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May 2002
Moving time
Moving gives you a chance to get rid of the old and bring in the new. It creates an opportunity for you and your family to go through those old photo albums that have been collecting dust. It gives you a chance to create positive changes in your home.
Once you have found a home with the help of your realtor, moving is the last step of the home buying process. Whether you are moving down the street or to a whole new community, the most important thing to remember is to be organized.
Moving can be a cleansing process. It's an opportunity to get rid of the clutter that has been building for years and make a fresh start in your new home. Follow these tips to make the process smoother.
When packing:
- Gather packing materials such as: boxes, packing tape, markers, utility knife, newspaper, bubble wrap, scissors, dolly;
- Set up a work area: a large table works well;
- Make sure all packing materials are dry, clean and secure;
- Do not load more than 50 pounds into a box;
- Label your boxes indicating: what room it belongs in, if it is fragile, what the contents are inside;
- Be certain to cushion your boxed contents with bubble wrap, newspaper or old sheets;
- Pack the medicine cabinet contents in a leak-proof container;
- Place plants in cardboard containers. Use wet paper to hold them in place and to keep them damp.
Before moving:
- Fill out a change of address form at the post office;
- Switch utilities to your new address;
- Inform newspapers, magazine subscriptions etc. of your new address;
- Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered;
- Clean clothing and rugs that will be moved;
- Arrange help for the moving day or consider hiring a moving company;
- Work out a floor plan for your new home so you and those helping you can place the furniture in the right spot;
- Plan meals that will use up perishable and frozen foods;
- Defrost and dry your freezer and refrigerator the night before you move;
- Buy only what you will use before moving.
On moving day:
- Double check all drawers, dressers, shelves and closets to make sure nothing is being left behind;
- Personally transport all your important documents and jewellery;
- Check to see if boxes are being unloaded in the correct rooms;
- Unpack perishable foods;
- Don't begin the remainder of the unpacking until all boxes are moved from your old home;
- When all boxes are moved and you begin unpacking, unpack room by room;
- Make sure you eat to keep up your energy level.
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