Long Distance Moves:

• Be prepared for cash flow problems.  New apartments, phone companies, and utilities may require immediate cash deposits but refunds from old deposits can take weeks.
• When moving to a new state, find out how long you have before you must change your car registration and tags.
• If changing banks, keep old bank accounts open until all checks have cleared.
• Some businesses do not take out-of-state checks or temporary checks so plan on using cash or credit.
• Remember to pick-up medical and school records.  Keep these and all important papers with you- not in moving van.

Local Moves:

• If possible, allow your old and new phone service overlap for one day.
• On moving day, arrange for a friend to babysit small children.  Older children may enjoy unpacking “their” boxes and setting up “their” room.
• Make and freeze meal for moving day.

Moving Company

• Choose a moving company that is licensed and bonded.  This insures damages will be covered.
• Although it is less expensive to pack your own boxes, most moving companies do not insure damages to these boxes.
• For local move, moving companies usually charge by the house.  They estimate the time needed, but count on a few extra hours.
• If movers pack for you, they will charger for th boxes.  Make sure new boxes are used since you are paying for them.
• Take the time to decipher the coding used to describe your furniture on the movers’ inventory list.  Each letter stands for an adjective, such as “scratched” ro “soiled”.  Do not sign the inventory list if you feel the descriptions are not accurate.  Damage claims can be denied based on the signed inventory list.
• When accepting shipment of your possessions, check off items on the inventory list as they are brought into the house.  Write the inventory number of any missing item on the invoice before signing.

Do-It-Yourself Moves:

• Consider money saved versus the time needed to pack and move.
• Take time to label boxes.  List the contents and the room they are going to.  This makes unpacking more efficient.
• For moving day, pack “survival box”: toilet paper, soap, towels, shower curtain, a few dishes, scissors, phone, cleaning things, flashlight, paper/pen, hardware/tools.  A “toy box” for children is also a good idea.
• Egg cartons make great cushions for breakables.

However you decided to move, take valuables with you. No insurance can cover the sentimental value of that special dish or collectible items.

Encouragement: A publication by Angela DiCicco and Gail Signor

Books on Moving coming Tuesday!

Do you have any ideas on how to make moving easier?  Let me know at beingaconsciouparent@gmail.com