Thursday, December 5, 2013

Helpful Moving Tips

By Joyce McIntosh


When faced with the prospect of moving, even if it's to a great new place, many people feel stressed out. While the moving process will definitely add some extra tasks and stress, it doesn't have to be a terrible experience. With some careful planning, moving can be a fairly smooth process.

One thing that makes the whole process easier to navigate is a big list filled with all the tasks you need to take care of before and during the move. It can be divided into dates when items need to be completed or by using different categories. Make a list for each category. So, for example, you will have one list dedicated to utilities, including electricity, water, trash, gas, cable, phone and internet. You need to shut off these services and start them up again once you are in your new place. You could also create a list for other services, such as bottle water or milk delivery, to ensure that you remember each vendor.

Another section on your checklist can be dedicated to the process of changing addresses. This includes going to the post office and changing your address, as well as actually contacting companies and make changes. You should make a list of everyone who will need the new address, from credit card companies, to service providers, schools, doctor's offices and your magazine subscriptions. When it comes to records, if you are moving out of the area, you need to arrange to have copies of your medical and school records transferred to the new facilities or perhaps pay to have copies made and bring them along.

After your finish packing, label each box as to its content. You don't have to list every single item in the box, but just state generally that it is filled with "dishes & kitchenware" or "linens." You also should identify where the box should be moved into such as the kitchen, guest room or living room. You could use a different colored marker for each room to make moving even easier.

While the post office will forward your mail for quite some time after your move, it is still important to contact anyone and everyone with who you correspond and let them know about your change of address. This includes credit card companies and anyone who sends you a bill, as well as changing addresses for magazine subscriptions and even catalogs. Be sure to tell your doctor that you have moved, and if you are moving out of the area, get your medical records so that you can give them to your new physician. The same advice holds true for your children's school. They need to update your address or provide you with information about how to have records sent to new schools.

If you need to place some of your belongings into storage prior to moving into your new place, you will need to consider finding a Bath self-storage facility or East Lansing self-storage facility. Either of these towns provides close access to Haslett, Okemos and other cities close to Lansing. Security is important, so be sure the property is fenced and well-lit and that there are security cameras. Because this is probably a short-term rental, you should look for a facility that doesn't require a long lease. Often you can find a mini storage facility that offers monthly lease rates or even week-to-week rates. Also try to find a self-storage facility that doesn't require an initial deposit for security, and be sure to ask about discounts for seniors, students and members of the armed forces.




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