What are the most important things to remember when moving?

Question

I'm moving in 2 wks and have so much to do and try to remember that I do. If you have recently moved, what should I make sure to do or not to do? When do I fill out the change of address form at the post office? When to call about utilities, etc.

Answer 1

Fill out the change of address forms as soon as you know your address, there is a line to tell them when to make the switch over. Call about utilities the week before and have them scheduled to come on the day you move in, or the day before. And have your old utilities shut off the day after you move. Make lists, double check every room, basement, garage and attic.
Don't stress! Order pizza in the first day.

Answer 2

How easy your unpacking will be is in direct proportion to how carefully you pack, so don't hurry through it or you'll be miserable in the end. Mark each box according to what room it goes into. Take pictures of any wall arrangements you liked and want to duplicate in your new home. Pack all imporant documents together in a specially marked box and then "hand carry" it, that is, keep it with you in the car and don't let movers handle it or put it with the other packed items. It's too easy to get things misplaced. Do not move junk or garage. When you are packing is the time to decide what to throw out. There's no reason to waste time, money, space, etc. to pack, unpack and relocate things that you don't want or need in the first place. Get a few extension cords and adapters ready and keep them handy along with a few basic tools that you might need at the new location. Make sure a next door neighbor has a new address and phone number for you (even if you weren't really close) because something could be delivered for you after you've moved (not regular mail) and they would be able to advise about having it delivered to the correct address. It's also a good idea in case a family pet decides to find its way back to the old address. Somehow, moving attracts bad weather. Be prepared with something to protect the floors at your new home from muddy footprints. Be sure to have a fresh supply of lightbulbs for the new house. You can't just take them all from the old one. Also, have some toilet paper, paper towels and other essentials handy. Too difficult to dig out what you packed as quickly as you will need it. Don't turn off the water at your old home too soon. My daughter was moving out of a rental property and they had the water shut off too soon, and she lost her deposit because she couldn't go back in and fully clean up after the move without water. Make a complete list of all your bills, magazine subscriptions, etc., so you don't forget to notify everyone. If you have a deposit on the place, take some pictures of how it looked when you moved out. This can protect you later if they try to not give back the deposit. It's not too soon to fill out that change of address form, and it's better to make two calls to the utilities than to hold off and find out you needed to do it sooner/or later. All are different, so be sure to check with yours. Good luck.

Answer 3

Most important thing: Make a checklist!!!!!!

Like you said, there's so much to remember. Make a list, keep it on you all the time. Update it constantly.

The change of address can be done anytime, you plug in the date you want it effective. It can take up to a week for the change to work, so don't wait til the last day. Do it this week, so you don't lose any of your mail in transfer. Utilities can also be arranged well in advance, so just get it done when you have a few minutes to do so.

And start packing NOW!!!!

Answer 4

Reread your current lease to see if there are any clauses in it re issues that can cost you $. Where I live, if you don't have your carpets shampooed before you leave, they charge you a really inflated price to have them shampooed- you have to submit a receipt before you move. Make sure you turn in the correct # of keys, mailbox keys too- sometimes they charge a fee for keys not returned (if they gave you 2 sets, return 2 sets). A week or 10 days for the phone calls to the utillities should be sufficient, and you put a date on the PO change of address form, so a week or so should be fine.

Answer 5

Let the post office know within a week, the utilities could be notified now, instead of waiting for last minute. Also call about new utilities. if you have kids (check into transfering them) When in doubt go over the list you have made a few times.

Answer 6

1. recruit friends and family to help- look for strong ones and people with trucks

2. you can call your utilities ahead of time and the post office and tell them which day to make the switch

3. label things carefully and pack boxes so if you drop them nothing will break because it will happen

4. make sure all things that need to stay dry do! especially electronics- dont pack your shampoo or vodka with your dvd player

5. if you can afford it hire movers

Answer 7

Have a "First Off Box" where you put things you will need while you unpack in your new home. Things in this box would be phone, cell phone charger, hammer, screwdriver, nails, screws, some clothes, toothbrush, shoes, brush, pillow, blanket, shampoo, soap, towels, wash rags...anything you know you will need early on, but don't want to have to risk digging through boxes to find it. Make sure to label it as a first off box.

Answer 8

The best advice I can give you is too writ stuff down. Lists with boxes on the side can be lifesavers and when you check off stuff you feel great. Write down the stuff that you are bringing so that you don't leave anything valuable behind.