Moving Guidelines
Here are some tips to help prepare for "the move" for home buyers and sellers. Depending on the length of time you have, you man need to adjust this schedule so you will be ready for the BIG DAY!
8 Weeks Prior:
- Start getting estimates from moving companies so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. If you have any big items to move such as a "pool table", make sure the company you select moves that type of furnishings. Also check in with them on their insurance coverage.
If you are moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies and set the reservation well in advance of your move. Don't want to get caught without the tools you need to move!
6 Weeks Prior:
- Discuss costs, insurance, packing, loading, delivery, and the claims procedure with your mover.
- Take inventory of all your possessions. Find out what can be sold and what can be donated to charity for a tax deduction.
- Get a change of address kit from the Post Office and start that process. Also, change the address on newspapers, magazine subscriptions, catalogs and creditor card companies and financial institutions.
- Talk to your accountant or the IRS about tax-deductible moving expenses. These items may change from year to year. Keep accurate records.
4 Weeks Prior:
- Schedule packing with the mover to be done a day or two before loading the truck if you have contracted someone else to do it.
- If you are moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you'll need. (Trucking or Box rental companies will provide this service. - You can also call your realtor, they may have a rental truck and boxes!!)
- Figure out the size of truck you'll need, take all non-boxable items and add 15% to their combined cubic feet (length x wide). Add to this the total cubic feet of boxes to be loaded.
3 Weeks Prior:
- Assemble all packing materials such as packing tape, scissors, utility knife, markers, and boxes
- Start packing items you won't need. Be carefull not to put too much weight inany of the boxes.
- Get a new driver's license,registration, and insurance if needed.
- Schedule a cancellation date for utilities and services at your old home and arrange for service to begin at your new home.
2 Weeks Prior:
- Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to new branch locations.
- Cancel direct deposit or automatic draft payment arrangements on bank accounts you are closing.
- Make sure your car is services and ready for the trip.
1 Week Prior:
- Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location.
- Arrange for a babysitter, if necessary.
2-3 Days Prior:
- Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
- Have the movers pack your shipment.
- Take valuables and legal documents with you instead of packing them.
- Pack a box of "delivery day" items you'll need when you arrive such as paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, bath towels and trash bags.
Moving Day:
- Pick up truck early.
- Make a list of every items and box loaded onto the truck.
- Let the mover know where you can be reached.
- Inspect all areas of your old house to see that all utilities are turned off (unless otherwise arranged with the buyer. Don't let cold weather cause you and the buyer to have frozen pipes). Lock all windows and doors.
- Read the mover's bill of lading carefully before you sign it. Keep it in a safe place until your move is complete.
Delivery Day:
- Remove your box of "Delivery Day" items first.
- Check off boxes as they are unloaded.
- Make sure all the utilities are connected. (No hot water can be a problem!!)
- Be available to answer questions, pay the driver, give directions, and inspect your delivery.
I'm sure I missed some items you may have on your new home moving day list. Send me an update and I will add it to this list. Then check back again to see what's updated. You may even want to bookmark this page. We can build this "Moving Day List" together! Even if it seems like only one or two items, it could be very important to add. Come on, let's do this for our clients!! It's now up to you!
David L. Britt, MBA
Olathe, Kansas
David L. Britt Real Estate
Heritage Real Estate
The Heritage Real Estate Team
Olathe Neighbors 
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