Whether buying, selling, or renting, after the paperwork is done, it’s time to think about packing and moving. Careful organization is the key to keeping costs down and avoiding stress. Start by organizing your belongings. Pare down your possessions; have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need to charity.
Handling your own move has advantages. You can move at your convenience, give extra care to your prized possessions, and you’ll probably save money compared to the cost of hiring professional movers. On the other hand, you’ll need to rent and drive an unfamiliar truck, and do a lot of heavy lifting yourself. You’ll also need to round up willing family and friends to give you a hand. In the end, your decision will probably be based on the relative cost, how much “stuff” you have to move, and how far you have to move it. If you have a baby grand piano—or any piano for that matter—it’s probably best to leave it to the pros. On the other hand, if you don’t have a lot of heavy furniture or appliances, a do-it-yourself move may be a smart choice.
The Do-It-Yourself Move
Consult your local Yellow Pages for truck rental agencies, and call to compare prices. Reserve a truck well in advance of your scheduled move. People who work at truck rental facilities will be able to help you estimate the size truck you need. They’ll also be able to help you reserve furniture pads and dollies or hand trucks. If you’ll be moving a lot of heavy items, consider renting a truck with an automatic lift. Check your home and auto insurance policies to see if rented trucks and your possessions are covered while moving.
Hiring a Moving Company
If you’re hiring professionals to move your belongings, you can also hire them to pack your belongings. It will certainly make things easier on you, but it will cost more than doing it yourself. Again, the first step is to shop around. “Movers” are listed in the Yellow Pages, but it’s best to start with personal recommendations from people you know who have recently moved. In addition, you may want to check out prospective movers with the Better Business Bureau. Another great resource is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s moving website, www.protectyourmove.gov, for information on protecting yourself from rogue movers, a moving checklist, and more. Narrow the field to three movers and then get estimates at least eight weeks before your 8 move. Negotiate a price and be prepared to ask questions, including:
- Does the mover charge by the pound or by the hour?
- How much insurance does the mover carry, and exactly what does it cover?
- Is there an extra charge for moving on a weekend?
Find out how much the mover charges for moving your possessions and how much more it will cost to have the mover do the packing. Be aware that you may incur extra charges if your move requires special handling (e.g., elevators, stairs, or long carrying distances). You may also be charged extra for moving certain items such as china, a piano, a car, or a pool table.
Make sure you understand thoroughly what the mover is and is not insuring. For example, some movers may only insure your belongings “by the pound”— not a very good idea if you’re moving heirloom china. Check to see if your homeowners’ policy covers your belongings during a move. If not, consider purchasing moving insurance. If you purchase it through the mover, read the fine print very carefully.
When making a long-distance move, a company will often specify a window of time for your move, rather than a specific day. Ask about this to make sure the time frame fits your schedule.
A “To Do” List
The checklist below covers many of the tasks you may need to do before you move, depending on how far you’ll be moving.
Banks
[ ] Close old accounts and give forwarding address.
[ ] Open new accounts.
Insurance
[ ] Notify homeowner’s agent, discuss changing needs.
[ ] Notify auto insurance agent, discuss changing needs.
Utilities
[ ] Notify providers of cut-off dates and give forwarding address (e.g., telephone, cable TV, electricity, gas, water, garbage removal).
[ ] Arrange start-up dates so everything will be working when you arrive.
Medical records
[ ] Obtain records from doctor(s), dentist, optometrist, and veterinarian.
Delivery Service
[ ] Discontinue home delivery of newspapers, milk, etc.
[ ] Arrange for start-up at new address.
Change of address. Update your address online at the U.S. Postal Service’s website at https://moversguide.usps.com or fill out a forwarding address form at the Post Office. Send change-of-address forms to:
[ ] Family and friends
[ ] Magazines (give them four to six weeks notice)
[ ] Credit card companies
[ ] Pension funds and investment firms
[ ] Professionals such as your lawyer, accountant, and realtor
[ ] The IRS, Social Security office, and government or military pension offices
[ ] Your workplace, schools, and alma mater
[ ] Associations and clubs
[ ] Voter registration office
[ ] Motor vehicle bureau
Other Hints
Keep careful records and receipts of all moving expenses. If your move is related to the start of work at a new location, expenses may be tax deductible. Contact the IRS or a tax professional for details.
On moving day, carry the following items with you.
- The phone number of the moving company
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Papers related to the sale of your home
- Your insurance policies and agent’s phone number
- Your current phone book
- Medications
- Enough clothing to get by if the movers are late
- A box of any important or valuable items, e.g., legal documents, medical records, family photo album, and jewelry.
- Back-up copies of computer files.
- Sheets, towels, and personal hygiene items for the first night in your new home.
When you arrive at your new home, you’re sure to be busy unpacking and arranging for all the new services you’ll need. Don’t forget to register to vote, apply for a new driver’s license and get the kids enrolled in school. Before you know it, you’ll feel right at home.
