Moving Guide

Whatever your lifestyle and family dynamics might be, we all accumulate belongings, some trash and some treasure, and before moving many items, it’s best to decide if it’s worth moving them and how best to move them. Efficient and thoughtful planning, preparation, and execution are the keys to a stress-free move. While the anticipation surrounding the move to your new home may be quite exciting, the practicality and implementation involved in organizing and packing for the move can be overwhelming. However, guidance from your Ward Kellner Properties agent can alleviate much of the frustration that can accompany a move. Ward Kellner Properties offers a wealth of information about moving options and preparedness.


CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL MOVER

For local moves, you might consider transporting small goods, appliances and furnishings yourself. Most moves, however, will require a professional moving company that will also pack for you if you so choose. Choosing which mover to hire can be intimidating, but your Ward Kellner Properties agent is ready to assist you in making your decision. A few items to consider as you choose a mover are:


  • Obtain Multiple Moving Estimates
  • Request Thorough Walk-Throughs for Estimates
  • Request References, Read Reviews and Check with the Better Business Bureau
  • Verify Credentials
  • Request Licensing and Insurance Information
  • Request an Inventory of Your Items Be Taken Before the Move
  • Request a Thorough Contract
  • Watch Out for Red Flags – Large Deposits Up-Front, Professionalism, Timeliness, etc.
  • Beware of Extra Fees
  • Report Any Problems in a Timely Manner

MOVING TIMELINE

Moving requires planning and preparation starting several weeks in advance so that you don’t find yourself overwhelmed and pressured to make rushed decisions. When it comes to moving, it’s best to start early and do one task at a time from beginning to end. Ward Kellner Properties agents can customize a list for our clients with their personalized moving timelines in order to streamline the moving process and make moving an enjoyable experience.


6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Clean out clutter from your garage, attic and storage.
  • Evaluate and sort belongings room by room to determine what to move, donate, toss or sell.
  • Have a moving sale and donate or give away unwanted items. Save charitable receipts for tax records.
  • Make an inventory of your possessions to be moved and evaluate each item.
  • Book your moving company.
  • Begin collecting boxes if you are packing anything yourself.

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • Arrange the transfer of all records: legal, school, personal, medical, dental, prescriptions, veterinary care, etc.
  • Contact your lawyers, doctors, dentists and other professionals to obtain copies of your personal records.
  • Get referrals for dentists, doctors and other professionals in your new area.
  • Notify friends, neighbors, colleagues and business associates of your move and your new address
  • Contact your utility companies (electricity, water and gas) and other service providers (internet, cable, and telephone) to give a date to disconnect your service at your old address and to connect the service to your new address. Request refunds where applicable.
  • Start packing the things that you will not need to use in the coming month.
  • Notify Landlord and request deposit back if applicable.
  • If not using a mover’s packing service, purchase moving supplies and begin packing items not needed in the next month.
  • Have a moving sale and donate or give away unwanted items. Save charitable receipts for tax records.

3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

  • If your new home is in another city, make travel arrangements and hotel reservations for your trip.
  • Get all important documents organized into one safe place
  • Contact your insurance agent to transfer/cancel insurance coverage. Check your homeowner’s insurance policies to see if your move is covered.

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

    Contact your banks, investment advisors, government agencies (IRS, DPS, etc.) to notify them of your move and update them with your new home address. Empty safe deposit boxes. Confirm moving arrangements. Complete change of address forms with the USPS. Cancel or transfer pool or lawn care services and any gym, club or associations memberships. Pick up any laundry or dry-cleaning. Have your car serviced and make sure that it is ready for the trip.

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING

  • Pack your remaining belongings.
  • Finish giving away, donating or selling all the items you are not taking with you.
  • Stop shopping for groceries and use up the food that you have in your fridge, freezer and pantry.
  • Confirm utility connections in your new home.
  • Draw a floor plan of your new home indicating desired placement of furniture.
  • Disassemble items such as swing sets, trampolines, exercise equipment to be moved.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE MOVING

  • Defrost freezer and refrigerator
  • Finish all personal packing
  • Assemble your “Moving Survival Kit” of which you will maintain possession throughout the move of medications, important papers and documents, valuables, important contact numbers and any other essential necessities
  • Finish giving away, donating or selling all the items you are not taking with you.
  • Stop shopping for groceries and use up the food that you have in your fridge, freezer and pantry.
  • Confirm utility connections in your new home.
  • Draw a floor plan of your new home indicating desired placement of furniture.

MATERIALS

Whether you decide to move entirely on your own or hire a professional mover and only move the bare necessities yourself, there are some materials that are essential to a move. Ward Kellner Properties believes it is best to be prepared for your move to avoid any unforeseen circumstances and delays.


  • Boxes of Multiple Sizes
  • Wardrobe Boxes
  • Packing Tape
  • Scissors
  • Utility Knife
  • Markers for Labeling
  • Packing Labels
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Packing Peanuts
  • Packing Paper
  • Furniture Pads
  • Sheets
  • Blankets

TIPS

Ward Kellner Properties has collected some tried-and-true tips over the years to assist in moves of all sizes and distances. Below are some items to keep in mind as your big day approaches.

  • Time your move for mid-month or mid-week to save on cost. Avoid Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day.
  • Don’t Procrastinate
  • Pack Room-By-Room
  • Use Boxes Designed For Moving
  • Label Everything
  • Number Boxes So They Can Be Counted Upon Arrival; Make a list of boxes and their contents
  • Mark boxes so that movers will know where goods should be places.
  • Pack similar weights together
  • Pack heavier items on the bottom
  • Use towels, pillows, linens and blankets for padding and cushioning
  • Don’t Pack Valuables, Heirlooms, Important Papers, Legal Documents and Medicines with general house items. Keep these items separate and easily accessible.
  • Use a qualified professional to assist in the preparation of large items like pianos and pool tables
  • Load Immediate Needs Items last so that they are easily accessed first upon arrival