29 May, 2016

One common goal that a lot of homeowners tend to reach for is to make the entire moving process as free of stress as they possibly can. One way to ensure this will happen is to establish a moving plan and hire an austin moving company, which will help you keep track of the entire move in the months leading up to when it actually happens. Here are the basics of what you will need for this kind of planner.

8 Weeks: Schedule an In-Home Estimate
Get this process started by contacting your local moving company and scheduling a date to have your home surveyed and an estimate prepared. If your company will be the ones paying for the move, you will need to refer to their services in order to determine exactly what all the mover will be authorized to perform. It’s also important to decide whether you want to do any packing yourself or whether you’d like to have the moving company work on any or all of it, depending on whether or not this is a service that they offer. Regardless, show the moving agent everything that will be moved, as anything that you fail to disclose will cause the cost of the entire service to be increased, even if you have already been given an estimate that is binding. You will also need to take the time to learn about all of your rights and responsibilities in order ot ensure that you fully understand the extent of your moving company’s liability.

7 Weeks: Finalize Your Estimate and Your Move
After you obtain a full understanding of all documents and services, then and only then should you finalize your estimate. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions that you may have as well. Additionally, you will also want to officially confirm your moving date, as well as keep the name and phone number of your moving company and coordinator close by in the event that you have any questions or require any further information.

6 Weeks: Contact Your Utility/Service Providers
Firstly, you will want to contact your local post office and notify them that you will soon be moving to a new residence. They will respond by providing you with a change of address form, which you can also fill out online for more convenience. Furthermore, you will also need to contact providers such as banks, doctors, and other professional services to update your information.

5 Weeks: Figure Out What to Sell, Throw Away, or Give Away
This can be achieved by going through all of the rooms in your home to determine what will go with you during the move and what won’t. If there are any items that you wish to get rid of, you can consider having a garage/yard sale, or even donating any unwanted items to charity or a local thrift shop. You will also need to retain receipts that shows the items’ approximate value, which you can use for tax deductions.

4 Weeks: Check in With the Moving Company
Inform the moving company that you’re working with if there are items that you are adding or subtracting, as well as if there are any date changes. Additionally, be sure that you have provided the company with your new address, as well as a phone number at which you can be reached in the event that they need to contact you for any reason. It may also be a good idea to confirm any extra stops that may be required for picking up or dropping off items other than the main areas. If one item that’s being moved is a car, you should be prepared to drive it to a loading site for proper auto transport, as well as pick it up at its final destination.

3 Weeks: Prepare Friends/Family
Before the big move, take your family on a visit to some of the places in town that hold special memories, as well as holding a going-away party for your children and their friends. Don’t forget about yourself as well – think about hosting a barbecue or similar kind of party, but keep everything simple. You could also consider taking your family on a big trip, but make sure to reserve aspects such as hotel rooms and airline tickets as necessary. When the time comes to move your heavier appliances, set up an appointment with a service technician to prepare everything to be shipped. Furthermore, your moving company can also recommend someone who is qualified to perform this task. Next, establish a date in which you will need to have your utilities turned off, ensuring that you keep them turned on at least through moving day itself. You will also need to have any draperies and rugs cleaned, but leave them wrapped up when they come back from the dry cleaners. If you own any antiques, obtain a written appraisal in order to have their values verified. If any of these antiques are made of wood, avoid oiling or waxing them because this could soften the wood itself. Furthermore, if you have any upholstered furniture, never clean it before your move, as this could cause mold to develop due to moisture, as the furniture may likely have to be placed in storage.

2 Weeks: Make Plans for Your Pets
It’s also important to ensure that you make travel plans for any pets that you may have. In the event that you need to have friends watch them or have them boarded, these are plans that need to be made as soon as possible. Furthermore, you will also need to take your pets to the vet in order to make sure that they are updated on all of their inoculations and health certificates depending on the state in which you live. You will also need to pick up anything that you have had cleaned, stored, etc., as well as empty out any lockers that you may have at your local gym, bowling alley, etc. Make sure that you haven’t forgotten any other critical items.

1 Week: Last-Minute Details
Whenever a service representative shows up to start preparing any heavy appliances to be shipped, make sure that you are present to oversee everything. Furthermore, make sure that all electrical equipment has been properly services prior to the representative arriving.

One Day
If there are any fragile items that require attention, be sure to point these out as soon as possible. If there are items that shouldn’t be packed up, take the time to mark them as such. Furthermore, label any boxes or other items that you will want first whenever the moving truck shows up at your new residence. If you are packing everything yourself, everything should be ready to go before moving day. The moving truck operator will also check to make sure that everything has been packed properly. In terms of appliances, these should be unplugged 24 hours before moving day, with the exception of plasma televisions. This is so they can be at room temperature by the time moving day arrives.

Moving Day
Always be present to ensure that everything is loaded and unloaded from the moving truck. Once you make a final tour of your new residence, be sure to sign off to verify that everything has been delivered. Furthermore, obtain a copy of this form from the moving company and keep it safe. There may also be some necessary paperwork for you to make note of, such as the High-Value Inventory Form (which you must complete and sign showing whether or not any high-value items were included in the move) and the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill (which shows the terms and conditions by which everything is moved, as well as your receipt for the move itself). You will also need to provide the moving van driver with your exact address, as well as with a phone number that you can be reached at.

Take One Final Look Around
Determine that the following has been done at your old residence:

*The water has been shut off
*The furnace/air conditioner has been shut off
*Light switches have been turned off
*Utilities have been set up to be disconnected
*Windows have been shut and locked
*Keys have been turned over
*Nothing else has been left

Delivery Day
Make sure that you are present to accept any and all deliveries; however, if you are unable to be present for any reason, be sure that you authorize an adult to be there in your place to accept deliveries and make payments for you. On delivery day, you may be contacted by the moving van operator, who will likely want to stop by your new residence if they aren’t able to reach you. In situations such as this, you may be able to request more time to wait until the delivery can actually be made. You will also need to take the time to check all of your belongings as they are unloaded from the truck, making sure to note any discrepancies that you find on the truck operator’s copy of the inventory sheet. When you sign this sheet, you are essentially acknowledging the condition and receipt of all items that are listed. Furthermore, all items unloaded will be placed exactly as you direct them to be. All documents regarding the move should also be kept in a safe place so that you have them for verification when the time comes to file your federal income tax return

One Week After the Move
Once you’re settled into your new residence, check with your new local post office in order to see if you have any mail being held and request that delivery to your new home begin. You will also need to check all local and state requirements for automobile registration and driver’s licenses. Furthermore, you may also want to retain the services of an attorney to talk about any and all laws in regards to your new area of residence.