Tips for Moving and Relocating

Relocating can be a daunting task.  In addition to having to deal with all of the logistical details and potentially stressful situation, you are facing the uncertainty of a new environment.  To relieve your anxiety, we put together this simple step-by-step timeline guide.  Now you can check the items off the list and move into your new home with confidence and peace of mind.





Four to Six Weeks Before the Move

• Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, shelves, attic, and garage. It is a good idea to discard anything you do not want or need. A rule of thumb is if you did not use something in the last year or two, chances are you do not really need it. Consider having a garage sale, gift unwanted items to friends and neighbors or donate them to charities. You may be able to collect a tax receipt on the value of your donation.
• Arrange to collect any advance or security deposits on utilities or rentals. These could be a nice addition to your tight relocation budget.
• Evaluate whether to ship your appliances and old furniture. Consider how old they are and how well they will fit into your new decor. Make sure you do not bring a gas stove into an electric home. Also, if your refrigerator, washer or dryer will not fit in your new home, consider leaving them behind.
• Make a complete list of items to be moved. Decide which plants will come with you and which will stay behind.
• Use up your food. Frozen foods can not be shipped safely. It is likewise unnecessary to carry a heavy load of canned or packaged foods with you.
• Notify the security company and all other regular service providers such as lawn or waste removal companies of your moving date.
• Notify your post office, subscription publications, and other correspondents of your moving date and provide them with your new address.
• Check your homeowner's insurance and make arrangements to renew your policy. You should contact an insurance company at your destination.
• Check the status of your club memberships. The money you paid in advance may be refunded or you might consider transferring the membership to a friend.
• Consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's travel needs and make the necessary preparations
• Collect the items you lent to your friends such as books and CDs and give back all the items you borrowed. Do not forget to return library books and video rentals.
• Research schools in your new neighborhood and register your children. Make arrangements to transfer all necessary school records.
• Check your checking and savings accounts. Plan for transfer of deposits so you will not lose interest. If needed, your bank or Credit Union can be used as a credit reference.
• Plan your moving date and take into consideration your travel plans and the closing date of your new home.

 Two to Three Weeks Before the Move

•  Verify the date of your departure and contact the  telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm the  date to discontinue services. Notify your real estate agent or  landlord. Make arrangements with utility companies at your new  location to start services on the date of your arrival. Absence of  vital utility service is very uncomfortable and often leads to  unnecessary expenses for temporary accommodations and  meals
• Discontinue newspaper delivery, sanitation and any other regular services.
• Make sure to check fitness club, school or gymnasium lockers for stored belongings.
• Ask your friends or your current doctors for referrals in the new location. Transfer medical records and get all necessary prescriptions. If any family members have ongoing medical or dental treatment programs, arrange for prorated payments with professionals in your new area.
• Check the contents of your safety-deposit box. It is advisable to carry all valuables (such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents and important collections) with you or send them by insured or certified mail.
• DO NOT SHIP combustible or flammable items such as oil-base paint, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches, ammunition and aerosol cans, including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants and household cleaners.

One Week Before the Move

• Keep detailed records and receipts of all your moving expenses.
• Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, and gas grills. If you are shipping cars and motorcycles they should have only a quarter of a tank of gas.
• Prepare a "safety box" for last on and first off the van. Include all essentials from your kitchen and bathroom as well as medications and first-aid supplies. Also, include a set of tools with a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, nails and screws.
• Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their own special treasure box with toys, games and snacks for the trip.
• Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer at least a day before the move.
• Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for making up your beds the first night. Place draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang in a closet, the movers will place them in wardrobe cartons.

Day of the Move

• Compare the mover's inventory with your records and make sure you agree on the condition of your household goods. You may want to take photographs incase a dispute arises. Make sure you get a copy of the inventory list.
• Give a last minute check to every room and closet before the van leaves. Make sure the water and air conditioner are shut off, windows are shut and locked, and the lights are switched off.
• Check the Bill of Lading for accuracy and completeness before you sign it. Keep a copy for your records.
• Make sure you have the van driver's name and contact information, and give him contact numbers at the destination. Confirm directions to your new home with your driver.
• Turn off the water heater. 

Moving in Day

• Be at your new home before the movers. You may be charged for waiting if you are late.
• Contact utility companies to verify service start dates.
• Check the appliances and hot-water heater. Contact a repair service if something is not working.
• Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, so the movers know where to place each piece of furniture.
• Check the condition of each box or household item as it is unloaded. Make a list of all missing or damaged items on the mover's copy of the inventory form. Since you will do most of the unpacking after the movers leave, it is a good idea to make a "subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage" note on the inventory form. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your salesperson or move coordinator.
• Call Post Office to find out if they are holding any mail for you and ask the services to start.

After You've Settled

• Obtain necessary IDs such as driver's license, etc..
• Register your car at the new address. 
• Contact newspapers and other services for home delivery.
• Walk in your neighborhood to get a good idea what is around and where to find things.
• Check opening and closing hours of stores and service facilities.
• Make friends with your neighbors.
• Register to vote.

If you are in the process of moving or thinking about moving, we can help!  Give us a call or email anytime!

     DJ Arsenault
     281-989-6934
     dj@texanrealtor.com

     Elizabeth Arsenault
     832-526-7891
     elizabeth@texanrealtor.com

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