After the Mortgage Comes the Move

Tips and Techniques to Avoid Moving Day Blues You managed the loan process and made it though closing with your sanity in check! Homeownership and the accompanying mortgage is a reality. Congratulations you're moving! Condolences, you're moving. Moving is exciting and stressful! In addition to the sheer amount of work involved in moving, there is the mental stress of handling the multitude of details involved in a move. We have included a few proven tips from moving veterans that will help ease the pain of moving day.

1-2 Months Before the Move
Begin making a checklist of magazines, bills and frequent mail so that you can update them with your new address. Magazines can take 4-6 weeks before the address change is made so the sooner the better.

Clear out the clutter. Before you obtain an estimate from movers you should donate, throw out or sell any items that you no longer need. Moving is the perfect time to make a fresh start and rid your home of unwanted or unused items.

Contact movers at least 1-2 months before your planned move date. You should obtain estimates from no less than 3 companies. Be aware that moving companies have various ways of charging you so it is important to understand the methodology. Will they charge by the pound or by the load? Will someone come out and provide a written estimate? (Highly recommended) Will they charge extra if there are stairs? Spend time obtaining detailed information so that there are no surprises on moving day.

A word of caution --the moving industry is a breeding ground for fraud so do check to ensure that the company is reputable, licensed and does not have a high record of consumer complaints. You may want to obtain references from your agent or friends and family and check out the company with the local Better Business Bureau.

1-2 Weeks Before Moving
Call all utility companies to have your services turned on at your new address. You will also want to complete a change of address with the postal service. This can be done in person or via the internet.

How long do you expect to live in your new home?
If you plan on living in your new home for only a few years, or if you don't have children, then proximity to schools may not be an issue, but resale value may be. On the other hand, if you have a family and plan on staying put for ten years or more, schools and home size will be priorities.

What don't you like about where you're currently living?
Making a list of what you definitely do not want in a home will help you weed out homes without having to waste your valuable time looking at them.

Moving Tips

  • Pack one room at a time. Label each box with a description of its contents and its destination. You can also use a color code to specify the destination (e.g., blue for bathroom, yellow for kitchen). This will make unpacking much easier.
  • Label fragile or breakable items, such as fine china. You can put all the fragile items in one location so that they can be easily identified for the movers.
  • Use small boxes for heavy items. This will make them much easier to carry.
  • Use perishable items 1-2 weeks prior to move so that you are not forced to throw them away.
  • Pack a bag that contains essential items for each family member for 2-3 days. This should include clothing, toiletries, towels, and medications. Don’t forget your pets!
  • Ensure that you load anything that you will need immediately into the moving truck last, i.e. computers, work from the office. If you are driving to your new home, you may want to take these items with you.
  • Gather all important documents and take them with you. These would include birth certificates, passports, insurance cards, etc.
  • If you have children, be sure to have a bag with toys, games and snacks to keep them occupied during moving day.
  • Document what is being moved. You can list the large items, such as furniture and count the number of boxes and list that number. When the movers arrive at your new home, do ensure that all items are accounted for and have been moved. You may even wish to videotape what is being moved as a further record.

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