Most movers, especially the do-it-yourself kind, are so happy to finally arrive in their new home that they don't even mind that the dinner plates are chipped, there's a scratch on the coffee table or their favorite lampshade is bruised and battered. But there's no reason your household goods should become casualties of the move. With a little care and planning, and these moving packing tips, you and your stuff will both arrive in mint condition.
A little common sense helps when packing for moving. Think of a stack of dishes in a box on the bed of a bouncing truck. No matter how well the sides are padded, a firm up-and-down jolt could crack the entire stack. On the other hand, dishes packed on edge and surrounded by bubble wrap have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed.
Boxes & Moving Kits
In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can be purchased at moving companies and truck-rental firms. Supplement with copious amounts of crumpled paper, blankets and pillows; even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Then, pack with a plan.
Purchase boxes and packing supplies direct from the manufacturer
Moving Packing Tips
* Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its destination
* (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier. Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.
* Don't apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.
* Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.
What you'll need for the first night/day
When everything is packed and ready to load, make sure the items you need least are loaded first. Again, common sense is essential when loading the truck. Place the box containing your best china on top of the box of encyclopedias and not vice versa.
Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing essential items in a separate bag and carrying it with you. You may even want to prepare a simple meal that you can heat and serve on your first night.
* For each person in the household: a change of clothes, a towel, prescription drugs, a toothbrush, and other personal items.
* For everyone: plastic utensils, paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, toilet paper, toiletries, trash bags, a flashlight, first aid kit including pain relievers, pencil and paper, snacks, beverages, and re-closable plastic bags.
* Small tool kit for re-assembling items that couldn't be moved whole.
Packing for moving with good technique and the right materials can mean an easier move and fewer chipped dishes.
http://www.moving.com/Moving_and_Planning/MAP_Article/Packing_for_move/
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Moving experience Relocating from Louisiana home helped start twins
Twin brothers Caleb and Joshua Taylor only need to look behind them to see how far they have come.
Neither fully understood why they needed to leave their mother and seven other siblings in Baton Rouge to move to California with their aunt. But more than a decade later, they understand now.
"I know for a fact if I was in Louisiana I might be dead, in jail or something negative," Caleb said. "When my aunt came and got us, it was positive from the start."
Joshua agreed.
"We grew up in a bad part of our neighborhood and she felt like she invested too much in us to leave us behind and have us possibly dead or selling drugs or something," Joshua said.
Their aunt, Patricia Strong, whom they considered a second mother, moved to California, got married and eventually sent for the two. She and her husband, Rodney, raised them.
With nine children at home at the time, Doretha, their mother, and Patricia figured the move would eventually be the best for the boys, although she didn't want to part ways.
"(Doretha) was sad but she knew it was a better place and the best thing for us," Caleb said. "If we went to California, there was a great chance for a successful life and successful career."
They immediately excelled in school and began playing football, which eventually landed them college scholarships.
"We started getting good grades and started playing football," Caleb said. "I knew from then on we'd have a positive future."
Now, both are in their second season with Utah State.
"Since the third grade, we've been on the same junior all- American football team and all the way up to freshman football, J.V. football and varsity football," Joshua said. "We've always been the team captains and pushed each other through each level of playing football."
With USC recruiting Caleb and UCLA recruiting Joshua, there was a small chance the two would play for different institutions, but Utah State came in and got both.
"We thought it would be cool to go to different schools so we could actually play against each other," Caleb said. "We've never been on opposite teams, so we know how competitive that it would be if we're going against each other. We also like the idea of playing with each other because we have our whole lives. We make each other better."
That's what made Utah State so enticing.
"We never expected Utah State to come, and they came in at the last minute and we weighed our options and realized this would be the best place for us," Joshua said.
Both saw time in their first season with the Aggies.
Caleb, a 6-foot-3, 189-pound safety, played in 10 of the Aggies' 11 games. Joshua was originally going to redshirt, but an injury to Marquise Charles forced him into action midway through the season.
Caleb, who is still undecided in his major, recorded 19 tackles, with most of them coming in the final three games.
Joshua, a 6-foot, 173-pound cornerback, missed the first six games in an effort to redshirt, and in his first action against nationally ranked Alabama, he recorded four tackles. He started the final four games of the year and finished with 21 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception.
Both entered fall camp as projected starters at their respective positions.
