RELOCATION GUIDELINES
"I've Been Transferred... We have to move..."
These very words strike fear into even the most self-assured. Having the unexpected challenge of selling your home while finding a new one in an unknown community – in a hurry - is daunting.
Following are helpful guidelines. Consult them as you go. Call me – I can help you understand your options on this end.
Take advantage of company relocation benefits
- » Relocation and housing assistance
- » Relocation counselors can help anticipate aspects of the move and effectively manage the process.
They can also aid you in decision-making and help you approach the move with a positive attitude. - » Financial assistance
Rent or buy? Owning should be less expensive than renting. Here's a guideline that may change the way you view your seemingly cheap monthly rent. In order for you to see how expensive a home you could afford to buy while having the same approximate monthly cost as your current rent, simply do the following calculation:
Take your monthly rent, multiply by 200 = purchase price of home
Example: $ 2000 x 200 = $400,000
Familiarize yourself with the real estate market in Davis or surrounding Yolo County towns.
Evaluate your new community. Read through the abundant and current information provided to you here such factors as commuting; school systems; parks; libraries and community facilities; property tax rates and other taxes; crime rates; cost of living; current and historical property values; age and character of neighborhoods; recreation; outdoor activities and arts; community organizations such as churches, charities and sports clubs; shopping; health care; and other amenities, services and costs.
Determine your price range. Many advisors recommend that your debt ratio be no greater than 36% of your gross monthly income. In other words, when combined, a car loan, tuition loan, credit card debt, property taxes, insurance, mortgage and other debts should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. The best way to determine your price range is to obtain pre-approval from a home mortgage lender. Don't be afraid to speak with a lender to find out where you stand, as most preliminary evaluations are free. You may even find out that you can afford to buy the home that you NEVER thought that you could!
Communicate. Verify that I know exactly what you need and want. Take photographs of your current home or clip pictures from magazines to illustrate the kinds of features you'd like in a new home.. If you don't understand what's going on, don't hesitate to ask questions.
Most important of all, approach your relocation with a positive attitude. Moving can be painful or joyous, depending on whom you consult, how well you plan, and how openly you approach the task. Through a process of sound decision-making, you can banish the relocation jitters and ensure a smooth start to a new life.
A LESS STRESSFUL MOVING EXPERIENCE
You can't put enough importance on organization... Plan, and plan early. Here are considerations:
1. How will you be moving (rental truck, moving company, a friend's pickup)? If you are renting a truck or hiring movers, get a number of quotes. Make sure you've hired the movers or reserved the truck at least a few weeks in advance.
2. Check your insurance. Make sure that your renters insurance will cover your belongings during the move. If it won't, purchase a rider or separate moving policy. Most moving companies offer some insurance as part of the moving price; make sure this will cover full replacement value for any items lost or damaged during the move.
3. Gather important papers. Bank statements, bills, medical records, veterinarian records, insurance records, school records, the mover's contract, leases, mortgage papers, deeds, car records and other documents should be kept together in a briefcase or small file box and never packed.
4. Turn on utilities. Contact the utility companies at your new home and give them your move-in date. This will ensure that you have a phone and electricity when you get there. Likewise, notify your current utility companies of your move-out date (have utilities turned off the day after you leave) and new address (so they can send the final bill).
5. Notify the post office of your change of address. The post office can also supply you with change of address postcards for magazine subscriptions, credit cards, banks, friends, and anyone else who needs your new address.
6. Get plenty of boxes -- you can usually return those you don't use. Also get plenty of heavy duty plastic tape and bubble wrap or clean paper. Most movers and truck rental companies have calculators to help you determine how many boxes you need.
7. Purge ruthlessly. Take an objective look at your belongings and ask yourself, "is this so important that I am ready to pack it up, load it on a moving van, unload it, unpack it, and find it a place in my new home?" If the answer is "no," discard it. Hold a yard sale if you can; give things away; donate items to Goodwill or like organizations; give them to a thrift shop, shelter or other charity. Think of the move as a great opportunity to do that spring cleaning you've never quite gotten around to.
8. Pack. And keep your packing organized. As you pack each box, keep an inventory, and number each one. Pack one room at a time. You can even color code the box labels by room. (Remember, things should be labeled with their destination at the new home.) You should start your packing early with those things you won't need until after the move. Make sure to use bubble wrap or clean paper to protect breakables.
