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An
efficient, well-managed move not only saves you time and money.
It
can also make the transition to your new home easier and more
pleasant
for your whole family.
That's
why the Council of Residential Specialists offers these proven
tips
to help make your move a trouble-free experience from start to finish.
The
Before-You-Move Checklist
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Hire the movers. Retain a reliable moving company as early as
possible.
Be
clear about your needs and expectations, and make sure you
understand
the
company's policies.
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Take a room-by-room inventory of your home. This list will help
you
when
it's time to pack.
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Organize your belongings. Clean and sort your possessions and
set
aside unwanted items for a garage sale, your favorite charity or
the
garbage
pickup.
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Arrange for the shut-off or transfer of your phone and other
utilities.
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Contact your bank and transfer the contents of your safe deposit
box
to a bank closer to your new home.
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Complete the change-of-address kit at your post office.
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Give your friends and relatives your new address and phone
number.
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Obtain copies of all medical and dental records, school
transcripts
and
birth certificates.
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Packing
Tips
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Label contents on the outside of each box and indicate where it
will
go
in your new home.
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Write FRAGILE in large, legible letter on boxes that contain
breakable
and/or
valuable items.
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Pack all breakables and liquids separately.
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Seal all medicines and other containers to prevent leaking and
move
them
in leak-proof bags or containers.
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To conserve space, fill drawers with light items such as shirts,
underwear,
blankets, pillowcases, etc.
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Transport your plants and pets personally, if possible. Make
sure
pets
are kept in a well-ventilated cage.
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Hard-to-replace or extremely valuable items such as jewelry,
documents
or artwork should also remain under your personal supervision.
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What
to Do When Moving Day Arrives.
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Get plenty of rest the day before you move.
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Have food and beverages available for the movers at both ends of
your
journey.
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When the movers arrive, show them which items you want loaded
last
and which items they should not load.
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When you arrive at your new home, check the utilities and do as
much
cleaning as you can before moving furniture inside.
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After the movers have finished unloading, you might be asked to
sign
an inventory list. Note any apparent damage before you sign
and
indicate in writing that you have not finished inspecting your
possessions.
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Plan something special for the whole family at the end of the
day.
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For
more tips on making the most of your move, talk to a Certified
Residential
Specialist. As a REALTOR® with special experience and
training
in residential sales, your Certified Residential Specialist draws
on
a wealth of experience to help you make your move a success.
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