Get Ready to Move

The paperwork is all signed, you have a mortgage, and there is a "SOLD" sticker on your new home. The following are some tips you may want to consider before and after you move

Things to Consider Before You Move

1) The less you have to pack, the better and easier it is for you. Get rid of as much as you can by having a yard sale or donating to charities.

2) Start saving boxes, newspapers and other packing materials. Re-using boxes will save you money and will also help the environment.

3) You may want to give your new home a good professional clean before it gets filled with boxes and furniture. Things that you thought may have needed to be replaced may just need a good scrubbing. This will help you assess what renovation work needs to be done.

4) Schedule any repair or renovation work about four to six months before you move. If you are thinking of replacing the carpet or having the walls re-painted, it is easier to do this without furniture or possessions in the house.

5) Contact your utility and billing companies to let them know of your move and new address. Two to three weeks before you move you should consider setting up your telephone, electricity, cable, gas, water and other services. You will also want to cancel current services to your old residence.

6) Change the locks on your new property. This will give you security and peace of mind. You might want to do this as soon as you take possession of the house.

Things to Consider After You Move

1) Be sure to have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor in your home and one in the kitchen.

2) Get the family together and plan your evacuation routes in case of an emergency. Just a few minutes of discussion could ease your mind and potentially save the life of you or a loved one.

3) Find the Off Switch. Locate the main water shut-off and make sure all household members know where it is located.

4) Locate the main circuit panel or fuse box. You may want to also ensure that all switches or fuses are correctly and clearly labeled.