"I think my future here at Utah State is very bright," said Joshua, who will most likely major in communications. "If I keep working hard, it will continue to look bright."
Said Caleb: "I have to learn and get more confidence, and as long as I work hard, I'll have a good future here."
They have Oct. 21 circled on the calendar. The Aggies are at Louisiana Tech, and their mother will get the chance to see them play college football in person for the first time.
"She's very excited and happy for us and sometimes she wished she would have taken care of us and had more of a part in our lives," Caleb said. "She knew it was the best thing for us and we're not mad at her that she let us go."
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20060827/ai_n16696904
Relocation Tips for an Easy Move
Moving from one house to another is always 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.
- Look at all the alternatives: hiring a moving company, for example, versus renting a truck and doing it yourself. Whichever alternative makes most sense for you, get bids from more than one vendor.
- A few days before the moving company is scheduled to arrive or you’re supposed to pick up your rental truck, call to confirm that everything is on track to happen when it’s supposed to.
- Prepare your change of address cards in advance and send them out as soon as it’s appropriate to do so. The post office, utilities, companies and people you do business with, city hall, friends, relatives – all should be notified of your move.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Put your valuables (such as jewelry) and important documents (birth certificates, car titles, etc.) aside in some safe place where they won’t be misplaced.
- 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.
- Clean your new home thoroughly before moving in. It’s infinitely easier that way.
- Decide in advance where you want the heavy furniture. Changing your mind after the movers have departed is no fun – especially for your back!
- Locate all fuses, circuit breakers, and water/gas and electrical valves. Record the meter readings and check the smoke detectors.
- 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.
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/13/Default.aspx
Pet Friendly Considerations for Relocating or Buying a New Home
There is no doubt that pets are part of the family these days, and believe it or not it can pay off to consider your dog before you buy or move into a new home.
There are several factors that you might want to think about before you move into an area, including fencing, neighbors and rules and regulations in the town. Here are a few thoughts on each one and some other things to consider as well:
Fencing/Dog Run
If you are moving into a new home--especially one in a subdivision--don't forget to ask if you can build a fence or have a dog run. Many of these communities have some restrictions on permanent fixtures, such as fences. Unless you want to get up and walk your pup every morning, it might be a thing to consider before you make that offer.
Even if you are buying an older home, the fence deserves at least a passing thought. Moving in and getting set up will be a priority, so building a fence may have to wait a while. If there already is a fence on the property, be sure to inspect it before letting the dog roam free outside unsupervised. Check for holes and weak spots--after all--your dog will!
Neighbors
Is there a dog next door? If so is it friendly? Having an aggressive dog next door can be a potential problem. If you have children, it can make for a nerve-wracking situation. If you have a dog, it can turn into one big barking contest and annoy everyone in the neighborhood. Once again, checking the fencing carefully can pay off--after all, you want to make sure even the nicest of dogs stays on his own turf.
Rules and Regulations
Don't forget to check with the city or town on what you need to do to comply with the rules on owning an animal. Are your dogs rabies shots up to date? Will you need to purchase a license for your pet? What are the rules in terms of dogs in the local parks and public areas? These are all helpful things to be aware of when moving to a new place.
Veterinarian
Although it might not be one of the top-tier items you will be thinking of when considering a move, a quick check to see where the closest vet office is might be a good idea as well. It might not influence your choice to buy a home, but it can help to have that information on hand just in case an emergency arises.
Groomer/Pet Store
A quick flip through the yellow pages is all it takes to check into these items. Once again, it doesn't mean you won't buy the house if you have to drive an extra 20 minutes to the groomer, but it can help to get an idea of what the lay of the land is. This works for other things besides pets as well. Most people look around to see where a grocery store or gas station is. After all, it doesn't hurt to do a little research.
Taking just a few minutes to look at how a house is set up in terms of pet-friendliness can pay off in the long run. While it isn't necessary to make it your focus, it can help to keep these things in mind when shopping around. Add them to your list of things to look for and you'll be more prepared overall.
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/16/Default.aspx
There are several factors that you might want to think about before you move into an area, including fencing, neighbors and rules and regulations in the town. Here are a few thoughts on each one and some other things to consider as well:
Fencing/Dog Run
If you are moving into a new home--especially one in a subdivision--don't forget to ask if you can build a fence or have a dog run. Many of these communities have some restrictions on permanent fixtures, such as fences. Unless you want to get up and walk your pup every morning, it might be a thing to consider before you make that offer.
