Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Moving Checklist

Moving can be very stressful, but with the services of CRS and this detailed checklist, moving can be a breeze!

This step-by-step guide takes you from beginning to end of a well-organized, low-stress move.

By Marilyn Lewis of MSN Real Estate

The two best ways to lower the stress of moving are to employ a strategy and start as early as you can. Try this guide to organizing it all!
Preparation
Before starting to tick tasks off your checklist, take a day to get prepared. Assemble these three key items to stay organized throughout the madness of moving:

1) Calendar
. A calendar is a project manager’s best friend. It allows you to visualize every aspect of your move, says Laura Leist, president of the National Association of Professional Organizers and a certified relocation-transition specialist.

2)A big notebook. Use it to track all your arrangements, phone numbers, thoughts, plans, notes and lists. Attach plastic ziplock bags, pockets and folders. Print out this checklist and put it in the notebook.

3) A locking box. (Available at hardware stores or search “locking box” online). Use this for hand-carrying anything irreplaceable, like important documents, medicines, family treasures and jewelry, since movers’ insurance won’t cover high-value items.

Countdown
Four to eight weeks to go


4) Eliminate stuff. Severely scale back your stuff.

5) Hire movers.

6) Service appliances. Ask the mover which appliances and equipment will need servicing before moving and after the move, and schedule the work on both ends.

7) Give notice. If you’re a renter, give the landlord 30 days' notice that you’re leaving in writing. Confirm what’s required to get your deposit refunded.

8) Assemble packing supplies. Packing a moving van is far easier with standard-sized moving boxes rather than liquor and grocery boxes.

9) Start packing. Begin with the least-used rooms – garage, attic and basement. Next, attack the living area. Designate one room for all packed boxes. Figure on taking one day per room.

10) Make records. Photocopy important documents that you’re not carrying with you.

11) Help kids plan. Children enjoy keeping their own moving notebooks, writing journal entries and pasting in treasures, photos and mementoes. These can help them with the transition.

12) Contact schools. Give notice and arrange for record transfers. Contact new schools to arrange admissions, learn requirements and transfer medical records and transcripts.

13) Plan the trip. Get maps and directions. If necessary, book hotel reservations, making careful plans for the security of your vehicles and possessions.

14) Gather medical records. Tell doctors and dentists you’ll be leaving and get copies of your records. Ask for paper copies of each prescription to put in your notebook for a backup. Request referrals to providers in your new town.

15) Wrap up loose ends. Return library books and things you’ve borrowed, pick up things you’ve loaned, dry cleaning and items out for repair.

16) Transfer prescriptions. Find a pharmacy near your new home and arrange to have prescriptions transferred. Carry enough medications with you to last two weeks.

17) Get acquainted. Check with the chamber of commerce in your new town. Most have Web sites and many will mail you a new-resident packet with helpful information.

18) Call the DMV. If you’re moving to a new state, contact that state’s department of motor vehicles to learn how soon you must obtain a new driver’s license and register your vehicles.

Two to three weeks to go
19) Change your address. Go to the U.S. Postal Service online or in person to change your address and have mail held or forwarded to your new address. You can designate a date when you want the address change to begin.

20) Prepare pets. If you’re flying, learn what papers, shots and preparations pets will need.

21) Finish packing. Leave only a few clothes and essentials. Clean the garage, basement and attic. Finish any household repairs.

One week to go
22) Assemble supplies. Gather equipment and supplies, including screwdrivers and wrenches, sandwich bags for saving hardware (tape bags to furniture parts), and a digital camera, notepad and pencil for photographing or drawing items to help in reassembling.

23) Think ahead. Pack an “open first” box with essentials needed immediately upon arrival: coffee, filters and a tea kettle or coffee pot, mugs, first-aid supplies, scissors, tape, paper and pens, small toys, crayons and coloring books, towels, rags and cleaning supplies, snacks and a few hand tools.

24) What not to take. Send any valuables you’re not personally carrying to your new address by registered mail. Dispose of gas cans, propane tanks and houseplants, which won’t typically survive a move.

25) Do a walk-through. Double-check every room, including drawers, shelves and closets. Remember the garage and attic.

This is just a taste of things that should be done before a move! To view the full article visit Your Moving Checklist


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