whether or not to keep your appliances. Consider their age, size and color. If your stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer won't match or fit in your new home, consider selling them. You may not want to move a gas stove or dryer into an all electric house. Also, consider selling chandeliers and ceiling fans unless you have a special or sentimental reason for taking them along.
___ Consider having a tag or garage sale. Donate unwanted items to charitable organizations, i.e., hospitals, nursing homes, schools, day care centers. Obtain a receipt for tax purposes.
___ If you have leased appliances you need to arrange equipment removal.
___ Decide if you will move all your plants or just your favorites.
___ Use up your frozen foods if they CANNOT be safely shipped. It is also advisable to diminish your supply of canned goods.
___ Notify the Security Company, lawn service, pool, and any other regular services of your vacating date.
___ Notify your Post Office, publications, and correspondents of address change. Make a list of relatives and friends.
___ Arrange to collect advance deposits or security deposits on utilities and/or rentals.
___ Check your Renters Insurance. You may be able to apply it to your new residence, or re-apply it to the future owner's policy with prorated payments. Be sure to coordinate insurance so you're immediately covered on your new residence.
___ Check on club membership fees. You may have a refund due, or you might consider selling the membership to a friend.
___ Check with your veterinarian on any preparation needed for your pets.
Two Weeks before the Move:
___ Contact telephone, electric, gas, water, security, and trash disposal companies to advise of the date on which to discontinue services.
___ Notify utility companies at your new location when to start new services. (Waiting for services to begin can result in your incurring costly hotel and meal expenses. )
___ Advise milkman, laundry services and newspaper delivery to discontinue services.
___ Be sure to clean out school or gymnasium locker and pick-up dry cleaning.
___ Ask your present physician and dentist for referrals in the new location. Transfer medical records. If members of the family have any ongoing medical or dental treatment program, arrange for the practitioner to prorate the payments with the professional in your new area.
___ Transfer insurance records. Verify that all your insurance provides adequate coverage in the area to which you are relocating.
___ Arrange for the transfer of valuables. Check contents of your safe-deposit box. DO NOT SHIP any valuables such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents, currency or stamp and coin collections with the moving company. Either carry them with you or send by insured or certified registered mail.
___ DO NOT SHIP combustible and flammable items. These include oil-based paints, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches and ammunition. All aerosol cans should be eliminated from the shipment including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants, household cleaners, insecticides, tarnish remover, and car cleaners. Use up or discard these items.
___ Send in Declaration of High Value Insurance forms.
The Last Week before the Move:
___ Complete closing and any other legal matters before you move, if possible.
___ Keep a detailed record and receipts of your moving expenses. This includes transportation, lodging, meals, etc.
___ Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, etc. Gas grills and kerosene heaters must be empty. Cars and motorcycles should have only ¼ tank of gas.
___ Make sure you have a clean and safe moving path while loading and unloading belongings.
___ Put linens and pillows in the dresser drawers to have handy for making up your beds for the first night in your new home.
___ Prepare a "ready box" for last on and first off the van. This might include essentials from your kitchen and bathroom. You may wish to include a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers and nails.
___ Prepare a "ready-box" with all-necessary medications and first aid supplies.
___ Depending on how far your going? prepare your children for the move and trip by providing them with their own special treasures. Pack a box of snacks for your trip.
___ Defrost and clean refrigerator at least 24 hours in advance of the move. Place charcoal inside to dispel orders.
___ Remember to keep your / a telephone connected through loading day.
___ Give contact numbers at your new location to your driver and move consultant if applicable.
___ Confirm directions to the new residence with your driver.
On Moving Day:
___ Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in your new city.
___ Let a close friend or relative know route and schedule you will travel including overnight stops; use him or her as message headquarters.
___ If moving yourself use proper lifting procedures and don't over do it. A broken back is never a good thing.
___ Double check closets, drawers, shelves to be sure they are empty.
___ Leave all old keys, warranties, appliance manuals, and house information with Realtors, neighbor or ________________.
At Your New Address:
___ Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace. Have appliances checked for safety by authorized personnel.
___ Ask Mail Carrier for mail he or she may be holding for your arrival.
___ Have new address recorded on drivers license or apply for state drivers license.
___ Register car within five days after arrival in the state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
This should cover everything. If something has been overlooked please notify us so we can update the list for the next user.
We hope this information was helpful,
Sincerely,
Steve & Debbie
"Service Before, During & After!"