Even if you are buying an older home, the fence deserves at least a passing thought. Moving in and getting set up will be a priority, so building a fence may have to wait a while. If there already is a fence on the property, be sure to inspect it before letting the dog roam free outside unsupervised. Check for holes and weak spots--after all--your dog will!
Neighbors
Is there a dog next door? If so is it friendly? Having an aggressive dog next door can be a potential problem. If you have children, it can make for a nerve-wracking situation. If you have a dog, it can turn into one big barking contest and annoy everyone in the neighborhood. Once again, checking the fencing carefully can pay off--after all, you want to make sure even the nicest of dogs stays on his own turf.
Rules and Regulations
Don't forget to check with the city or town on what you need to do to comply with the rules on owning an animal. Are your dogs rabies shots up to date? Will you need to purchase a license for your pet? What are the rules in terms of dogs in the local parks and public areas? These are all helpful things to be aware of when moving to a new place.
Veterinarian
Although it might not be one of the top-tier items you will be thinking of when considering a move, a quick check to see where the closest vet office is might be a good idea as well. It might not influence your choice to buy a home, but it can help to have that information on hand just in case an emergency arises.
Groomer/Pet Store
A quick flip through the yellow pages is all it takes to check into these items. Once again, it doesn't mean you won't buy the house if you have to drive an extra 20 minutes to the groomer, but it can help to get an idea of what the lay of the land is. This works for other things besides pets as well. Most people look around to see where a grocery store or gas station is. After all, it doesn't hurt to do a little research.
Taking just a few minutes to look at how a house is set up in terms of pet-friendliness can pay off in the long run. While it isn't necessary to make it your focus, it can help to keep these things in mind when shopping around. Add them to your list of things to look for and you'll be more prepared overall.
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/16/Default.aspx
Relocation Agreeements Tips for Negotiating a Relocation Agreement
Are you considering a job that will require you to move? No matter how attractive this relocation will be, you are likely to incur some major expenses in the process. Not only are you dealing with the actual expense of moving, but, for a homeowner, the expenses connected with selling an old home and buying a new home.
Of course you’d like your employer to pay for at least some of these expenses. Benefits that may be offered to a relocating employee vary widely, depending upon the situation, the company, and the position of the employee.
It’s always wise to negotiate these matters as part of a transfer package before accepting the new job. It’s also important to get this agreement in writing. That way there are no surprises later for you or the company.
Determine the status quo
Your preparation for negotiation should include asking your employer's HR department if the company has a written relocation policy or if it offers standard benefits. If you can, ask others at your company and similar firms about their relocation packages. Companies vary in what they offer, and larger companies have more generous standardized policies. You will probably find that following expenses are often covered: assistance selling your house, moving costs, temporary lodging expense, travel back home if you relocate before the family moves, and job-hunting assistance for a spouse.
Selling and buying
Most employees say their biggest concern is selling the house. The cost of buying and selling a house can erode the savings you built up in owning a home. Companies often absorb some of this expense. Realtor fees may be picked up by your employer. The cost of fixing up your home for resale is usually not covered. If the house doesn’t sell as quickly as you would like, your company may arrange for it to be purchased by a third party for a rate set by an independent assessor. If the house does not sell within, say three months, you agree to accept the third party price, which may be less than your current selling price. Whether you sell you home or not, that third party agreement will guarantee the minimum price of the sale and thus enable you to secure a pre-approved loan agreement to use as leverage when purchasing a new home. If the house is not picked up, your company could help with house payments or rent on the interim home for a certain period, often 4 months or less.
Moving
Relocation of the physical contents of the house is generally covered in a relocation package. Even if you are an efficiency apartment dweller with three pieces of furniture, the cost will likely be covered. The buy-out of the lease is often thrown in as well.
Other factors
Other factors to include would be travel arrangements for house hunting and, you relocate before your spouse, will the company pay for a family house hunting trip and your flights home? One or two house/school hunting trips may be acceptable. The spouse flying home may be as little as once a month, for a maximum of three trips. This is something usually negotiated with the hiring manager.
