Moving Checklist: 6 Weeks Before You Move

Published On: November 26, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Moving Checklist 6 Weeks Before You Move

Let’s say you’re moving in six weeks.

You could waste your time clicking on the real estate listing over and over, scrolling through pictures on the edge of your seat… or you could be productive. It’s time to get organized!

Sort Through Your Things

You’re moving in six weeks. It’s time to purge things from your current home. Too many people end up paying a mover or breaking their backs moving boxes of items and furniture that they don’t use at the new place. Take it one area at a time. Go through your bedroom closets. Take everything out. If you plan to take it with you, you can either box it up or put it back in your closet. If you don’t want it anymore, decide if you should donate the item or toss it. Choose one new area each day, so that you don’t become overwhelmed. While sorting, be sure to make a list of any valuables that you might want to insure during the move or that you might want to add to your future homeowners insurance policy.

Create A Moving Binder

Use this binder to keep track of everything. Record your estimates, keep your receipts, and keep an inventory.

Research Moving Companies

If you plan to use a moving company, start researching them now. Sometimes, they have a waiting list during busy months. Procrastination can cause you to miss out on the best movers in town. Narrow down your list after sorting through online reviews. Ask for onsite estimates from contenders. Get the estimates in writing.

Organize School Records

If you have children in school, make sure you have everything you will need for an easy transition into a new district. Scope out new schools. Ask for tours. Make sure you have copies of any IEPs, behavior plans or 504s that you might need if you have a student with special needs. Schools will transfer them at their leisure. If you have copies, you can be proactive. Find your children’s vaccination records. Most schools use online programs to verify vaccination status, but you should have a record on hand for a smoother transition. If your child requires a waiver, you will need to plan ahead. In Florida, Form DH 680 is used for medical exemptions. Florida will require a doctor’s statement. If you have a religious exemption, you will need Form DH 681 which is issued by county health departments. Square up with any library or lunch balances at the current school. Sometimes schools won’t transfer documents unless your accounts are current.

Take Care Of Fido

Look into pertinent requirements for dog licenses if you will be moving a furry friend into a new county. Also check into local ordinances that you might need. Be prepared! While you’re at it, keep track of veterinarians in the area. Know where the closest 24-hour vet to your new home is and write it down.

Order Moving Supplies

Order moving boxes and other supplies like bubble wrap and packing tape. Consider whether you need specialty containers like dish barrels or wardrobe boxes. Keep your receipts!

Measure Your Furniture

Measuring your furniture can ensure that you don’t get stuck in a bind at the door with movers. Make sure you know the dimensions of your large items. We’ve had clients tell us they couldn’t get their mattress into their upstairs bedroom. Issues can be avoided on moving day if you plan ahead!

There is so much to do right before you move. The last couple of weeks before closing are often spent re-emailing documents and proofs to lenders. Don’t expect to have any free time in the two weeks before your closing date. If you get organized now, you can save yourself an enormous headache later.

Are You Buying a Home in the Tampa Bay Area?

Call us at 727-584-8480 or 813-961-6000 if you’re looking for a home for sale in the Tampa area.

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