In Part 1 of this two-part post about moving checklists as part of planning for your upcoming move, we looked at how you can use a Moving Binder and Calendar to get and keep yourself on track. In this post, Part 2 in the same series, we look at additional information, tools and checklists to help make your move easy and low-stress.
Time to Clean House
A move is the perfect time to sort through your belongings – a time to prune and purge! Donate or discard clothes that don’t fit, broken or unused appliances and household goods no longer in use. Be a little ruthless. Remember, when the moving truck is en route, you are paying to move whatever it is. Why move it unless it is going to serve a purpose or bring you happiness in your new home?
Donate bulky or heavy furniture if it can easily replaced with something better suited to your new space. Friends, family and even coworkers may be sorry to see you move away, however, they may love to be on the receiving end of that massive armoire in your bedroom. Remember, one woman’s tired desk in the attic is another person’s treasure
Looking for some great ways to de-clutter your space before you move? We have three posts that will get you started with great ideas.
DECLUTTER – 11 Steps – Getting Started
Need temporary or long-term storage either locally or in your new city? Wonder where you can donate here in the Bay Area? Need help with eWaste before you move? Try these helpful blog posts:
Reasons to rent residential storage.
Places to donate items in the San Francisco Bay Area.
How to handle eWaste in San Francisco, on the Peninsula and in the South Bay.
https://cummingsmoving.com/ewaste-recycling-ecollective/
https://cummingsmoving.com/ewaste-recycling-san-francisco-bay-area/
Measure Twice and Move Once
Measure your furniture and your new space – just to make sure that your pieces fit BEFORE you pay to move them! While measuring your new space, look for move-in “trouble-spots” for your large, long or extra-bulky items. Check with your mover to make sure they will have the tools required on moving day to take the feet off your couch in case it is a snug fit through the door or around a sharp corner.
When you measure the space and take the added tome map-out furniture placement ahead of the move, your movers can drop pieces in place and make unpacking that much easier. The only thing easier would be for the moving company to unpack everything for you! This too can be arranged.
Insure the Big Stuff
Whether moving yourself or hiring a mover, a pending move is the perfect time to get updated appraisals on any antiques, jewelry and art of value. If there are high-ticket items you plan to move, they need to be well documented. Make sure the appraisal or details of each item and current photos are filed with your insurance company before you move. With cell phones, it’s easy to add a video walk-through of your home to the mix. Walk the camera room to room and capture, in detail the condition of all your pieces. In the SAME single video shot, include a close-up of today’s paper with the date on it. This way in addition to the date stamp on the video file you have redundant PROOF that the piece was in this condition on THIS date.
Transfer Utilities and Medical Services
Each utility requires different lead time in order to change the location of your service. You will also need to set up local service in your NEW town for many of these. Again, lead time varies, so be proactive and leave 4-5 weeks ahead of your move to make sure that all goes smoothly. This is where a UTILITY PAGE in your Moving Binder would come in handy!
- Ask your insurance agent for a PRINTED list of doctors and hospitals (with phone numbers) in your new area that THEY know will take your health insurance.
- Research and choose a veterinarian and 24/7 emergency clinic for pets in your new town.
- Check with the Chamber of Commerce in your new city for local information.
Transfer, Terminate and Set up Service for Utilities
- Water
- Sewer
- Electric/Gas
- Trash/Waste
- Recycling
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Service
- Telephone
- Pest control
- Home security
- Garden/pool
- Magazines/subscriptions
- Newspapers
- Auto Club/Roadside Assistance
Find Providers Near Your New Home
- Doctor
- Pediatrician
- Hospital
- Emergency Room
- Urgent Care Clinics
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Pharmacy
- Veterinarian
- 24/7 emergency clinic for pets
- Great pizza place with late night delivery or 24hr diner! You think we are kidding? That first night in your new place when everything is in boxes and you are starving, THIS will come in very handy.
How to Notify Friends, Family and Post Office
These days there plenty of pre-printed and DIY “We’re Moving” cards available online. As you notify your friends, relatives and others of your pending move, remember to also notify the U.S. Postal Service – Online or at a nearby Post Office. We encourage you to keep things vague on Facebook and other social networks. As with heading away for vacation, there is no need to broadcast the details of exactly when you will be where
Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