Finally, the cost of living in different parts of the country may be reflected in the relocation package. Clearly there is a major different between the cost of a four-bedroom house in Southwest Virginia and that of one in California’s bay area. These cost of living premiums is usually determined on a company-wide scale and not up for negotiation.
Once you and the company agree on a compensation package for your relocation expenses, make sure you have a signed letter explaining what assistance is being provided by what time. A formal contract is not necessary.
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/97/Default.aspx
Of course you’d like your employer to pay for at least some of these expenses. Benefits that may be offered to a relocating employee vary widely, depending upon the situation, the company, and the position of the employee.
It’s always wise to negotiate these matters as part of a transfer package before accepting the new job. It’s also important to get this agreement in writing. That way there are no surprises later for you or the company.
Determine the status quo
Your preparation for negotiation should include asking your employer's HR department if the company has a written relocation policy or if it offers standard benefits. If you can, ask others at your company and similar firms about their relocation packages. Companies vary in what they offer, and larger companies have more generous standardized policies. You will probably find that following expenses are often covered: assistance selling your house, moving costs, temporary lodging expense, travel back home if you relocate before the family moves, and job-hunting assistance for a spouse.
Selling and buying
Most employees say their biggest concern is selling the house. The cost of buying and selling a house can erode the savings you built up in owning a home. Companies often absorb some of this expense. Realtor fees may be picked up by your employer. The cost of fixing up your home for resale is usually not covered. If the house doesn’t sell as quickly as you would like, your company may arrange for it to be purchased by a third party for a rate set by an independent assessor. If the house does not sell within, say three months, you agree to accept the third party price, which may be less than your current selling price. Whether you sell you home or not, that third party agreement will guarantee the minimum price of the sale and thus enable you to secure a pre-approved loan agreement to use as leverage when purchasing a new home. If the house is not picked up, your company could help with house payments or rent on the interim home for a certain period, often 4 months or less.
Moving
Relocation of the physical contents of the house is generally covered in a relocation package. Even if you are an efficiency apartment dweller with three pieces of furniture, the cost will likely be covered. The buy-out of the lease is often thrown in as well.
Other factors
Other factors to include would be travel arrangements for house hunting and, you relocate before your spouse, will the company pay for a family house hunting trip and your flights home? One or two house/school hunting trips may be acceptable. The spouse flying home may be as little as once a month, for a maximum of three trips. This is something usually negotiated with the hiring manager.
Finally, the cost of living in different parts of the country may be reflected in the relocation package. Clearly there is a major different between the cost of a four-bedroom house in Southwest Virginia and that of one in California’s bay area. These cost of living premiums is usually determined on a company-wide scale and not up for negotiation.
Once you and the company agree on a compensation package for your relocation expenses, make sure you have a signed letter explaining what assistance is being provided by what time. A formal contract is not necessary.
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/97/Default.aspx
Guide to Finding A Moving Company
According to researchers, moving ranks as one of life’s most stressful experiences—right up there with divorce or the death of a loved one. And no wonder. There are a multitude of tasks to do: selecting a mover, getting an estimate, insuring your possessions. And then there’s the actual packing…or should you let the mover do it?
No wonder moving can be inundating and downright intimidating. But it needn’tMoving Day be IF you plan properly and approach it systematically. The purpose of this guide is to provide step-by-step guidelines and information that can help make moving easier and less stressful.
Step 1: Start Making Arrangements Early
* Allow sufficient time: Don’t wait to the last-minute to find a mover or to start packing. Begin making preparations at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance of your planned moving day.
* Take inventory: Now is the time to decide which items you’ll take to your new home and which to discard. Hold a garage sale for unwanted articles or donate them to charity (often for a tax deduction with proper documentation). Cutting back on the amount of possessions you have to move can help reduce your moving costs.
* Transfer personal information: Notify your doctor, dentist, post office, children’s schools and Registry of Motor Vehicles about your change of address. For security reasons, you may want to have important personal records sent to your home rather than your new address.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable Mover
* Start by interviewing one or more moving companies: Your TotalMove Real Estate Coordinator can put you in touch with pre-screened moving companies in your area who are part of our service provider network. There is no charge for this referral.
* Develop a Movers Checklist: Before you begin talking to moving companies, make sure you have an easy and efficient way to compare them.
The TotalMove Moving Company Checklist lets you compare up to three moving companies to aid in your decision. The checklist is available on our website at www.totalmove.com .