9. Keep a box of cleaning supplies. Most leases will require that you do some basic cleaning before leaving, so keep cleaning supplies together, and clean each room as it is emptied. When you get to the other end, you will be ready to do any necessary cleaning at your new home.
10. Beat the movers. If you are using a moving company, make sure you are at your new home (with a cashier's check or money order for payment) before the movers arrive. They will want to be paid before they unload the truck, and you will want to direct them where to put your stuff.
CHOOSE A MOVING COMPANY
Check with friends and neighbors to see if they can recommend a mover.
Call your local Better Business Bureau or consumer office to find out if a mover you're considering has been hit with complaints.
Get the names of two or three movers from the phonebook or companies you've seen around town. Go to the companies' headquarters and look around. Is the place clean and organized? Do the trucks appear to be in good shape? You can tell a lot by looking at a place.
Moving from one state to another? Your mover must have authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Call the agency at 800-832-5660 and opt for Menu No. 1.
Call the AMSA's membership department at 703-683-7410 to see if the mover is a member or to see if a company is an agent for a van line.
Avoid moving at the end or beginning of the month when the schedules of most moving companies are filled. You can save time and money by planning your move for a weekday instead of busier weekends. And remember the worst time of the year to move is around three summer season holiday weekends: Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day. They're long weekends and they come at the end of the month.
The Estimate: The cost of an interstate move, according to the AMSA, is based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services you may need. Movers will give you an estimate to help you anticipate the cost of your move - but only after they've come to your house. Real professionals will not give estimates over the phone, They will send someone to the home and find out what the customer's needs are.
PREPARING TO MOVE
This section contains answers to questions most commonly asked by families on the move.
Packing The bigger the box, the heavier it is likely to be once packed! Having ample boxes on hand will help insure that you don’t risk back injury by over packing your boxes. Pack by room for your new house, being careful not to mix items from several rooms in one box. This will make it easier to find everything later. Place heavier items towards the bottom of the box and lighter items towards the top. Be sure to secure the bottom box flaps with moving tape (masking tape is not as strong) before filling the box.
Pack one box with essential items you will need throughout your moving process. Having the following items accessible to you will save you time and money: coffee cups, local phone book, instant coffee, tea, soft drinks, tape, snacks, bath towels, paper plates, trash bags, plastic silverware, toiletries, paper towels, flashlight, toilet paper, utility knife, pencil/paper, bar soap, dishwashing liquid, utility knife, scissors pencil / paper, aspirin.
Plants and Animals Many movers do not transport plants or animals. Make arrangements to move plants and pets a few weeks before the move. This is also a good time to take pets to the veterinarian for immunization and to order new identification tags. Attach them to your pet(s) collar just prior to the move.
Your pet may also need a Health Certificate to enter another state. You can find out about your new state’s pet entry laws and regulations by calling the State Veterinarian Office for that state.
Computers It is important to pack your computer properly for the big move. The safest packing materials for computers are the original box and styrofoam. If you can not find the original box, use a sturdy container with proper packing materials.
Make sure that you have backup copies of all your files and store the backup disks in a safe place. Remove any floppy disks from the drives and check to make sure the drive doors are closed before you pack the computer.
Clean Up When packing, be sure to leave out cleaning supplies for that final cleaning, or arrange for a cleaning service to come and perform the job. To make the job go quickly, clean one room at a time. Start at the door and work your way right to left, top to bottom. The floor should be the last thing you clean in each room. Vacuum vinyl and wood floors before you mop. Remember, the cleaner it looks and smells, the cleaner it is.
A few tips to ensure a shiny home: Use products that have a good smell and can do a great job. Remember, the cleaner it smells, the cleaner it is. Do not leave a room until it is completely finished. Do not spray cleaning products directly onto counters or glass, instead, spray them onto a cloth and then wipe the surface. If you have hard water stains on your bathroom fixtures, use a pumice stick to help rub them away.
To clean those hard to reach areas around water faucets, use an old toothbrush. Clean one room at a time, giving each one special attention. Start with the door of the room and clean right to left, then top to bottom.
