John C Laffy

"Your Key To North Shore Living"

REALTOR®, CBR®

 Before you leave your present address:

 

Eight weeks before

· Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement,     storage shed, etc. Use things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.

· Obtain information about your new community.

· Secure a floor plan of your new residence and decide                   what household items you want to keep.

· Start a possessions inventory.

· Solicit estimates from at least three moving companies.

· 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.

 

Six weeks before

· Contact the IRS and/or your CPA for tax-deductible information.

· Evaluate your possessions inventory. Can you donate anything? Do you need it all?

· Notify your friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.

· Subscribe to a local paper in your new community and familiarize yourself with local government, community and social news and activities.

· Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable).

· 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; religious organizations; doctors/dentist; relatives and friends; income tax bureau/Social Security Administration/union; insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/ stockbroker; magazines; post office; and schools.

· Clean your closets.

· Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.

· Choose a mover. Contact your mover to make arrangements 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!

· Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair/cleaning as needed.

· Gather auto licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation, etc.

· Contact gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection companies for service disconnect /connect at your old and new addresses. Also ask for and ask for final readings.

· Request refunds on unused homeowner's insurance, security deposit with landlord, and prepaid cable service.

· Notify your gardener, snow removal service and pool service (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).

· Notify your state's motor vehicle bureau of your new address.

· Arrange for childcare 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 and rented videotapes.

· 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.

· Buy traveler's checks.

· Make arrangements to pay for your move.

 

Two to three days before

· If you're not doing it yourself, have your mover pack.

· Defrost refrigerators and freezers.

· 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 first-night items and a survival kit. Keep them in separate boxes in your car. First night items may include: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and flashlight.

· Mover's survival kit may include: scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking and/or duct tape, trash bags, shelf liner and aspirin or ibuprofen.

 

Moving day

· Be home to answer any questions your mover may have.

· Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric and water).

· Stay until your movers are finished.

· Complete information on the bill and carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it.

· Keep your copies of the bill and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid and any claims are settled.

· 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.

· After the job is completed, pay what is owed. The driver is obligated by law (a federal requirement for interstate moves) to collect payment upon delivery.

· 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.

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Contact me:

27 Andover St

Danvers, MA 01923

Cell: (978) 273-1113

Email: John@Laffys.com

Fax (978) 882-4684

Moving Tips