MOVING! The very thought of it can send chills down our spine and can cause us to break out into a cold sweat. Experts say that any kind of "change" creates "stress". This can be a double whammy because stress can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. Many of us tend to procrastinate during stressful periods of our lives. This is one time, though, when we must rise above that. When preparing for your move, whether it's within the same town or far from Vermont, you need to put the pedal to the metal and get a lot of things done. This checklist contains many suggestions that may seem like "no-brainers". However, the very act of printing out these simple suggestions and reminders can become a significant security blanket as the dreaded time approaches. Moving and relocating calls for being proactive, grabbing the bull by the horns and actually completing certain chores well in advance of their deadlines.
Get rid of what you don't need.
One thing that we can accomplish immediately is going through all of our "stuff". Moving unwanted clothing and items of little value from one residence to another is a great waste of time and effort. It is surprising how much more in control we feel once we start narrowing down our "inventory" to what we actually need to keep. Getting rid of unwanted items can be done by having a garage sale before moving time and donating the leftovers to the Salvation Army or other charitable groups. If you're in need of someone to help you haul out unwanted items, please refer to our list of service providers to help you.
In Chittenden County, you can donate your unwanted items to some very good causes including:
- Goodwill- Has locations throughout Chittenden County to donate clothing and household items
- ReSource (formerly Recycle North)- accepts donated items of household items and may offer pick up service, if available.
- Chittenden Solid Waste District- has a drop off location for your hazardous waste such as paints, oils, etc.
Consider a professional mover.
When it comes to moving, particularly if you are also buying or selling a home, this may be a particularly stressful time. Why not consider enlisting some professional support? As soon as you have a tentative date in mind, contact a professional moving company and ask about the services they provide. Often the mover will come out to your home to provide a written quote, as well as an idea of the length of time it will take to pack and prepare for your move.
On moving day you will certainly appreciate having a professional move your valuable furniture and personal possessions. Please feel free to contact these movers who have assisted hundreds of our clients.
Prepare well in advance for living at your new location.
There are many things that we can do at our new location well in advance of our move that will help smooth out the bumps and grinds of our relocation process when the actual event occurs: Open up new bank accounts. Open up a new Safe Deposit Box. Contact the new area utility companies and arrange for your new services. These can include Cable TV, gas, electricity, oil, telephone, water and Internet access. Arrange for new medical providers. If you are moving to a new state, contact the DMV and get forms necessary to re-register your vehicles. Contact your insurance companies and find out if your car insurance, homeowner's insurance, etc. can be transferred. If not, find an Insurance Broker in your new area and discuss your needs and requirements for new policies. Go to the post office and get a moving kit. Prepare change of address forms for all of your correspondents; credit card companies, other credit accounts, banks, insurance companies, current utility companies for final statements, magazines and other subscriptions, family, friends, and any other persons or businesses that you correspond with on a regular basis.
As the time approaches, get a nice new legal pad.
As moving day approaches and when the moving process actually begins, you don't want to be hunting for phone numbers in wallets, purses, or address books. Have a nice new legal pad ready with all important phone numbers written clearly and legibly for both your old and new contacts: Banks, Doctors, Emergency contacts, Family members, Friends, Landlords or Real Estate Brokers, Movers, Pharmacies Schools, Storage Facilities, Utilities.
With proper planning and preparation the moving process, though never fun, can at least be sane. With proper planning and preparation, the utilities at your present address can be disconnected the day after you move and the utilities at your new address can be connected the day prior to your arrival. With proper planning and preparation, you will not be frantically searching for a new doctor or pharmacy, if that unfortunate need arises. With proper planning and preparation, you will have all of your important documents at the tip of your fingers at all times. With proper planning and preparation your mail will start arriving the day after you move into your new abode and your life will endure a minimum of chaos and clutter.
Good luck with your move and good luck in your new home or apartment!
