Relocation Tips

Getting Started

It is never too early to start planning for moving day. The moving process is not just about packing up and moving in, as it can be a very emotional time for you and your family. Therefore, a little planning can help ease the stress and make the entire process a smooth and positive experience.

As you start to think about your move, the following suggestions may help get you started:

• Begin assembling items for a garage sale. There's no sense moving items you don't plan on using in your new home. Also, you can store important items that you are not using, but are getting in the way of the packing process.
• Prepare/update household inventory by writing a list and taking pictures. This will help you to get organized for mapping out where things will go when you move. Additionally, the same list can be used when you call for new homeowners insurance with your present provider or ERA's Select Service partner Home Owner's Select.
• While inquiring about homeowner's insurance, make sure you do the same for your car.
• With an inventory list in hand, start collecting estimates from moving companies. Have them come to your house to give you an accurate estimate for the move. ERA's Select Services partner National Van Lines can even help you with moving supplies like packing tape, boxes and bubble wrap to secure your valuables.
• If you're moving to a new area, think about what special needs you might have, such as finding a veterinarian, doctors and mechanics. Ask your present service providers if they have any recommendations in your new area.
• Notify your doctors of your move. If necessary, ask them to make copies of your records so that you can provide them to your new doctor. Also remember to notify your landlord, childcare provider and church.

Friends and Family

Whether you are moving because of a new job or to a larger home, relocating does not only impact you; it impacts your friends and family. This is a good time to plan a going away party before things get too hectic and the boxes start piling up in the living room. It's also a good opportunity for you to make sure that your address book is up-to-date.

If you're moving with children, give special attention to their needs, as moving can be very traumatic for youngsters. Ease the move by taking them to visit their friends, or help them make a scrap book of their home that's filled with lots of pictures of the house, friends and local attractions they often visited with loved ones.

• Begin collecting boxes and moving supplies, which are available through National Van Lines.
• Start the packing process with items that you do not use often. Let the kids start to pack up some of their items to help them feel like an important part of the move.
• It's important to pack a "First Night Box" with items such as sheets, a change of clothes and cleaning items that you will need when you arrive at your new home.
• This is a good time to clean carpets and upholstery, and complete repairs the new buyer may have requested. If carpeting needs to be replaced, visit ERA's Select Services partner Flooring America.
• During this time, you should contact clubs or associations. For example, if you have a gym membership you might want to ask if your membership could be sold or transferred.
• If you have children that are of school age, then you need to register them at their new school. When contacting the school it is a good idea to ask for materials about curriculum, activities and sports. You can share this information with your children so that they can learn about their new school. Don't forget to collect all of their school records and have them forwarded to the new school.
• Keep your children involved in the move-let them pack and invite friends to the house for a sleep over party.
• Begin to prepare your pet for moving day. If you are moving a long distance, check with a vet about your pet's transportation needs. Also, obtain all of your pet's records so your new vet will know the animal's history of illness and vaccinations. If you plan to fly, call the airline to inquire about special requirements for traveling with a pet.
• If you are not moving right into your new home, now is a good time to make travel arrangements such as renting a car from Avis or arranging for a hotel. If you are taking your car to the new location, be sure to have it serviced for a safe and uneventful trip to your new home.
• Start getting your new home ready by calling local utilities that service your new home.
• Now is also a great time to think about new carpets or closet organizers for your new home so it's ready when you move in. Visit our Select Services section for information on our special offers on carpet and closet storage options.

Getting Close

Since you're getting very close to your moving date, now is the perfect time to look at your moving checklist to make sure that you're on schedule.

• If you're moving to or from a location that is unique (i.e. high rise), set up the proper reservations for the elevator/parking spot for move day.
• Check that school records have been forwarded.
• Clean basement, attic and cabinets while safely disposing of all flammables.
• Close safety deposit box and any other bank accounts that you will not be able to access at your new location.
• Contact the moving company to confirm your moving date and the address of your existing home and new address. You may also want to verify the type of payment and update them on any timing changes.
• Put together a "Travel Itinerary" with contact numbers for family and neighbors.
• Get traveler's checks/cash for trip expenses and to pay movers.
• You may also want to schedule delivery of any new furniture or appliances for your move day to take advantage of being at the house.
• Start a "move in" shopping list of groceries, cleaning supplies and house hold items that you may need.
• Plan furniture placement at your new home. This way when the movers are bringing furniture into your new home you have a good idea of where it should go to avoid having to move it again.
• Finally, pack all those items that you have been using.

The Days Before

Congratulations! Your big move is quickly approaching, but there is still a lot to be done. Undoubtedly, the next two days will be busy with all of the last minute details that lead up to the closing.

The Day Before Your Move

• Clean oven
• Empty and clean the refrigerator
• Pack a "picnic" for moving day
• Be sure your cell phone is charged for use on moving day
• Return leased cable boxes and telephones
• Confirm delivery of new appliances
• Finalize your travel plans

Moving Day

• Remove bedding; leave on mattress covers.
• Clean all rooms before leaving
• Final walk through
• Check attic and basement to be sure everything is on the truck
• Secure the house
• Be sure all windows and doors are locked
• Turn off lights, stove and oven
• Notify the security company when you have vacated
• Give the movers your travel itinerary

When You Arrive At Your Destination

• Contact the moving company's agent and inform him where and how you can be reached
• Make certain the house is ready for occupancy when the van arrives
• Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly
• Let family members or friends know you have arrived safely
• If not yet done, get in touch with the utility companies and make arrangements for service
• Be on hand to accept delivery of your furnishings. Appoint one person to supervise the move
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is any change in condition, note changes and/or missing items on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet. Personally report any loss/damage to the mover's agent immediately
• Be prepared to direct where each piece of furniture is to be placed
• Allow the children to help. Assign them light, but important, duties such as unpacking and arranging their own toys and possessions
• Make the beds so you can get a good night's rest before tackling things that must be done tomorrow
• Make the kitchen the first room you unpack. At least you'll be able to make a cup of coffee and have a snack!
• Take a break every couple of hours
• Hook up your TV and VCR and watch a familiar "feel good" movie the first evening
• Consider having the family evening meal at a restaurant on "moving-in" day.
• Take a few minutes to relax!