Where do you find those Boxes? You can purchase boxes, moving tape, bubble paper, foam peanuts, and other packing materials through your moving or truck rental company. It may be possible that your moving company sells used boxes at a discounted rate. Many grocery and liquor stores will give you their used boxes for free, however these boxes may house roaches or other pests which you will not want to take with you to your new abode.
Old newspapers make very affordable packing materials. Be sure to save your newspapers for several weeks before you begin packing, for ample supply. (Be careful, the newsprint will rub off onto your hands and the items you are packing. Be sure to protect linens in plastic bags before placing next to newsprint, and be sure to wash your hands before you touch any upholstered items.)
Storage It is often a good idea to select a storage facility in your old location and then have movers transport you items to the new location once you are settled in your new home. Choose a storage facility based on the items that are to be stored. A climate-controlled facility is recommended for items such as antiques, artwork and electronics, if you are located in the extreme north or south. If the contents of the unit can not be easily damaged, a regular space is fine. There are various methods of payment and terms involved in renting a storage unit. Some companies will lease on a month-to-month basis, but some require a longer contract. Many require a deposit or first and last months’ rent. Some storage facilities allow payment in full upon rental or you can pay monthly. Many can automatically charge to your credit card for convenience. Be sure to check the company’s insurance policy and find out if you need to have your stored items insured.
Miscellaneous
Before leaving your old home, be sure to collect all extra spare keys from neighbors and hiding places. Also, do not forget to leave any garage door openers for the new owners of your old home.
Make sure to empty your safety deposit box and pick up all items on layaway, those at the dry cleaners, items being repaired, etc.
Try to establish a checking account in your new location about a month before your arrival. This ensures you will be able to start using your account immediately. Obtain forms for transferring drivers’ licenses and voter registration cards about a month before your move. Also obtain copies of your medical records to transport to your new location. Pack up some phone books from your old location. You might need those numbers again!
Income Taxes If your move is job related, you can deduct the cost of moving trucks needed to move from your old home to your new one. You can also deduct the cost of packing and unpacking (by professionals). There are other deductible items such as the cost of shipping your car, storage and household pets. These deductions can really add up, so check with you local IRS office to get more details. There is a cap on how much of your moving expenses you are able to deduct and you will want to be sure you qualify for this moving perk.
Change of Address 4 weeks prior to your move, complete a change of address form available at any United States Post Office. Also, do not forget to notify friends and family, periodicals, and billing companies of your address change. It is also helpful to keep your new address handy in a purse or wallet, just incase the new address slips your mind and you need to pass it on to a friend. Also at this time, schools need to be notified of a child’s transfer. Obtain a notarized permanent school record and check into pre-registration procedures for any new school(s).
Transferring Utilities In all of the confusion, it is easy to forget to transfer your utilities. It is best to contact the power, gas and phone, cable and Internet companies in your area two weeks prior to your move date to have your service transferred. Be prepared to furnish your complete new address and cut-on, cut-off dates. You may be charged a small deposit if prior service was not in your name. For convenience, most utilities will allow you overlapping service at both addresses for several days, to allow you to return to your old address for final clean-up, etc.
Garage Sale Guidelines Having a garage sale prior to your move can save you money in two ways! You'll not only have some extra money in your pocket, but you'll also be getting rid of some of the things you own, thereby having fewer items to move.
Have your sale on the weekend and when the weather is mild. To catch all interested buyers, hold a two-day sale. Holding a garage sale can be exhausting, so be sure to have someone there to help you throughout the day.
The golden rule of garage sales is "anything goes." If you have doubts whether something will sell, put it out anyway. Remember that your junk just may be another person's treasure.
Think about where you're moving and what items might be obsolete there. That snow blower will go unused in Miami, and some items might cost more to move than to replace--firewood, for example. When pricing items for sale, be realistic. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes: How much would you be willing to pay for clothing that went out of style 10 years ago?
Keep the set up simple and organized. Arrange tables for your goods so that browsers have room to walk. If possible, make an electrical outlet available to test appliances.
Secure all cash that you receive in a strongbox or piggybank. Keep out only enough money to make change and put the rest in the house. Don't accept checks unless you're well-acquainted with the buyer.
Place a classified ad in local papers, featuring your best or most unusual items. Take advantage of any free advertising in your community--bulletin boards in your supermarket, church, school or club. Consider putting up signs on your front lawn and at nearby street corners a day or two before your sale. Also, many local radio stations have swap-and-shop programs where you can have your sale announced free.
