Moving Tips

1. Have the mover’Äôs cell phone number handy for last-minute instructions...and be sure they have yours
2. Have the movers drop off boxes in the appropriate rooms...not the garage
3. If you haven’Äôt color-coded your boxes to associated rooms, have 8.5" x 11" signs beside each door to help movers (i.e. "Office", "Master Bedroom", "Guest Bedroom", ’ÄúDen’Äù). Have scotch tape handy.
4. Take the time to walk the movers through the house, explaining where you want them to stack and/or unpack boxes; have all empty boxes broken down flat and piled neatly in the garage
5. Have the movers remove their shoes in areas where there are light-colored carpets, or have plastic runners throughout the house (if they decide to go barefoot, make sure their path to the house is clean and free of debris)
6. Have cold cola beverages for the movers...and a fifty dollar bill for each at the end of the day as a tip for a job well done
7. Take photos of any damaged items - next to their packing materials - for the insurance company. Also take photos of any damages to the house or yard that the movers have made.
8. Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually 2-4 weeks ahead of the move
9. Notify your charge cards, magazine subscriptions and bank of the change of address
10. Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move
11. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one
12. Cancel the newspaper at your old home and sign up for new delivery at your new one
13. Backup your computer(s) before packing
14. Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack
15. Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable
16. Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight
17. Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits
18. Have a "first open" box with the things you'll need most ’Äî toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, toothpaste, laptop, boombox/cds, pet food/bowls, litter, etc.
19. If the weather is cold, have a case of easy-lighting firelogs for a welcoming fireplace glow at the end of the day. If it’Äôs hot, be sure to have ice and you favorite summer beverages

Plus, if you're moving out of town:

1. Get copies of medical/dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets
2. Get copies of children's school records for transfer
3. Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood
4. Consider special car needs for pets when traveling
5. Let a friend or relative know your route
6. Carry traveler's checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account
7. Empty your safety deposit box
8. Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you're moving in cold weather

Items for Sellers to Have for the New Owners:

* A thoroughly cleaned house and garage, a tidy yard
* Owner's manuals for items left in the house
* A list of local service providers ’Äî the best dry cleaner, yard service, etc.
* Garage door opener
* Extra sets of house keys
* Code to burglar alarm and phone number of monitoring service if not discontinued
* Instructions for how various systems work
* Labeled circuit breakers
* Light bulbs in all fixtures, toilet paper in all bathrooms, several small bars of soap