* Compare movers: Talk to one or more moving company to find the one best suited to your needs. An in-home visit will provide a better idea of what needs to be moved for a more accurate estimate.
When making your selection, be sure the mover clearly explains what they offer in regard to:
o In-home estimates
(this should be a free service)
o Formula for determining moving costs
(fees should be based on the weight of goods and the distance shipped)
o Costs for additional services such as packing and insurance
o Types of estimates offered
(binding, non-binding and “not-to-exceed” guaranteed price)
o Mover’s liability for your belongings
(no-charge and additional-fee coverage, liability for goods packed by the client)
o Dispute settlement program
o Payment options
o Free copy of the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
The TotalMove Moving Company Checklist provides more details on these topics. The checklist is available on our website at www.totalmove.com .
Step 3: Start Packing
* Decide who will do the packing: You can save several hundred dollars by doing the packing yourself, but it is very time-consuming and exhausting. In addition, customers are liable for the goods and cartons they pack.
* Develop a Packing Plan: If you’ll do the packing, start well in advance and go room-by room. Eliminate items you do not want or cannot take with you. Get proper packing materials and label all cartons with the contents inside. Let the movers pack for you: Allow at least two days in advance of move for the movers to pack up your possessions. Be sure to ask is the quote includes packing materials.
* Prepare a “survival kit”: Pack separately some essential items that you’ll need immediately at your new home such as bed linens, toiletries, disposable kitchen utensils, small kitchen appliances and perhaps a TV or radio.
Step4: Move
* Be on hand to answer questions: Stay until the movers have finished loading everything. Also, be sure to let the driver know how to reach you while in transit (cell phone or pager).
* Get out of the way: Let the moving professionals do their job. Complete the paperwork: Carefully read the bill of lading before signing it. (This is the contract between you and the mover that itemizes the articles to be packed and transported.) Keep the Bill of Lading with you until your possessions are delivered, unloaded and inspected for damage.
* Take one last walk-through: Make sure nothing gets left behind by mistake.
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/193/Default.aspx
No wonder moving can be inundating and downright intimidating. But it needn’tMoving Day be IF you plan properly and approach it systematically. The purpose of this guide is to provide step-by-step guidelines and information that can help make moving easier and less stressful.
Step 1: Start Making Arrangements Early
* Allow sufficient time: Don’t wait to the last-minute to find a mover or to start packing. Begin making preparations at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance of your planned moving day.
* Take inventory: Now is the time to decide which items you’ll take to your new home and which to discard. Hold a garage sale for unwanted articles or donate them to charity (often for a tax deduction with proper documentation). Cutting back on the amount of possessions you have to move can help reduce your moving costs.
* Transfer personal information: Notify your doctor, dentist, post office, children’s schools and Registry of Motor Vehicles about your change of address. For security reasons, you may want to have important personal records sent to your home rather than your new address.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable Mover
* Start by interviewing one or more moving companies: Your TotalMove Real Estate Coordinator can put you in touch with pre-screened moving companies in your area who are part of our service provider network. There is no charge for this referral.
* Develop a Movers Checklist: Before you begin talking to moving companies, make sure you have an easy and efficient way to compare them.
The TotalMove Moving Company Checklist lets you compare up to three moving companies to aid in your decision. The checklist is available on our website at www.totalmove.com .
* Compare movers: Talk to one or more moving company to find the one best suited to your needs. An in-home visit will provide a better idea of what needs to be moved for a more accurate estimate.
When making your selection, be sure the mover clearly explains what they offer in regard to:
o In-home estimates
(this should be a free service)
o Formula for determining moving costs
(fees should be based on the weight of goods and the distance shipped)
o Costs for additional services such as packing and insurance
o Types of estimates offered
(binding, non-binding and “not-to-exceed” guaranteed price)
o Mover’s liability for your belongings
(no-charge and additional-fee coverage, liability for goods packed by the client)
o Dispute settlement program
o Payment options
o Free copy of the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
The TotalMove Moving Company Checklist provides more details on these topics. The checklist is available on our website at www.totalmove.com .
Step 3: Start Packing
* Decide who will do the packing: You can save several hundred dollars by doing the packing yourself, but it is very time-consuming and exhausting. In addition, customers are liable for the goods and cartons they pack.
