When you are relocating across town or across country, the last thing you need to worry about is getting you and your treasured possessions to your new home! Moving across state lines can be expensive, so make sure you consider that cost in your budget. Often, people relcoating find it is more economical to sell their furnishings (except for personal or family momentoes of course), and purchase new where you are going. REMEMBER, though, if you are getting a loan for your new home, DO NOT CHARGE anything on your card or remove money (other than normal expenditures) from your bank account until you have closed the new loan ... or at least consult with your lender.
If you have pets, remember to consider them in your move. If you pet is prone to extreme anxiety, be sure to talk to your vet ... and also, make sure all records are up to date and that you have a copy of their records with you and any medications they need. Look ahead to find a vet in case you have an emergency and then rely on your new neighbors for referrals. Our pets are family too! You may want to designate a safe place for them in your new home until the movers are finished. They will be frightened and anxious about the move and you also don't want them walking around and having a mover trip over them or step on them (not good for mover or pet). Help them feel safe with their favorite toys and food and check on them freuently. Remember, they will not know their new neighborhood should they slip out the door. Give them plenty of extra hugs and as long as they know they will be at home with you, they will be happy.
Following are a few other tips to help you in your move:
How to Hire a Moving Company
Questions to ask: Are you certified by the ICC? Do you charge by the pound or by the hour? How much insurance do you carry? Are there any items you charge extra to move, such as china, pianos, pool tables and the like? Are you bonded? Can I call to find out the location of my things during the move?
Once you’ve hired a mover, there’s still more work to be done.
l Make yourself a checklist of things to do every week for eight weeks prior to the move. Stay as organized as possible. Remember to include utilities to transfer to a new owner, or shut off, whichever is allowed by the utility company. Make sure you change your address on things you receive regularly, and to alert the post office to your change .. on both ends. The post office will not deliver to your new home if you have not alerted them that you are there.
If you are selling a home, the new owner will appreciate a list of your normal contractors, like plumber, electrician, heating and air company, pest company, etc. Any information about your appliances, heating system, water heater, etc. could be great too!. Ask the seller where you are moving if they would be so kind as to provide you the same.
l Ask your moving company to assign three movers to you—two to load and unload and one to guard the truck to prevent theft.
l Talk to your insurance agent about liability. Does your current homeowner’s policy cover your possessions during a move? Moving companies’ basic insurance coverage usually allows a set amount per pound per item, and it’s usually not enough, so find out how much the company carries and then buy extra insurance if necessary. Remember that most companies don’t accept liability for breakage of any items you pack yourself.
l Confirm the arrangements with the moving company a couple of days before your move.