MAKING YOUR MOVE - How to make it go Smoothly

Before You Move
Hold a moving sale to lighten your load. Inventory your household items that are being moved. Let the post office know about your change of address. Notify the IRS, DMV and credit card companies. Get your children's school records for their new school. arrange to transfer all of the utilities from one residence to the other. Get apppraisal for your valuable possessions in case you need to make an insurance claim from the moving company (photos make a great eyewitness).

Storage and Packing
Put together a moving box of tools:

• Labels for each box you pack. Simply name the contents of your box, and what room it should go in.
• Packing material such as styrofoam peanuts, newspapers, and bubble wrap.
• Markers
• Heavy twine
• Masking tape
• Boxes
• Furniture pads for protecting your furniture

Handy Tip #1
A brand new trash can and newspaper make great packing containers for breakable items. When your are finished with the move you have new trash cans for your new home!

Handy Tip #2
Pack a special box with just the items you and your family will need at your new home for the first 2 days and nights after you arrive. Just in case your moving truck gets unavoidably delayed.

Pointers for Arranging Your Move

• Take the time to get at least two bids for your move...both with and without packing service.
• Have the contents of your home viewed by a qualified estimator and obtain a written estimate.
• Book your move as far in advance as possible even if, in the case of a new home, your closing date is not firm. Most movers will be flexible with advance notice.
• Try not to schedule your move for the end of the month. this is the industries busiest time.
• Before you sign on the dotted line, research what liability the mover will assume in the event of loss or damage.
• It's best to let the experts pack your goods. They know how to handle and ship your belongings.
• Take the time to confirm your arrangements with the moving company a week in advance of the scheduled move date.
• Make doubly sure that they have specific directions for picking up and delivering your household goods.

Moving your home and family can be a very stressful time. All of your worldly goods are in those boxes. Make sure you pick a moving company that cares as much as you do.

Don't choose the mover on price alone. Get references!
When you do the packing...you're taking on the liability of damaged goods, unless the mover has been careless in handling the boxes. Remember to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary turbulence.