* Develop a Packing Plan: If you’ll do the packing, start well in advance and go room-by room. Eliminate items you do not want or cannot take with you. Get proper packing materials and label all cartons with the contents inside. Let the movers pack for you: Allow at least two days in advance of move for the movers to pack up your possessions. Be sure to ask is the quote includes packing materials.
* Prepare a “survival kit”: Pack separately some essential items that you’ll need immediately at your new home such as bed linens, toiletries, disposable kitchen utensils, small kitchen appliances and perhaps a TV or radio.
Step4: Move
* Be on hand to answer questions: Stay until the movers have finished loading everything. Also, be sure to let the driver know how to reach you while in transit (cell phone or pager).
* Get out of the way: Let the moving professionals do their job. Complete the paperwork: Carefully read the bill of lading before signing it. (This is the contract between you and the mover that itemizes the articles to be packed and transported.) Keep the Bill of Lading with you until your possessions are delivered, unloaded and inspected for damage.
* Take one last walk-through: Make sure nothing gets left behind by mistake.
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/193/Default.aspx
Things to Remember When Moving
Moving can be a very chaotic time and it’s easy for important things to slip by, forgotten by the wayside. It’s often best to get things done before the move, if possible. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to think about before you move.
Health Care - Don’t wait until you or a family member is sick in your new locale to find a doctor. It’s important to find healthcare you trust before you move.
* Contact your health insurance provider for a list of doctors/pediatricians near your new home who are included in your plan. If you have friends, family members or contacts in the area, ask who they use.
o Call and interview the doctors to find out who you’ll feel most comfortable with. You may want to ask about their education/experience, any specialties, their approach to medicine, how many patients they see on an average day, and if they are currently accepting new patients.
o Inform your current doctor(s) of the impending move and ask them to have your medical records/history transferred to your new doctor(s).
o There’s less rush, but you’ll also want to look into new dental and eye care, as well as replace any other specialty care providers you use currently.
* Ask you current doctor to renew any existing prescriptions and phone them into a pharmacy near your new home.
* This is also a good time, if you haven’t already, to determine the location of the nearest hospital, in case an emergency arises.
* Don’t forget your pet’s healthcare - Locate a new veterinarian.
Financial Accounts – You don’t want to arrive at your new home and realize you don’t have access to your money or savings.
* Determine if your current bank has local bank branches and ATMs convenient to your new home.
o
o If they do – great – all you may need to do is change your address and order some new checks with your new address. If they don’t, you should consider opening a new checking/savings account with a more convenient bank and consider opening it before you move. If you wait until after you have moved, it could be a week or two before you receive checks, and/or you may not have easy access to funds.
* Avoid ordering any new checks right before a move and/or be sure to arrange to have any checks ordered with your new address shipped directly to you.
* Contact all your financial institutions (brokerage accounts, IRAs, retirement plans, etc) and change your address. Even if you are closing your account now, they may need to send final account statements and tax documents in the future.
Schools – Your children’s new school system(s) will require their records before admitting them.
* Contact the new school system(s) before you move to determine what you need to enroll your child(ren).
*
Request that your current schools forward your children’s records to the new school
o Request a copy of these records and take them with you, just in case.
o Provide your current school systems with your new address, should they need to contact you.
Insurance – Now is the time to talk to your current insurance providers to determine if they can provide you with coverage in your new locale.
* It’s also a good time to update your coverage levels
*
Be sure to get quotes from at least a few other insurance providers. Your current provider may be best for you in your current location, but by changing towns and/or states, you may find other providers to be more competitive.
Memberships – Contact all local clubs and organizations to which you are a member and inform them of your upcoming move.
* If applicable, join/transfer your member to a local chapter in the town to which you are moving. Cancel any memberships you will not be able to use.
*
Ask about partial refunds. In some cases, membership fees may be partially refundable if you are moving to a location that the organization cannot provide service. For example, if you are as member of a gym and are moving to a location where your current gym does not have any clubs, you may be entitled to a partial refund of an annual membership fee.
A few smaller, but still important reminders:
*
* Borrowed/Rented Items – Be sure to return anything to neighbors that you may have borrowed. Be sure to return any unreturned videos to your local store. Be sure to cancel you membership or update your address if you use a national chain. Address List – Make up an address list of names, addresses and phone numbers of people you want to be able to contact, exchange Holiday Cards, etc. Help your children do the same. Pack the latest copy of your yellow/white pages, just in case.
