Make Your Move Easy


Moving can be easier than you might think. We all love it when a home is sold and we've purchased a new one. The move is the hard thing. It becomes a little easier when we have a checklist of things to follow.  Here is a list that covers many of the problems most of us face. We do not guarantee that it will cover everything, but hope that it will help.

Three Weeks in Advance
   - Send your change of address form to the Post Office with your effective change date.
   - Schedule your mover if hiring a moving company or a rental truck if you are doing it yourself.

Two Weeks in Advance
   -If you haven't done so already, call the board of education at your destination community to arrange for transferring or enrolling your children in schools there.

One Week in Advance
   -Arrange to have your electric, gas, satellite, cable, water and other services connected at your new home the day before you move in.  Have service turned off at your old address the day of your move.
   -Remember to make arrangements to have your cable box turned in or picked up to avoid extra charges.

Extras
On moving day, pack a "survival Kit" of things you will need in the first few hours at the new home.  Some ideas include:
-Paperwork and payment for movers
-Vital phone numbers
-Medications for family or pets,
-Basic tools: hammer, screwdriver, knife, wrench.
-Trash bags and cleaning supplies.
-Snacks, drinks, cups, utensils and disposable plates.
-Sheets and towels.
-Radio with batteries and telephone.

The Moving Company
The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) recommends:
-Get estimates from at least three companies. Ask about the conditions of each estimate (for instance is it guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount?).
-Ask for each company's Motor Carrier number and call USDOT at 202-358-7000 to find out if they are properly registered and insured.
-Ask your moving company for a copy of Your Movers Rights and Responsibilities.