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Moving Tips

Preparing to move can be stressful! Give yourself the time you need to do it right. Follow our timeline below for the smoothest move ever (and remember...don't take Memorial Drive if you're in a UHaul!).

Eight Weeks Before

  • Read our blogs on the real cost of moving and donations
  • Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc
  • Use things you can’t move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies
  • Call your homeowners insurance agent to find out to what degree your move is covered
  • Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts
  • Arrange to transfer your children’s school records
  • Research and compare prices on a few moving companies

Six Weeks Before

  • Evaluate your possessions inventory. Can you donate anything? Do you need it all?
  • Notify your friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
  • Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable). Read our storage blog for more information.
  • Locate high-quality health-care professionals and hospitals in your new location.
  • Complete post-office change of address cards for the following: banks; charge cards; magazines, accountant, religious organizations; doctors/dentist; relatives and friends, etc.
  • Clean your closets
  • Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charitiesious organizations; doctors/dentist; relatives and friends, etc.
  • Hire your moving company and inquire about insurance coverage.
  • If relocating due to a job, contact your employer to see what costs, if any, they will cover.

Four Weeks Before

  • Start packing!
  • Contact all utility companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection companies) for service disconnect /connect at your old and new addresses; also ask for final readings.
  • Eversource is the most common electric (and gas) company in the area.
  • Click here to start/stop service with Eversource, National Grid is another big contender for gas.
  • Make sure your mail will be forwarded: Here’s a link to change your address.
  • Request refunds on unused homeowner’s insurance and cable/internet service.
  • Notify your landscape and snow removal services (if applicable).
  • Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

Three Weeks Before

  • Make your travel plans.
  • Arrange to close current bank accounts and open accounts in your new locale (if necessary)
  • Gather car license and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation.
  • Notify your state’s motor vehicle bureau of your new address.
  • Arrange for childcare and/or pet care on moving day.

Two Weeks Before

  • Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.
  • Service your car for the trip.
  • Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move.

One Week Before

  • Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary with emergency numbers for your moving company.
  • Settle outstanding bills with local retailers; pick up dry cleaning, and return library books.
  • Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records.
  • Drain gas and oil from power equipment.
  • Give away plants not being moved.
  • Cancel newspaper delivery.
  • Buy two weeks worth of medication and have your prescriptions forwarded to your new pharmacy.
  • Make arrangements to pay for your move.
  • Finish packing.

Two to Three Days Before

  • Consider gathering all valuables and giving them to family or friends to hold until the move is completed.
  • Disconnect all major appliances.
  • Contact your moving company for any updates.
  • Pack a survival kit and keep in your car: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and flashlight.
  • Other items for moving include: scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, access to the internet and cell phone chargers, masking and/or duct tape, trash bags, shelf liner and aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • Pack and/or throw away perishable foods.

Moving Day

  • Be home to answer any questions your mover may have.
  • Stay until your movers are finished.
  • Carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it
  • Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.
  • Give movers the directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.

At Destination

  • Unpack first-night items and mover’s survival kit.
  • Be at the destination to welcome the movers and be on hand to answer any questions.
  • Scrutinize the unloading of your items and account for each one on your inventory sheet.
  • Check promptly and carefully for any damaged or missing items.
  • Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
  • Go to the post office and collect held mail.

Work With Us

With their complementary communication styles, responsiveness, competence, and ability to truly listen, Ellie and Liz enable their clients to feel at ease throughout any real estate transaction. They would welcome the opportunity to be your next real estate advisors.

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