* Car(s) – If you have a long distance move and are driving your car, have it tuned up and safety checked before hand. If your car is being shipped, have it tuned up once you get there.
* Food – About a month before you move, start to deplete your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Frozen foods obviously won’t make it, and cans and dry goods simply aren’t worth shipping. Offer extra food up to neighbors and/or local charities/shelters.
This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, but hopefully it will help get you started. It helps to make lists and cross items off as you complete tasks. Before you know it, moving day will be here!
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/194/Default.aspx
Health Care - Don’t wait until you or a family member is sick in your new locale to find a doctor. It’s important to find healthcare you trust before you move.
* Contact your health insurance provider for a list of doctors/pediatricians near your new home who are included in your plan. If you have friends, family members or contacts in the area, ask who they use.
o Call and interview the doctors to find out who you’ll feel most comfortable with. You may want to ask about their education/experience, any specialties, their approach to medicine, how many patients they see on an average day, and if they are currently accepting new patients.
o Inform your current doctor(s) of the impending move and ask them to have your medical records/history transferred to your new doctor(s).
o There’s less rush, but you’ll also want to look into new dental and eye care, as well as replace any other specialty care providers you use currently.
* Ask you current doctor to renew any existing prescriptions and phone them into a pharmacy near your new home.
* This is also a good time, if you haven’t already, to determine the location of the nearest hospital, in case an emergency arises.
* Don’t forget your pet’s healthcare - Locate a new veterinarian.
Financial Accounts – You don’t want to arrive at your new home and realize you don’t have access to your money or savings.
* Determine if your current bank has local bank branches and ATMs convenient to your new home.
o
o If they do – great – all you may need to do is change your address and order some new checks with your new address. If they don’t, you should consider opening a new checking/savings account with a more convenient bank and consider opening it before you move. If you wait until after you have moved, it could be a week or two before you receive checks, and/or you may not have easy access to funds.
* Avoid ordering any new checks right before a move and/or be sure to arrange to have any checks ordered with your new address shipped directly to you.
* Contact all your financial institutions (brokerage accounts, IRAs, retirement plans, etc) and change your address. Even if you are closing your account now, they may need to send final account statements and tax documents in the future.
Schools – Your children’s new school system(s) will require their records before admitting them.
* Contact the new school system(s) before you move to determine what you need to enroll your child(ren).
*
Request that your current schools forward your children’s records to the new school
o Request a copy of these records and take them with you, just in case.
o Provide your current school systems with your new address, should they need to contact you.
Insurance – Now is the time to talk to your current insurance providers to determine if they can provide you with coverage in your new locale.
* It’s also a good time to update your coverage levels
*
Be sure to get quotes from at least a few other insurance providers. Your current provider may be best for you in your current location, but by changing towns and/or states, you may find other providers to be more competitive.
Memberships – Contact all local clubs and organizations to which you are a member and inform them of your upcoming move.
* If applicable, join/transfer your member to a local chapter in the town to which you are moving. Cancel any memberships you will not be able to use.
*
Ask about partial refunds. In some cases, membership fees may be partially refundable if you are moving to a location that the organization cannot provide service. For example, if you are as member of a gym and are moving to a location where your current gym does not have any clubs, you may be entitled to a partial refund of an annual membership fee.
A few smaller, but still important reminders:
*
* Borrowed/Rented Items – Be sure to return anything to neighbors that you may have borrowed. Be sure to return any unreturned videos to your local store. Be sure to cancel you membership or update your address if you use a national chain. Address List – Make up an address list of names, addresses and phone numbers of people you want to be able to contact, exchange Holiday Cards, etc. Help your children do the same. Pack the latest copy of your yellow/white pages, just in case.
* Car(s) – If you have a long distance move and are driving your car, have it tuned up and safety checked before hand. If your car is being shipped, have it tuned up once you get there.
* Food – About a month before you move, start to deplete your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Frozen foods obviously won’t make it, and cans and dry goods simply aren’t worth shipping. Offer extra food up to neighbors and/or local charities/shelters.
This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, but hopefully it will help get you started. It helps to make lists and cross items off as you complete tasks. Before you know it, moving day will be here!
http://www.totalmove.com/PlanningCenter/Articles/RealEstateArticles/tabid/133/itemID/194/Default.aspx
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