Friday, November 27, 2009

Know This Moving Checklist

By Dan Williams

The very thought of relocating can send jolts down our back and can cause us to break out into a cold sweat. Experts write that any kind of change creates tension. Moving, (and especially if we are relocating to a new city or state), represents a huge change and naturally brings a great amount of stress along with it. This can be a double whammy, because stress can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. Many of us tend to procrastinate during stressful periods of our lives. This is one time, though, when we must rise above that.

When preparing for a move we need to put the pedal to the metal and get a lot of things done. This checklist contains many suggestions that may seem like no-brainers. However, the very act of printing out these simple suggestions and reminders can become a significant security blanket as the dreaded time approaches. Moving and relocating calls for being proactive, grabbing the bull by the horns and actually completing certain chores well in advance of their deadlines. Hopefully this little paper will help you to accomplish that. In this particular article we are leaving out the big things such as finding the best moving company, researching your new neighborhood's transportation, parking, employment, etc. Those are for other articles on another day. Today we are concentrating on the basics of planning and preparation.

Get rid of what you don't need.

Most of us are bushytail woodrats. One thing that we can carry out at once is running through all of our belongings and doing away with what we do not need any longer. Moving undesired clothing and nicknacks from one place of residence to a different is a large waste of time and effort. It is amazing how much more in command we experience once we start narrowing down our inventory to what we in reality need to keep. Doing away with the unwanted particulars can be handled by having a yard sale long ahead of moving time and then donating the remnants to the Salvation Army or other philanthropic groups.

Secure all your important papers.

Since moving is hectic, to say the least, we need to be aware of the exact location of all of our important items. Things that we absolutely must not lose or misplace should certainly be hand carried, not put in a box for the movers: Address Books, Birth Certificates, Bank Statements, Checks, Credit Cards and Statements, Home Movies, Irreplaceable Memorabilia, Insurance Policies, Marriage Records, Medical and Dental Records, Military Records, Passports, Photos and Photo Albums, Resumes, School Records, Stock Certificates, Tax Returns, Telephone Numbers, Valuables, Vehicle Documents, Wills.

Prepare for your new location in advance.

There are numerous matters that we can do at our new location well ahead of our move that will help smooth out the knocks and digs of our relocation action once the actual event happens. Open new bank accounts. Open a new deposit box. Contact the new area public utility companies and set up your new services. This can include Cable TV, gas, electric, oil, phone, water and Internet access. Arrange for new medical providers. If you are moving to a new state, contact the DMV and get forms essential to re-register your vehicles. Contact your insurance companies and check if your automobile insurance, homeowner's insurance, and so on. can be changed. If not, find an insurance agent in your new area and talk about your needs and necessities for new policies. Go to the United States Post Office and get a moving kit. Fill out change of address forms for all of your correspondents; credit card companies, other credit accounts, banks, insurance companies, current utility companies for final statements, magazines and other subscriptions, family, friends, and any other persons or businesses that you correspond with regularly.

With proper planning and preparation the moving process, though never fun, can at least be sane. With proper planning and preparation the utilities at your present address can be disconnected the day after you move and the utilities at your new address can be connected the day prior to your arrival. With proper planning and preparation you will not be frantically searching for a new doctor or pharmacy, if that unfortunate need arises. With proper planning and preparation you will have all of your important documents at the tip of your fingers at all times. With proper planning and preparation your mail will start arriving the day after you move in to your new abode and your life will endure a minimum of chaos and clutter.

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