>If you thought that the stressors in your life consisted only of births,
deaths, marriages, organizing important events, divorces, and so on, you
can think again! Nothing can beat the headache of shifting from one residence
to another! There seems to be umpteen things to remember and complete!
Well, these few things we learned from our experiences might prove to
be useful to you—
(1) Since you are already well acquainted with your new residence, why
don’t you take the measurements of each room there? If you can spare a
little time to prepare maps of the rooms, you will be able to decide where
each piece of furniture should go; it aids in packing. As soon as you
enter your new house, post each map in its proper place. They will help
you remember and not put things in the wrong places; the movers can also
finish their work faster!
(2) Now, when your furniture is shifting its location, ensure that it
is well protected with plenty of blankets. The trucking company you hire
will provide them if you ask them, but they can prove a little expensive.
Maybe you should try a thrift store or Lowe’s or Home Depot—you can buy
them at lower prices, rather than rent them at higher prices.
(3) It might be advisable to have your carpets cleaned and laid out the
day before you actually move. Settling them down after you move in might
prove to be a little difficult. To ensure that they are not spoilt with
people tramping around during moving day, place mats on them,.
(4) Does your new residence need a fresh coat of paint—inside and outside?
Get it done before you move.
(5) Whatever utility services are there in your old house, they need
to be canceled at least a couple of weeks beforehand. So , ring up the
different utility companies and cancel current services, but provide new
ones at your new residence.
(6) Every bit of paper relating to settlements, moving contracts, essential
phone numbers, receipts and bills—have to be kept aside safely. Put them
into a folder for safekeeping. The folder can be placed in the glove compartment
of your car. It will not do to have these important documents packed along
with your things. It is possible that your move will get tax deduction.
(7) Now, you cannot open up all the boxes the minute you step into your
new residence! So list out all the things that you will require for the
first few days or even a week—a few plates and bowls, some utensils, a
can opener, a pot and a pan, towels, sheets, blankets, toilet paper, diapers,
supplies for pets if you have any, tinned food that can be easily cooked
and eaten, etc. These are to be packed separately in labeled boxes, and
either put into your car or onto the truck.
(8) Do not pack up cleaning equipment such as window cleaners, rags,
brooms, mops, paper towels, furniture polish, and so on. They will be
required immediately in the new house, as well as in the old one. The
people who will occupy your old residence after you will expect the place
to be reasonably clean!
(9) If you are going to be using separate automobiles to drive to your
new house, it is imperative that your spouse and you keep in touch. So
do not forget to have two cell phones or two two-way radios.
(10) Finally, if you are the parents of young kids, ensure that they
know about your plans for moving. You do not want to waste time looking
for lost furniture or lost children on “moving day”. They should be told
where they are to be on D-Day! Of course, they will not be able to sleep
peacefully for the first few days after moving in—so let them be aware
of it!
