Moving Tips

So you've got an escrow closing date for the purchase of your new home, and the time has come to think about packing up the household furnishings from your current residence. What follows are some suggestions on how to prepare for that day.

If you are using the services of a professional moving company, specify the exact date that you wish to move. Keep in mind that summer is the busiest time of year for moving companies, as well as the first and last week of the month. The moving company will send out an agent to survey your furnishings so that an estimate of moving costs can be prepared. A good time to consider discarding items you won't need would be at this time, so the company’s agent can exclude them from the estimate. Check with your mover, and your own insurance company, to make sure your furnishings are insured.

It is important to use the correct packing materials. If you want your valuables protected, it is best to have boxes that are designed to do this. Use plenty of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and packing tape. Stack dishes on edge to minimize breakage. Wrap valuable items with plenty of padding.

Unplug all electronic equipment about 24 hours prior to the moving date so they can cool to room temperature. Dispose of all flammable cleaning fluids, matches, and fireworks, and drain the gasoline from all power equipment.

Label each box carefully with a description of its contents and the room it is to go into when it arrives at your new home. Try and keep the weight of your boxes at a manageable amount. Allow far more time than you think you need to complete the packing process. Interruptions occur constantly, and the last thing you want to do is be packing when your moving company shows up. Also, it is best to keep your pets out of the way during the actual move. Pets will likely become agitated at all the comings and goings.

If you are a parent, you should keep your children involved in the moving process. Have them sit in on discussions about the move, so they feel part of the process. If they are old enough, have them pack their own belongings. Reassure your children that the move is going to be an exciting experience. Children will feel upset about leaving familiar surroundings, so encourage them to think about how exciting it will be for them in their new home.

Make sure that household furnishings you need for the first night in your new home are loaded last, so they come off the moving truck first. Personal items such as prescription drugs, a change of clothing, and toilet articles should be carried with you. If your moving truck is delayed, at least you will have items needed for the night. Also, carrying a tool kit with you can save a lot of aggravation when you have to put together furniture that was disassembled for the move.

Finally, be available to answer questions. Professional movers will ask you to sign a bill of lading (a government required document), and review an inventory sheet when the loading process has been completed. Make sure they are accurate before you sign them. Moving from one home to another can be a difficult time, but if you incorporate these suggestions into your moving plans, things should go a bit more smoothly. For other ideas, check the web sites of the major moving companies. They are a wealth of information.

The information presented here is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as tax, legal, or investment advice. Individual cases are all different, so this information should be used only in conjunction with the appropriate professional advice.