Moving And Relocation Tips
BATTLECALL GUEST EXPERT: Steve Gillman, Real
Estate Investor
I know how stressful and chaotic moving and relocating can be. We moved from
one part of Tucson to another in March of this year, and then in June we bought
a home and relocated to Colorado.
Here are some of the lessons we and others have learned.
1. Make and use lists. We all forget things, even after remembering them
several times. Put them on that list during one of these times. Make a list of
things to do before the move, including getting school documents transferred,
filling out change of address forms, returning borrowed books and movies,
transferring prescriptions, getting maps, and arranging utility shut offs and
start ups.
2. Call the moving company and make the reservation a month
ahead. You don't want to discover that they are booked up on the date you need
them. We found out that the type of van we wanted wasn't available, but this was
easily resolved because we started the process early.
3. Sell and throw
away things. Carefully consider what you need to keep. Many people spend
hundreds of dollars to move things that will probably be thrown away some day.
It isn't just about the expense either, but also about the hassle. When you are
moving and especially when you are relocating to another city - this is the best
time to get rid of the things you really don't need.
4. Have a rummage
sale. This is a good way to get rid of those things, and you might even raise
enough money to pay for the move. Again, it is best to be rid of your things
before the move. We went to a after-the-move rummage sale the other day. What a
shame to pack and pay to move all those things just to have to work to sell them
for pennies later.
5. Start packing early. not only is it difficult to
predict how long it will take until you are doing it, but you never know how
much time you'll have later. Starting early means avoiding running around
looking for boxes and packing materials at the last moment.
6. Pack an
"essentials" box for when you arrive at your new home. This should have the
things you need to make your arrival easier, like toilet paper, paper plates,
soap and such. Carry the box where it is easily accessible.
7. Let
everyone know where you are relocating to. Give family and friends of your new
address and phone number(s), and do this before you have the current phone shut
off. Call all your credit card companies with your new address. Change the
address on any subscriptions too.
8. Check weather reports for moving
day. You don't want to arrive in a snowstorm with your coat packed away
somewhere. You will also need to allow for extra moving time if the weather is
going to slow down traffic.
9. Save all your receipts. Keep receipts for
moving expenses, like gas, hotel rooms, and anything else related to moving and
relocating. Ask your accountant or tax preparer if you are eligible for a tax
deduction for moving expenses. Usually you are, if the move is for employment
purposes.
10. When you move into your new home, try to reestablish your
routines quickly. If Friday night is normally movie night, don't break with the
tradition. Moving and relocating are less traumatic if you have some consistency
in daily life. If you're moving with children, this could be one of the more
important moving tips.
Got an opinion? We want to hear from you. Post your thoughts or comments here in our Mortgage Warrior Forum. Come join the conversation and say hello...onward mortgage warrior!
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