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Planning
ahead for your move will make it less stressful and a more positive
experience. Although this is not always possible, here are a
few tips and techniques to make your move easier. You can also
find home values based on sold house prices in your neighborhood
by using the Search for Home Values form.
- If you hire
a moving company they will pack everything for you, however
you should pack your important paperwork and any sentimental
items. If you have children allow them to help by packing
their toys.
- Make sure that
you are there when the movers are packing your stuff.
- Make sure that
all boxes are clearly labeled on both the top of the box
and on at least one other side of each box. Be sure the
boxes are clearly labeled with which room they should go
into. If you are using movers label the bedrooms at the
new house the same way you labeled the boxes.
- If you want
to save money and still use the movers you could pack your
stuff yourself.
- If you have
any friends or family that have borrowed any of your items
this is the time to ask for them back. This would also be
a good time for you to return any items that you have loaned
from family and friends.
- If you have
lots of books please consider either packing them in lots
of small boxes or spreading them out among your furniture,
such as cabinets and drawers.
- Do not store
breakables or heavy items in drawers!
- Do not overload
drawers.
- If you are using
drawers to move things, please tie them shut so that they
do not fly open while moving. Using tape is not a good idea
because it may strip paint or varnish.
- Use thick tape
and make a big "X" across mirrors and picture
glass so that if the glass is accidentally broken during
the move there is less glass to clean up.
- To remove sticky
residue from tape and other adhesive products you can use
mineral oil, baby oil, eucalyptus oil, or goop remover.
- Make a list
of any new items you may need for the new house.
- Please keep
aside any cleaning equipment so that you may use it right
away at your new house. Please include in this list light
bulbs!
- Before you pack
any of your appliances please clean them thoroughly and
let them dry completely. Especially tip all the crumbs out
of the toaster.
- Be sure to clean
out your refrigerator and freezer really well before moving
them. To prevent the fridge from smelling use one of these
ideas: wipe out the fridge with a damp cloth with vanilla
essence, dry out the fridge with a hair dryer especially
the corners, and/or put silica gel in the fresh department
or fine blend coffee in a piece of muslin, these will soak
up any extra moisture. When you have cleaned out the fridge
and defrosted the freezer keep the doors slightly open to
keep the air circulating just before you move them.
- If you are moving
with children show them around the new house just before
your move in and answer any questions they may have.
- See if any of
the neighbors have any kids around the same age as your
children.
- Introduce yourselves
to your new neighbors.
- Look around
your new neighborhood to find out where the local hospitals
are located as well as restaurants and various forms of
entertainment.
- Ask your current
attorney, doctor, and dentist for their recommendations
on professionals in your new neighborhood.
- Be sure to transfer
any medical records and school records.
- Be sure to remember
to discontinue the following services at your old home:
gas, electric, water, phone, newspaper, cable TV, DSL and
other local internet services if you have them, and cellular
phone.
- Be sure to notify
the following of your change of address: post office, credit
cards, insurance, magazines, and bank.
- If you have
any pets, it will probably be best to move them first and
find a quiet place for them while all the moving is happening.
For example if you have cats put them in a bathroom with
their food, water, and litter box (on the opposite side
of the room away from the food). Then leave a note on the
door "Please do not enter!" If you have outside
dogs put them in the backyard so that they can get used
to their new environment and if you have lots of windows
inside they can watch everything that is going on.
- Smaller caged
pets especially easily stressed animals should be moved
last after all the excitement has settled down.
- Make sure you
have plenty of drinks and snacks for the move. Moving is
a lot of hard work!
If you plan
your move very carefully and use some of the above advice
you may find the move relaxing and a little bit fun. If it
gets too stressful take a break and find something to laugh
about, you will probably feel better. Just remember you can
take your time with unpacking and this is a perfect opportunity
to completely reorganize your home
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