We are busy closing properties and next month looks like another exceptional closing month. Summertime is the most popular time of the year to move as school gets out. Families are snowed under with details..details..so many details to handle to make a move go smoothly!
Michele Chan Santos wrote an article in the Austin American Stateman concerning "Tips for the family on the move." What a great guide full of many resources to make a successful move. She offered 13 very important steps we should pass on to our clients:
1. Sell, recycle and give away!
This can be started months before moving. Your client doesn't want to be the family to have a garage sale AFTER they move.
2. Get the buyer to initial service on utilities at their new residence
How many times have we seen a buyer forget? Make yourself useful and provide your client with the utility company and their phone numbers.
3. Phone/internet/cable or satellite dish
Get your client the names and numbers of services (preferably through one company).
4. Call the doctor
Remind your client to let their physician, pediatrician, dentist & vetierinarian know they are moving. If moving to a new city they need to obtain their records.
5. Go online for the newspaper or start a subscription
One of the best ways to learn about the city is from their newspaper.
6. Register your child for school
Birth certificates, current immunization record, childs last report card, proof of address and parent identification or drivers license is what is needed in Texas. Make sure your client is aware of these requirements.
7. Move your stuff
Your clients may ask for recommendations. They can hire a mover from a reputable company, use a portable storage unit like PODS or get a moving van and do it themselves!
8. Pass on special moving tips.
Do not use any wax or oils on wooden furniture in the weeks before you move. This can soften the wood and make antiques more likely to get scratched. Unplug your TV the day before you move so it can cool down to room temperature. Don't lay the refrigerator on its side and better to over pack than under pack!
9. Moving your pet
Remind your client to keep their pet in a well vented container, feed them 3-4 hours before they leave, don't leave them alone in a parked vehickle, get tags with the new address, bring a water bowl and before they leave make sure their vaccinatons are up to date!
10. Change your address
Remind your clients to get the change of address forms from the post office or fill out online. Remind them to let their family and friends know of their new address.
11. Plan where items go
Get them a floor plan or make sure they walk through their new place and sketch out where things will go..sure helps when the movers come.
12. Clean up the old house
It is considered good manners to leave your house "broom" clean. Remind them to take pride and leave their old home how they would like to find their new one upon moving in.
13. Update legal, government documents
Remind your clients within a short time from moving in they need to notify their attorney, credit card companies, banks, insurance company, employer, pension plan and magazine subscriptions. They also need to go online to register to vote.
I'm sure you can think of many more but helping your clients address these items can definitely alleviate some stress of the exciting process. Help your client be prepared to handle those many details when moving!
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