Moving from one house to another can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here are some simple tips on how to get it done with minimal stress and strain.
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A few days before the moving company is scheduled to arrive, call to confirm that everything is on schedule.
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Prepare your change of address cards in advance and send them out as soon as it is appropriate to do so. The post office, utilities, companies and people you do business with, city hall, friends and relatives - all should be notified of your move.
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Get an early start on packing by concentrating on seldom-used items first. Each box should have its contents and the room those contents belong in written on it clearly.
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Take a hard look at things you seldom or never use and throw away as many of them as you can. The more you throw away, the less you'll have to move. Every item you throw away is one less item to clutter up you new home. This may be the perfect time for a garage sale!
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Use your extra towels and linens to protect breakables. When your supply of these things is exhausted, crumpled newspaper makes an excellent substitute. Write: Fragile on all appropriate boxes.
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Put your valuables (such as jewelry) and important documents (birth certificates, car titles, etc.) aside in a safe place where they wont be misplaced. You may consider transporting them yourself.
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When the house is empty, go back for a thorough final inspection. Check closets, crawl spaces, basement, attic, out-of-the-way nooks and crannies of all kinds. Have a second person make the same inspection separately.
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Clean your new home thoroughly before moving in. It's infinitely easier that way.
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Decide in advance where you want the heavy furniture. Changing your mind after the movers have departed is no fun - especially for your back!
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Locate all fuses, circuit breakers, and water/gas and electrical valves. Record the meter readings and check the smoke detectors.
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List the phone numbers of the local police and fire stations, doctors, nearby hospitals, etc. Put a copy of your list near each phone.
Above all, plan, plan, plan and plan some more. Make a schedule you can live with, and then stick to it. Preparation and forethought will help you to keep everything under control and finish the move with your sanity and your nervous system intact.
Send change of address to:
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Post Office: Give forwarding address
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Charge accounts, credit cards
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Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks
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Friends and relatives
Be sure to contact:
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Bank: Transfer funds, arrange check cashing in new city .
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Insurance: Notify new location for coverage (Life, health, fire, auto, homeowners).
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Automobile: Transfer car title registration; also driver's license; state windshield sticker; motor club membership
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Utilities: Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, get refund of any deposit made; arrange for immediate service in new town; arrange final reading and change of name for billing.
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Route Men: Laundry, paper carrier, milk carrier: change over services.
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School: Ask for copies or transfer of children's records.
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Medical: ask Doctor, Dentist and Pharmacist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays and records.
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Organizations: Transfer memberships (houses of worship, clubs, civic organizations); get letter of introduction.
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Pets: Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations and tags.
And, don't forget to:
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Empty freezer
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Plan use of foods
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