Tips on Moving

Here are a few tips for moving to, or from Upper Dublin, Blue Bell, Horsham, Gwynedd and the surrounding area including Philadelphia and the Philadelphia suburbs.

Two Months Before

Go through every room of your house and decide what to keep and what you can get rid of. You can separate your items into three categories.

1. Keep and Pack
2. Give away ( Only give away items that are clean and in good condition).
3. Throw away/ Recycle

Where to Donate your used goods. Here are a few suggestions

Research. Start investigating moving company options. Do not rely on a quote over the phone; Request an on-site estimate. Get an estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it.

Moving estimates

Create a moving binder to keep track of everything—estimates, receipts and an inventory of all the items you’re moving.

Six Weeks Before

Order boxes and other supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers. Don’t forget to order specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.

Where to Buy Moving Supplies. Here are a few suggestions.

Use it or lose it! Start using up things that you don’t want to move, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.

Take measurements. Check room dimensions of your new home, if possible, and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.

One Month Before

Choose your mover and confirm the arrangements. Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
Begin packing. Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the waffle iron and croquet set. While packing, note items of special value that might need more insurance from your moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound, such as a computer.
Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This will help you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll need right away.
Separate valuables. Add items such as jewelry and important files to a safe box that you’ll personally transport to your new home. Make sure to put the mover’s estimate in this box. You’ll need it for reference on moving day.
Do a change of address. Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at usps.gov.
Notify important parties. Alert the following of your move: banks, doctors, brokerage firms, your employer’s human resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.

Two Weeks Before

Arrange time off from work on moving day.
Take your car in for service, make sure you have your registration and insurance information handy.
Clean out your safe-deposit box. If you’ll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safe-deposit box and put them in the safe box that you’ll take with you on moving day.
Contact the moving company. confirm the arrangements.

One Week Before

Refill prescriptions. Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.
Pack your suitcases. Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.

A Few Days Before

If your refrigerator is moving with you unhook the ice maker, water line.(MAKE SURE YOU TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY FIRST!) Make sure to empty and clean the refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day. If Refrigerator is remaining with the property just empty and clean it.
Double-check the details. Confirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.
Plan for the payment. If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100. Don’t forget that refreshments are always appreciated.

Moving Day

Make sure that the moving truck that shows up is from the company you hired: The USDOT number painted on its side should match the number on the estimate you were given. Scams are not unheard-of.
Take inventory. Before the movers leave, check and sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
Make arrangements for someone to help watch children and pets. Now is a great time to call in a favor, or two.

Don’t forget the coffee and donuts!

Call me for information about buying a home or selling your home in Upper Dublin, Blue Bell, Horsham, Gwynedd and the surrounding area including Philadelphia and the Philadelphia suburbs for a FREE gift to help you with your move.

Contact me for information about relocation services, moving to and from Upper Dublin, Blue Bell, Horsham, Gwynedd and the surrounding area, including Philadelphia and the Philadelphia suburbs.