Stay up-to-date with the REX Newsletter
—Information—
Map of Orlando
Mortgage Information
Get Pre-qualified
Qualify Calculator
Featured Communities
Featured Homes
Orlando Area Info
Orlando Area Schools
Contact Us
Agency Disclosure
Equal Housing Opportunity
|
REX - Real Estate Exchange, Inc.
– Get Moving Checklist –
by Barbara Middleton, Broker-Associate
The key to a smooth, hastle free move is a good plan.
There are myriad decisions and details to keep track of, and that is exactly what this checklist is all about.
Whether you are using a professional mover or moving yourself, using this checklist will help you stay right on top of all the tasks necessary to complete your move, and maybe even enjoy it.
A major move generally takes about 8 to 9 weeks to complete. Some people manage to make a major move in 4 or 5 weeks. This list is anticipating an 8 week move. Your moving date should be 8 weeks from the day you start this plan.
One important note. If you are moving into a new home, one being built for you, when you get down to the wire, make sure the closing date is set in stone before you finalize everything. You don't want to be in a position of having to leave your current home and not be able to move into your new home. Do be sure everything is fine with the last minute details so that the closing and your move are in synch.
Get out a calendar and at each weekly interval put the date of the beginning of that week on this checklist and work through the list.
8 Weeks before the move.
Week of: ____________
Get or draw a floor plan of your new home. Use a decorating chart and grid to place your furniture to scale in each room of the house. This will give you a good idea of which furniture to take, and which to sell or give away or otherwise dispose of prior to the move.
Inventory all of your possessions. Decide what is going with you, and what is to be sold, replaced or donated to charity.
Make calls and get written estimates from three professional movers. Now that you have decided what is going with you and what is not, the estimate may be more accurate. Make sure that the itemized list includes moving related costs such as: packing, loading, special charges, insurance, etc.
Make sure you have residential information, phone numbers for utilities, schools and such, on your new community or ask your real estate agent to have some sent on to you.
6 Weeks before the move.
Week of: ___________
If you haven't already done it, decide on one of the three movers you got estimates from.
Be sure you belongings are insured during transit. Check with your insurance company and the mover.
Get and fill out US Postal change of address forms; mail to media,
stores, organizations, magazine subscriptions and the like.
Check that you have copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting, and veterinarian records. Get the ones you don't have.
Make arrangements to transfer school records to and from your new community.
Ask your tax advisor to review potential moving related tax
deductions and potential tax liability.
4 Weeks before the move.
Week of: ______________
Repair and clean furniture, drapes,
carpeting as necessary.
Advertise a garage/yard/tag sale to sell any
furniture, accessories, clothes, and such that you need to dispose of.
If a professional mover is packing your belongings, schedule packing day(s) one or two days before the move.
OR –
If you are moving yourself, reserve a truck now.
Order enough boxes, packing materials and tape to see you through comfortably.
Get commitments from friends or whoever will help you pack the truck.
If you will need short or long term storage, arrange for it now.
Make travel arrangements for pets, include necessary medical
records, immunizations, etc.
3 Weeks before the move.
Week of: ____________
Make sure you have an ample supply of packing materials and such.
Pack the items you won't use immediately or that will go into
storage.
Number your boxes and keep a complete inventory.
Contact utilities where you are and where you are moving to order termination for your moving date; and turn-on for your occupancy date.
Confirm final travel arrangements, including hotel or motel reservations, for family and pets.
2 Weeks before the move.
Week of: ____________
Have your car(s) checked by your mechanic and serviced.
Cancel newspaper and other delivery services.
Confirm new bank accounts by phone or FAX.
Schedule an appliance service firm for moving day to prepare
major appliances for the move.
1 Week before the move.
Week of: ____________
Gather important papers, records, valuables, for protected
shipment to new home or safe deposit box.
Notify friends and neighbors of new address, (and phone number if
possible).
Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving day.
Fill any necessary prescriptions or medications needed for the next two weeks.
If you have any medical problems, make sure you have a recommended Doctor in your new community.
Week of the move.
Week of: ___________
Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Give away all food.
Plan simple meals for moving day (or take out food) to avoid
using the refrigerator.
Pick up cash for your trip and a certified check for the mover's
invoice.
Pack items you need to take with you including valuables,
financial records, personal papers.
Pack or put the signed bill of lading and complete inventory where you can easily reach them at your destination.
Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED-FIRST BOX UNPACKED containing
tools, flashlights, etc.
Give the mover a telephone number and address where you can be
reached in your new community.
|
