Relocation Information

The act of moving – even from one home to another in the same city – causes a significant amount of stress. If the move involves relocating to another home 500 miles away or 50 miles or only 5 miles away, boxes must be packed, utility and credit card companies notified, drivers license address changed, etc., etc. We at Pensacolahomestore feel that this list of tips and reminders will help to make your move a bit smoother and alleviate some of your stress if you make a list and follow a plan:

Six Weeks Before the Move

Ask for recommendations regarding which mover to use. Speak to friends, relatives, colleagues at work and your real estate agent. Get at least three estimates before making your final decision as to which mover you will sign up with. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there have not been any complaints lodged against the mover you choose.
Clean out your garage and your closets if you have not already done so in preparation for your home sale. Items that are in usable condition can be donated to charity. Most charitable organizations have trucks that pick up clothing and furniture from donors.
Any items that were not donated to charity might bring in some extra cash at a garage sale.
Fill out post office Change of Address cards.

Four Weeks Before the Move

Call utility companies and make arrangements to shut off service one day after moving out of your old home.
Call utility companies in your new area and make arrangements to turn on service one day before you move into your new home.
Arrange for transfer of school records.
Ask your doctor and dentist for medical and dental referrals in your new area.

Three Weeks Before the Move

Begin using perishable foods in your refrigerator that will not be replenished.
Stock up on packing boxes from the moving company.
Begin packing. Start with the items that no one will need until the move into your new home is complete. Each box should be numbered and entered onto a master list to correspond with items and room where the individual box will be unpacked.

Two Weeks Before the Move

Notify all credit card companies of your new address.
Inform your insurance companies of your new address so they can transfer policies.
Call repair people and contractors to arrange for any work that needs to be done in your new home.

One Week Before the Move

If you will be driving to your new home, pack a box to take with you in the car containing items the family will need upon arrival and to use on the first day – such as toothbrushes, tooth paste, soap, towels, shampoo, paper cups and plates, a coffee maker, bottled water, etc.
Cancel newspaper delivery.
Arrange to have someone at the new house on the day before Moving Day to let the utility workers inside, if necessary.
Empty and clean out refrigerator on the day before your move.

On Moving Day:

Check closets, storage areas, garage and behind doors to be sure that no items have been left behind in the house you are leaving.
Before you sign off on the moving bill, check to see if any of your belongings have been damaged.
Be sure that all boxes and furniture have been removed from the moving van.
Unless other arrangements have been made, you should be prepared to pay the movers with either cash, a Cashier's Check or Traveler's Checks.

Enjoy your new home!