Moving Tips & Timetable
Relocating to a new area can be a stressful time in one's life. At Kokopelli we want to make your transition as smooth as possible. Here are some tips and a timeline suggestion.
Eight Weeks Ahead
- Contact a mover and make arrangements for a moving date
- Create a list of furniture and other items that you will be moving and present this to the movers
- Keep in mind that the rates for interstate moves are based on weight at the time of moving, not on estimates.
- Binding Estimates specify the entire cost in advance, but does not include items added later.
- Start using up things you can't take with you such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
Six Weeks Ahead
- Contact your account or the IRS to see if any of your moving expenses could be tax-deductible
- Start inventory on your possessions. Decide what you can donate, sell, or what you haven't used in the past few years
- Create a list of people you need to contact about your move: neighbors, friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions
- Look into storage facilities if necessary, and make arrangements
- Obtain copies of your personal records from doctors, dentists, lawyers etc.
Four Weeks Ahead
- Head to the post-office and fill out change-of-address forms for each person that receives mail in your home.
- Make arrangements to transport your pets and plants
- Schedule an appointment with your veterniarian clinic and get your pets shots updated
- Notify the administration at your children's school and have records and credentials transferred to your new location
- Contact your utility and related service companies to disconnect or transfer service to your new home
- Arrange for transfer of coverage with your insurance company
- Plan a garage sale to sell items you won't be taking with you, or if you are donating, obtain receipts for possible tax deductions
Three Weeks Ahead
- Make travel arrangements and/or reservations for your moving trip
- Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open new accounts in your new location
One Week Ahead
- Make sure your car is serviced and checked for problems
- Remove contents of your safe deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books, and any rented videos
Three Days Ahead
- Defrost your refrigerator and freezer and have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move
- Pack your personal items in a box that you will need immediately after arrival in your new home. Be sure to carry this with you in the car
- Cancel telephone and home deliveries such as newspapers
Moving Day
- Leave keys for your old property with your Realtor or neighbors
- Be sure someone is present to meet direct the movers