Organize Your Move
Start With A Checklist:

  • Fill out a forwarding address form at the post office 30 days prior to your move. Also be sure to alert family, friends, magazines, credit card companies, schools, and professional service providers of your new addres
  • Enroll your children in school ahead of time, if necessary
  • Notify your insurance agent of your new addressand discuss how your insurance needs may change with your move
Moving Pets:

Moving can be especially difficult & stressful for pets. If possible, make arrangements for your pet to be groomed or stay with a friend on moving day. If traveling, keep small pets in pet carriers and larger animals on leashes. Your vet may suggest a mild sedative or holistic, calming drops to keep your pet relaxed during the trip.

Since animals get used to local water, many vets suggest taking along a supply from your home to help prevent an upset stomach. Remember to stock up on your pet's familiar pet food and supplies you are going to need.
Moving Children:

Moving can be a frightening experience for children. Communicating openly and realistically with all family members as early as possible will help. Listed below are some ideas that can help make the transition to a new home as smooth as possible.


  • If possible, include your children in the process of selecting a new home
  • If you are moving to a distant place, learn about the new area together, as a family
  • Let children help decide how to decorate and arrange their new rooms
  • Don’t try to get rid of your child’s favorite items at this time even though it may make the move simpler. Don’t throw anything away behind the child’s back
  • Encourage your children to exchange addresses and keep in contact with their friends. If possible, make arrangements for friends to visit at your new home
  • Show children pictures of their new home, school, or special areas of interest
  • Ask the child’s new teacher, coach, or scout leader to give them a personal phone call
  • Prepare a special package for each child containing favorite toys, books, clothing, and snacks to keep them occupied during moving day
  • Take a break with the family as soon as the major unpacking is done. Don’t try to do everything immediately
  • Parents need to be very attentive with their children after the move and listen to what they have learned about their new school and friends
  • Carefully monitor your child’s first few weeks in a new school. Do not hesitate to visit with your child’s teacher or to accompany your child to school for the first few days
  • Any abnormalities that linger—particularly physical ones such as loss of appetite or insomnia, should be referred to a doctor
  • Close current bank accounts if they are not transferable and establish a new account at your new location. Be sure to keep enough cash on hand to tide you over until you are settled in
  • Establish cut-off dates for your utilities, and provide these companies with your forwarding address for final bills. Be sure to make arrangements to have the utilities at your new home connected. Request any refunds for deposits you have made
  • Discontinue any contracted services such as garbage pick-up, snow removal, and newspaper delivery. If possible, arrange for these services at your new address
  • Arrange to have the locks changed on your new home
  • Obtain all medical recordsfrom doctors, dentists, optometrists, veterinarians, etc. If you have already selected new health care providers, have your records sent directly to them. Be sure to transfer any prescriptions
  • Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious or business affiliations and memberships
  • Be sure to collect any items that are out for repair, cleaning, or storage
  • Gather important records and plan to move these yourself. Medical records, tax returns, school records and diplomas, legal documents and titles, birth certificates, insurance documents, financial records, stock and bond certificates, family pictures and memorabilia should all be moved carefully and be easily accessible once you reach your destination
  • Give your plants away, or try to sell them before moving day. If you do choose to move them, put them in plastic bags with air holes, and pack them in boxes. Be sure to water them before you leave
  • Be sure to keep careful records and receipts of all your moving expenses. Many moving expenses may be tax deductible

Things To Take With You:

On moving day, carry the following items with you:

  • Any papers listed above
  • Telephone number of moving company
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Papers related to the sale/purchase of your home
  • A current phone book
  • Medications
  • Jewelry
  • Enough clothing, linens, and personal hygiene items to get you by until you the movers arrive with your belongings

Be sure to keep careful records and receipts of all your moving expenses. Many moving expenses may be tax deductible.
V
B
VOSTNER-BELL
Realty Team
It's your Home. Don't leave it to chance.