You
have to live somewhere when you move. We can help you locate a home
or apartment. Or, we can help you sell your existing home. Please
contact Idamarie Cañas for assistance at 760-373-8636, x217.
Start
becoming familiar with your new community. Contact the California
City Chamber of Commerce to request information on schools, parks
and recreation, community calendars and maps.
If
you need a mover, ask friends, relatives and business associates
about good moving companies they have used and liked. Use caution,
though -- if you have never heard of a particular moving company
and you have no references from your sources, be very careful.
Don't just grab a super-low price from a unknown firm. There are
plenty of quality "name" movers to choose from, which
will be cheaper than the cost of loss if you choose a bad mover!
Save
on taxes. Ask the IRS for information about tax deductions on moving
expenses and what receipts you'll need to keep. If you have a family
or home-based business, a good CPA can save you thousands in taxes!
Contact
your insurance company to arrange the transfer of your property,
fire, auto and medical insurance.
Contact
your new community or state to find out about vehicle or other licensing
and insurance requirements. Be sure to check about pet licenses,
vehicle inspection requirements and similar regulations.
Contact
a travel agency and save money by making any necessary hotel, temporary
accommodations or airline reservations early.
If
you have a safe deposit box, call your bank to find out how to transfer
your bank accounts as well.
Wills,
stock certificates and important items (jewelry, photos, home videos)
are difficult or impossible to replace. Plan to carry them with
you instead of packing them.
Sit
down and organize your move. Take an objective look at what you
own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Make a
list separating items to leave behind, items you need help moving,
and items you'll need to replace in the new home.
The
last couple of weeks...
Clean
out everything and get rid of anything you aren't bringing with
you. For each item you aren't going to take with you, decide whether
you'll sell it, give it away to charity or otherwise dispose of
it before your move.
Make
sure you have a list of replacement costs for all belongings, in
case there is moving damage.
Contact
your children's schools and arrange to transfer their school records.
If
you're changing communities, obtain copies of your family's medical
and dental records.
Transfer
all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town. When
organizing dental and medical records, be sure to include prescriptions,
eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.
Got
pets? Don't forget to get copies of veterinary records.
Return
library books or any other borrowed items.
Collect
all DSL equipment, cable boxes, garbage bins and similar items,
and arrange to return them if needed.
Contact
any clubs or associations you are affiliated with for information
on transferring, selling or ending your memberships.
Plan
meals that will use up the food in your freezer.
Have
your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
Click
here to fill out a Change of Address form. Or, visit your local
post office, pickup a Mover's Guide and complete the form. Inform
everyone of your new address.
Let
the IRS know where you're going. Click
here to go to an IRS Change of Address form.
Make
arrangements to disconnect gas, electric and other utilities. Since
you will want to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone) still
connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected from
your present home after your scheduled move-out.
Decide
what you're bringing with you in the car or plane. Prepare a "Trip
Kit" for moving day. This kit should contain the things you'll
need while you're belongings are in transit.
Last
minute - everything is almost ready...
Start
collecting boxes, packing materials and other suitable containers
if you plan to do the packing yourself. There are box stores and
storage companies in your area or online, and you can obtain all
your packing needs for a reasonable price, then resell them when
you unpack.
Get
rid of all flammables. Dispose of household chemicals like oil paint
- there are places you can go to do this safely. Drain all oil and
gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation.
Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Days
before the move...
Begin
packing, using the priority of items less-used first. Pack suitcases
with the clothes and toiletries you'll need. Pack any special boxes
with other essentials you'll need for the first few days in your
new home.
Take
down curtains and curtain rods. Empty, defrost and clean the refrigerator.
Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry. Clean and air out
your stove.
Collect
all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place.
If
you're using a moving company, make sure you're at home when the
movers arrive so you can sign an inventory sheet. Be sure to walk
around with the crew chief while he or she does the inventory. Keep
your signed bill of lading and inventory sheet in an easily accessible
place. Check with the driver to ensure he or she has the correct
delivery address and phone number. Confirm the expected delivery
time at your new location with the driver.
Before
you leave, do a final walkthrough of every room.
