Introduction
While every relocation situation is different, most relocation moves involve some common planning. We hope you find this relocation planning guide to be useful in your relocation efforts.
The key here is to plan ahead. While your Abana Relocation Specialist is your most valuable asset for moving into or out of
Alabama
following this six week guide should help you in tracking the important items involved in your relocation.
Six Weeks Out
Notify your post office of your change of address and make it effective on your moving day. Make and keep a list of the addresses you need to change and mark them off as they are notified. Go ahead and change magazine and computer-addressed mail now.
Start an accordion-type or three-ring binder of vital papers and reminders to kept hem all in one place. Categorize according to topic for easy reference.
Get moving company estimates. Plan ahead on this if your move is between June and September
Five Weeks Out
- Select your moving company and confirm moving date. Decide if moving company will pack or you will pack yourself. If the movers pack, they will typically arrive a day ahead to do so.
- Start sorting. Decide on what to keep, what to sell, and what to give away or discard. Be objective. The less you move unnecessarily, the better.
- Decide on furniture placement in the new home. A floor sketch will help with this.
- Inventory your possessions for insurance purposes should they become lost or damaged in the move. Photo and video records are best.
- If you are packing yourself, start doing so now. Start with Seldom used dishes, glassware, books, clothes you aren't using, hobby equipment, etc.
Four Weeks Out
Take care of legal paperwork and contracts such as
- Credit cards, bank accounts, charge accounts
- Utilities and phone
- Memberships (Social, Athletic, etc)
- Insurance including Homeowners, auto, medical, etc.
- Employment related contracts as applicable
- Wills, trusts, other legal and financial matters
- Safe deposit box
- Leased contracts (products and services)
Give employer new address.
Discuss pet moving issues with your veterinarian and ask for any recommendations for new services in new location
Three Weeks Out
- Collect medical and dental records, birth certificates and school transcripts to prepare to enroll children in school the following term.
- Fill prescriptions and prepare to transfer them to a new local pharmacy
- Drop off dry cleaning (make note to self to pick up before move)
Two Weeks Out
- Follow-up on address change list
- If flying, order tickets now to save money.
- Have car serviced for trip if driving
- Set up games and activities for trip (games, books, etc)
- Check owner's manuals of major appliances for long-distance move considerations
- Begin packing more often used items if you are packing yourself
- Plan any farewell partys for this timeframe.
One Week Out
- Return library books and items borrowed from neighbors. Collect items borrowed by neighbors
- Cancel any remaining subscriptions, including newspaper
- Plan quick-fix menus for remaining week. Begin refrigerator cleaning process.
- Arrange utilities and new location for activation on move-in date. You can find online resources to help you here at www.abanarealty.com
- Prepare yard equipment for move
- Pack everything but essentials in kitchen
One Day Before
- Prepare refrigerator. Empty, defrost, and leave open overnight to dry
- Take care of final financial matters such as your safe deposit box, traveler's checks, cashier's check for opening account in new town and a certified check for closing. Make arrangements to pay movers as they may not accept personal checks
- Finish packing with last suitcase for personal belonging to use until moving vehicle(s) arrive at new location.
- Finish packing the kitchen
- Pack a box of essentials to be last loaded and first unloaded (toiletries, non-perishable food, light-bulbs, etc..)
- If driving, load car with travel needs and favorite picnic foods to reduce fast-food shoping.
Moving Day
- Strip Beds
- Load car with last-minute items. Keep these to a minimum
- Be available to, but don't over-supervise the movers.
- Mark boxes that aren't already marked by room placement to help movers unpack you more efficiently.
- Check inventory as items are loaded.
- Give movers en-route contact info such as cell phones.
- Give movers a map to new location
- Check cupboards, closets, dishwasher, and all rooms for items left behind. Don't forget under the stairway and attic.
- Sweep and Vacuum (ask neighbor to borrow their equipment)
- Leave manuals for appliances you are leaving behind. Also leave service company phone numbers.
- Give new owner your new address so any mail not forwarded can be sent to you.
- Make one final check of home. This part may be emotional for everyone. Leaves keys and garage-door opener at pre-arranged location
- Enjoy your Trip.
On Arrival
- Arrive ahead of van if possible and ensure utilities are connected and turned on. Verify plan for placement of furniture.
- When the movers arrive, open your "essentials" box and begin feeling at home.
- Direct movers as to placement of furniture and boxes. Check off inventory items. Be helpful in directing them, but stay out of their way as well.
- Check cartons for damage before signing receipt.
- Spend first night out on town with dinner and exploration!
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