Whether you want to hire a moving company or handle the move yourself, Coldwell Banker can help.
When hiring a moving company, it is well worth the time and energy to make sure the company is reputable. The level of professionalism and integrity among movers can vary significantly. Ask your Coldwell Banker-affiliated sales associate, friends and co-workers for recommendations, then get estimates from several companies. Coldwell Banker can also coordinate a free moving estimate.
Coldwell Banker can help you if you choose to move yourself – from truck rental, purchasing boxes or simply being a good source for the “how-to” of moving – we are here to assist you before, during and after the purchase of your new home. Most agents are more than willing to offer advice and assistance to new homeowners; all you have to do is ask.
Planning Your Move
Moving requires extensive planning, particularly if you are relocating, but the experience does not have to be overly stressful. Here are some suggestions to help you organize:
- If travel is involved, make your transportation and lodging reservations in advance.
- Service the car for the trip, if driving.
- File a Change of Address with the post office to have your first-class mail forwarded.
- Give your new address to your bank (all accounts, credit cards), subscription services, friends and family, etc.
- Contact utility companies in your new location to arrange for immediate service, and cancel your existing services.
- Arrange insurance on the new home prior to the transfer of property.
- Arrange for your present bank to establish credit references for new bank accounts.
- Service appliances before moving.
- Clean rugs and have them wrapped.
- Discontinue deliveries, utilities, newspapers, garbage collection, etc.
- Obtain copies or transfer your children's school records.
- Obtain records from doctors and dentists, including eyeglass prescriptions, dental X-rays and vaccinations.
- Cancel club memberships.
- Transfer car title registration, if necessary, as well as driver's license, city windshield sticker and motor club membership.
- Pay existing bills and cancel local accounts.
- Check on personal items that may in a bank safe deposit box, at a neighbor's house or in the repair shop (e.g. shoes, jewelry, small appliances and dry cleaning).
- Arrange for transporting pets and obtain immunization records from the vet.
- Return library books and anything borrowed from friends.
- Notify the religious leader of your church, synagogue or mosque.
- Plan for special care and needs of infants.
- Arrange for transporting plants.
- Review moving plans with your moving company representative including insurance for packing and unpacking, arrival date, payment agreement, shipping papers, etc.
One Week Before Moving
- Clean and air out your stove.
- Empty refrigerator and freezer 24 hours before leaving.
- Place charcoal or baking soda inside refrigerator and freezer to dispel odors.
- Dispose of all open cans and jars which cannot be tightly sealed.
On Your Moving Day
- Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a friend or relative.
- Carry all currency, jewelry, personal papers (birth certificates, deeds and documents) and prescription medications.
- Double-check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.
- Confirm hotel reservations.
- Leave all old keys needed by the tenant or owner with your sales associate.
In Your New Home
Here are items you may need immediately upon arriving at your new home.
Cleaning:
- Soap
- Kitchen cleanser
- Dish towels
- Paper towels
- Dish cloth
- Steel wool pads
- Sponge
- Window cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Mop
- Broom
Kitchen:
- Paper plates, cups, napkins
- Plastic knives, forks, spoons
- Plastic pitcher for drinks
- Small saucepan
- Serving spoons
Bathroom:
- Facial tissue
- Toilet tissue
- Bath towel
- Shower curtain
- Face cloth
- Bath soap
- First aid kit
- Aspirin and other basic OTC medications
Miscellaneous:
- Lightbulbs
- Flashlight
- Hammer, screwdriver, pliers
- Aluminum foil
- Shelf paper
- Trash bags
- Twine
- Newspaper
Snacks and basic food items:
- Easy-open pudding cups
- Sandwich spreads
- Cheese sticks
- Packages of crackers
- Instant creamer, sugar, salt
- Dry soup mix
- Boxes of dry cereal, raisins
- Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
- Fresh fruit
For children:
- Coloring books and crayons
- Favorite toys
- Reading materials
- Puzzles
- Small surprise gift