Moving Resources
Moving doesn't have to be stressful if it is well planned and spread out over a period of time. Don't take time for granted. It will take longer than you think. Read through the 5 Week Move Planner and you will be on track to a successful move.
You usually know well in advance when you are planning to move. The 5 Week Move Planner will keep you organized and less stressed. Make your list of things "to do" and cross off as you accomplish each task. If you whittle them down week by week you will be the calmest person on moving day.
Week 5 - Don't Panic - Take Time to Plan and Prepare
Move Method
How are you going to move? Figure out what your budget and options are. Are you doing it yourself? Are you hiring a moving company? Get quotes from at least 3 movers.
Travel Arrangements
If you are moving long distance, make your travel arrangements. Make sure you arrive well before your movers. Allow for any delays and give yourself a chance to relax before things get hectic.
Research your New Community
Learn about your new community by surfing the web. You'll find access to everything from neighborhood maps to restaurant guides. If you used a realtor to buy your new home, they may also have a community package.
Packing Materials
The first thing to do is go through your linen closet, your kitchen and bath. Use any sheets and towels that will be eventually thrown out to wrap breakable items. Figure out how many boxes and packing supplies you think you will need and shop around for the best price. Stop in at a moving rental center and ask for advice.
Week 4 - Consume - Notify - Start Packing
Food and Cleaning Supplies
For the rest of the 4 weeks, consume the remaining food in the pantry and freezer. Use cleaning supplies you have on hand and avoid shopping for new household items.
Get Valuables Appraised
If you plan to insure your valuables, have them appraised before you start packing. Take pictures of everything, even your furniture. If you end up with any damages, you will have proof of what shape they were in prior to the move.
Notifications
1.Health Insurance Company
Give them your new address and date of move. Check your coverage during the move, and if you will have coverage where you are moving to.
2.Doctor, Dentist and Pharmacist
Give notice that you are moving. Ask for referrals. Also ask to have your medical records transferred. Let your pharmacy know that you are moving and have your prescriptions transferred to a new pharmacy shortly before your move.
3.Memberships
If you are a member of any organization or club, you should resign or transfer your membership. You may also want to nominate a replacement if you hold a position on the board.
4.Home Services
Let your housekeeper, landscaping, pool, and Security Company know of your upcoming move. Notify your utility companies of your move out date, so they can shut the services off or transfer to the new owner. Line up services for your new home.
5.Insurance Company
Give them your move out date, and make sure your possessions will be covered. It's also a good time to get quotes for your new home and compare.
6.Banking
Get a bank account in the town you will be moving to ahead of time you will have a check to pay the movers.
Start Packing
If you are doing the packing, start now. Pack a set number of boxes each night. It will be a lot easier than waiting until the night before. Go through each room. Give away or throw anything you don't want to pack. You might even host a garage sale. Pack anything you won't need until you get to your new home.
Week 3 - Services - Plants - Retrieve & Return - Keep Packing
Service your Car
If you are driving to your new location, make sure the tires are good, and have your car serviced. You don't want to be sitting on the side of the road and see your moving truck blow by you.
Plants
If you are moving long distance, give your plants away or figure out how you are going to get them to your new home. Most movers will not take plants.
Services
Notify all the new service companies (utilities and Internet) of your move in date and have them turn on the services at least one day in advance.
Collect and Return
Time to collect any items you've lent out to friends and neighbors. It's also time to return anything you may have borrowed.
Important Documents
Don't ship your important documents. Take them with you personally. Make copies even though you are carrying them in case something gets lost or stolen along the way.
Week 2 - Tend to Final Moving Details - Keep Packing
Secure Parking for Moving Truck
You may have to get a permit from the city to allow the movers to park. Even if you don't need a permit, let the neighbors know the day you are moving and that you will need room for the truck so it won't inconvenience them.
Confirm Moving Date
If you are buying a home, check with the realtor to make sure the closing date is still on schedule. Also check with the mover, to make sure they are still lined up.
Contractors List and Warranties
Make a list of contractors you use and gather warranties and manuals for the appliances. Have them ready in an envelope for the people who are moving into your old home.
Week 1 - Wrap up Loose Ends - Finish Packing
Drain Oil/Gas
Drain any lawn equipment or other equipment that you might have. You don't want it leaking on your boxes.
Drycleaners
Pick up your clothes at the cleaners.
Do a Walkthrough of New Home
Ask your realtor to set up a time to walk through your new home before closing, to make sure there hasn't been any damage done since you last saw the home. You could even ask that the manuals and warranties be put in a safe place for you.
Cancel Newspaper Subscription
It's also a good time to get a subscription to the paper in your new town. It will be the easiest way to learn about your new community.
Finish Packing
Pack the last of your kitchen items and any clothes you won't need until after your move. Buy paper plates and utensils to use when the fast food places forget to give you any. Pack your valuables that you are taking with you. Do a backup of your hard drive and pack up computer equipment.
Day of Move
Have snacks and bottled water handy. Make sure you have extra packing materials handy in case you missed a closet. Have your method of payment ready for the mover, and don't lose it.
Good Luck! It will be a grueling five weeks. Trust me; if you use the 5 Week Move Planner your move will be a lot less stressful.