Consider donating unsold items to charitable organizations. Some will send a truck to your home to pick up the goods. Be sure to get a receipt, as your donation may be tax-deductible.
If an item has no resale value, if it has no practical or sentimental value, and if it's inappropriate as a charitable donation, simplify your life and just throw it out. It'll reduce the cost of your move and make settling into your new home much easier.
MOVING CHECKLIST
It's really never too soon to begin planning for a move, and veteran movers have found that a comprehensive timetable and checklist is the best strategy to ensure a smooth relocation. It's also a great way to involve the entire family in the move and to spread some of the responsibilities to each person, including your children.
You'll feel a sense of accomplishment as items are checked off. Moreover, as the weeks roll by, your checklist will help ensure that nothing has been overlooked or omitted from your planning, and that alone will go a long way toward relieving some of your anxiety.
- Eight Weeks Before
- Six Weeks Before
- Four Weeks Before
- Three Weeks Before
- Two Weeks Before
- One Weeks Before
- Two-to-Three Days Before
- Moving Day
- At Destination
Eight Weeks Before
Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement, storage shed etc. Use things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies. Obtain information about your new community. Secure a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep. Start a possessions inventory. Don't forget your child's video game system it will only make life harder on you. Solicit estimates from at least three moving companies. Call your homeowners insurance agent to find out to what degree your move is covered. Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts. Arrange to transfer your children’s school records.
Contact the IRS and/or your CPA for tax-deductible information. Evaluate your possessions inventory. Can you donate anything? Do you need it all? Notify your friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc. Subscribe to a local paper in your new community and familiarize yourself with local government, community, and social news and activities. Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable). Locate high-quality health-care professionals and hospitals in your new location. Complete a change of address via post-office cards or an online service for the following: Banks; Charge cards; Religious organizations; Doctors/dentist; Relatives and friends; Income tax bureau/Social Security Administration/union; Insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/ stockbroker; Magazines; Post office; and Schools. Clean your closets. Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities. Choose a mover. Contact your mover to make arrangements and inquire about insurance coverage. If relocating due to a job, contact your employer to see what costs, if any, they will cover.
Start packing! Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair/cleaning as needed. Gather auto licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation, etc. Contact gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection companies for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. Also ask for final readings. Request refunds on unused homeowner's insurance, security deposit with landlord, and prepaid cable service. Notify your gardener, snow removal service, and pool service (if applicable). Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
Make your travel plans. Arrange to close current bank accounts and open accounts in your new locale. Notify the heir to your oil fortune (if necessary). Notify your state's Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address. Arrange for childcare on moving day. NOTE: For apartment dwellers, reserve the elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
Arrange special transport for your pets and plants. Service your car for the trip. Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move.
Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary with emergency numbers for your moving company. Settle outstanding bills with local retailers. Pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and rented videotapes. Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records. Drain gas and oil from power equipment. Give away plants not being moved. Cancel newspaper delivery. Buy two-weeks worth of medication and have your prescriptions forwarded to your new pharmacy. Buy traveler's checks. Make arrangements to pay for your move.
If you’re not doing it yourself, have your mover pack. Defrost refrigerators and freezers. Consider gathering all valuables and giving them to family or friends to hold until the move is completed. Disconnect all major appliances. Contact your moving company for any updates. Pack first-night items and a survival kit. Keep them in separate boxes in your car. First Night Items: Sheets, Towels, Toiletries, Phone, Alarm Clock, Change of Clothes, and Flashlight Mover's Survival Kit: Scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking and/or duct tape, trash bags, shelf liner, and aspirin or ibuprofen.
Be home to answer any questions your mover may have. Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, and water). Stay until your movers are finished. Complete information on the bill of lading and carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it. Keep your copies of the bill of lading and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled. Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything. Give movers the directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.
Unpack first-night items and mover's survival kit. Be at the destination to welcome the movers and be on hand to answer any questions. After the job is completed, pay what is owed. The driver is obligated by law (a Federal requirement for interstate moves) to collect payment upon delivery. Scrutinize the unloading of your items and account for each one on your inventory sheet. Check promptly and carefully for any damaged or missing items. Place moving and other important documents in a safe place. Go to the post office and collect held mail.
