Contra Costa County Real Estate

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Spread moving day over several weeks to avoid the hassles of a last-minute scramble  

5 Weeks Before The Move

• Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what can be left behind.  Extra weight  on the moving van costs more.
• Draw a floor plan of your new home, and consider where youll want to place the furniture. Mark and label specific pieces of furniture on your diagram.  If a piece of furniture wont fit, dont take it with you.
• Make any personal travel arrangements–flights, hotels, rental cars–for your trip.
• Organize a garage sale if you have items worth selling.
• The mover will do all he can to make your move as smooth as possible.  Ask for estimates to include the option of having the company pack some or all of your belongings.  While the mover is liable for breakage to any items it packs, youre responsible for damage to items you have boxed.
• Start a central file for all the details of your move. Collect all receipts for moving-related expenses.  Depending on the reason for your move, you may be entitled to a tax deduction.  

4 Weeks Before The Move

• Select your mover and discuss dates and costs.
• Decide now whether you want to pack your things or hire the mover to do it.
• Start gathering boxes if you decide to pack.  Your mover can provide boxes best suited for moving, including special containers for clothing on hangers, lampshades, and dishes.  

3 Weeks Before The Move

• Notify the post office, magazines, credit card companies, friends, and family of your change of address.  The U.S. Postal Service offers a kit to make this process easier.
• Call utilities to schedule disconnection on the day following your move.
• Talk with your mover to schedule, a few days before your move, disconnection and service of the major appliances being moved.
• Arrange for utilities and services needed at your new home.
• Start your self-packing with seldom-used items: fancy dishes, specialty cookware, non-essential clothing, curios, decorative items. 

2 Weeks Before The Move

• Decide what you will discard.
• Start your serious self-packing.  Label contents of all boxes.
• Arrange to clean your new home as close to before your move-in as possible.
• Arrange for copies of school and medical records and make bank safe-deposit arrangements in your new town.
• Hold a garage sale.  

1 or 2 Days Before The Move

• Expect movers to arrive to start the packing process.
• Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer; clean both with disinfectant and let them air out.  Put baking soda inside to keep them fresh.
• Empty your safe-deposit box.  Plan to take important papers, jewelry, cherished family photos, irreplaceable mementos and vital computer files with you.
• Arrange for payment to the moving company.  Write directions to your new home for the van operator, provide the new phone number and include numbers where you can be reached  in transit.
• Leave your forwarding address and phone number for your new homes occupants.  

Moving Day

• Remove blankets and pillows from beds and pack in an “open first” box.
• Review all details and paperwork when movers arrive.  Accompany van operator to take inventory.  Verify delivery plans.
• Leave electric garage door opener and all the spare keys for new residents. 

While moving is one of lifes most stressful events, proper planning and preparation can ease the way. Call us to help you orchestrate a smooth move into your new home.