Professional Moving Tips
When you're preparing for a move, the most important thing you can do is stay organized. Don't procrastinate, or you'll find yourself rushing and potentially forgetting to take care of important things before moving day! Here are a few things we recommend doing to stay organized and prepared for your move:
Have a Garage Sale
If you know you won't be using an item, it's a waste of time to pack and unpack it. Rather than throwing it away, consider selling it in a garage sale! You could potentially make a little money, which is a great bonus.
Start preparing early
Waiting too long to prepare for your move could cause unnecessary stress. Make sure you reserve your moving date in advance (4-6 weeks is recommended, if possible). Make a list of action items and schedule them out before the move. Factor in such items as: holding a garage sale, cutting back on grocery shopping, packing items you don't frequently use, turning on/off utilities, etc.
Keep necessities and must-have items separate
When packing, it's a good idea to keep certain necessities and items separate from items which will be moved in the moving truck. Items such as medications, kids' toys, an extra change of clothes, important documents, and any other items you may wish to access without having to unpack boxes should be kept with you in an easy to access place (a separate box or bag).
Banks, Doctors, Schools...
Make a list of local places your family relies on and determine whether you'll be able to continue visiting these locations or if you'll need to establish new relationships.
Banks: If you bank with a national or regional bank that has branches near your new home, or if you utilize a bank with sufficient online accessibility, then you may not need to close your accounts and open new ones in your new town. However, if your primary accounts are with a smaller bank and you don't feel confident in 'correspondence banking' or their online infrastructure, then you may wish to consider opening a new account at a bank in your new town (or a bank with a larger online presence).
Schools: Find out if you'll need to have any school records (including immunization records) sent over to your new school, or if they'll request them directly. Also, be sure to find out about your new school's uniform policy, lunch policy, etc.
Doctors: If you're moving a little far away from your current doctors, consider establishing a relationship with a new family or general practitioner soon after the move. You don't want to be caught off guard without a doctor if something comes up, and you certainly don't want to be stuck driving a long distance if you're ill.
Veterinarians: As with your general or family practitioners, a long distance move means you'll want to locate a new veterinarian as soon as possible. If your pet becomes sick or injured, it'll be much easier if you've already chosen a new veterinarian. Some veterinarian offices will be happy to let you visit, meet the staff and doctors, and introduce your pets to become an "established" patient. Consider doing this!
Address changes
It's important to notify the post office of your new address, as well as financial institutions and other places which rely on having your correct address. A change of address with the post office will redirect your mail for a period of time, but it is ultimately up to you to update your address with important companies and businesses.
Official USPS Change of Address (Online Form)
The Day After Loading
The day after loading is a great time to take care of things which are most suitable for an empty house. Here are a few things to schedule or do the day after loading:
- House cleaning services
- Termite or pest treatment
- Utility shut off, turn on, or transfer
Travel Arrangements
If you're moving long distance or your move has a few 'moving parts' (such as kids, pets, etc), then your travel arrangements are an important part of the plan.
Flights: If you or your family will be flying, make sure your flights are booked and confirmed and your travel to and from airports is taken care of.
Babysitters for kids: If your move is local, it may be helpful to have someone watch your kids during the move. This could reduce stress on your kids, as well as you.
Pets: If your move is local, you may be able to easily move with your pet depending on your pet's personality. However, you could also consider boarding them for a day or two to reduce the likelihood of them escaping or becoming lost during a confusing time for them. If you're not thrilled with the idea of boarding your pet, see if a family member or friend can watch them for a day or two, or consider a different venue such as Camp Bow Wow (which is a mix between a pet daycare and a luxury overnight boarding facility).
Coordinate with the Mover
Before the moving truck leaves with your belongings, consider giving the driver your cell phone numbers. It is also helpful to ask if the driver can share their cell number, in case something comes up.
Items that can't go on the truck
Certain items can't be moved with the movers on the truck. You'll want to make arrangements for either moving these yourself or locating a specialized company for moving these. Items we can't move include:
- Flammables and combustibles
- Aerosols
- Hazardous materials and waste
- Gasoline
- Plants
- Paints
- Ammunitions and explosives
- Jewelry
- Legal documents (wills, financial papers, insurance documents)
Contact Hug-Condon with Questions or to Schedule Your Move!
We can help you plan your move. Contact Hug-Condon to schedule your move, and we'll be here to answer any questions you may have.