Buyers Guide
The Move
- Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack. Also, decide
whether moving yourself or whether hiring a professional moving company
is better for you and your needs.
- Add up all the moving costs you may incur such as boxes, truck rental,
gas, and insurance. Compare this cost to the cost of hiring a professional
moving company.
- Also take into account if you will have the time to pack, move and unpack
your belongings. If you can take the appropriate time off of work, will
you have enough people who would be willing to help you? Will you be driving
the rental truck, and if not do you know someone who could?
- If you choose to hire a professional moving company consider these options:
- Look at a few different companies and what they offer, get written quotes
from each to compare. Perhaps a family member or friend will refer a company.
- Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost
or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check your existing homeowner
or renter's policy.
- Determine if you want to do the packing or unpacking - some companies
offer this service for an additional cost.
- Once this has all been decided, make another list of the little things
people often forget to keep in mind on the day of the move (some may have
to be done a week before the move):
- Have copies of new address handy for those helping you
- Complete a change of address with the post office and let others know
of your address change (lights, water, phone etc)
- Keep some cleaning supplies out so you are able to clean after the house
is empty
- Leave some toilet paper in the bathrooms of both the new and the old
house
- Reserve the elevator in your building if you live in an apartment
- Double check closets, drawers, shelves etc to be sure nothing was left
behind
- Carry important information, currency and jewelry yourself
- Make arrangements for your pets. Most times the animals can be moved in
your personal vehicle. Remember to keep the food, food dishes and water
dish out as well. Also keep in mind that some animals can get vehicle sickness
- for longer moves, see your vet.
