Are you about to move into a new home? That’s a good thing, and most likely, you’re happy about it. Regardless of why you are moving, there are some things you must do ASAP to make the process easier. Moving is not always stressful for everyone, but it tends to send anyone’s anxiety through the roof. So, if you do not want that possibility to become a reality, here are some tips that you can apply to your situation. With any luck, the entire process of moving will not be as difficult as it seems.
Decide What to Do With Your Car
One of the first decisions to make when moving is whether or not to bring your car along with you. You can sell it and buy a new vehicle once you get settled down in your new home. Those who choose to take their cars along will have to contend with figuring out how to transport them. An option would be to fill their car with their belongings and drive all the way to their new location. While that is a feasible option, it is not for everyone because a long drive with tons of baggage is stressful and uncomfortable. So, if you need help with transporting your vehicle, there are car shipping companies that will be more than happy to provide you with auto transport services.
When the distance is cross-country, auto transport typically happens by truck and trailer. Car owners who are particular about their vehicle’s protection can opt for closed transport. As the name implies, the trailer will be enclosed, with the walls and roof keeping the car safe from the elements. On the other hand, customers can opt for the cheaper service, open transport. With this option, their vehicles will be more exposed on the road, but they can save on the service fees.
Find a Reputable Moving Company
Unless you’re loading up the back of a pickup or renting a moving truck to carry all your belongings, you’re going to need professional movers to help you. The last thing you want to do is entrust this task to just any old company without being sure of their track record. Take some time to research to find a reputable and trustworthy business. Having confidence in your movers is one huge load off your back because you know that your treasured belongings are in good hands.
You might want to check the BBB or Better Business Bureau website to see how companies have fared with customer complaints over the years. Read testimonials and reviews on sites like Yelp to see what previous clients are saying. Consulting customer reviews will not only help you find the right service but also prevent you from hiring a business with bad service. You can also ask people who have moved recently to recommend professional movers that they have personally worked with. This extensive research will help you with your shortlist and give you the confidence to decide on who to hire eventually.
Turn Utilities on Three Weeks in Advance
Research shows that people moving into new homes must turn on all utilities at least three weeks before arriving on site. This will give them ample time to schedule appointments with service and repair companies for utilities that have issues. Common utilities that need checking include:
- Natural gas
- Water and sewer
- Electricity
- Trash service
- Internet and cable
Give People Your New Address
Before moving into your new home, share your new address with people who matter. For example, if you want family and friends to visit, make sure they know where you will be. You may also need to fill in your current employer on your whereabouts so they know where to send you your final check or tax documents. Credit card companies, family attorneys, physicians, and other organizations you are affiliated with would also need to know your new mailing address.
It is also important to update the postal service with your new address. This ensures that mail sent to your former address will be forwarded to your new home.
Cancel Subscriptions
Do you regularly get a local newspaper delivered to your current address? Unless you wish to pay for the service for the new occupants, reach out to the newspaper company and cancel the subscription. In the same way that you need to turn your utilities on in your new home, you also need to turn everything off at the home that you are leaving. If you fail to do so, bills will continually be sent to your old address even though you and your family have long gone. When the unpaid bills pile up, credit bureaus will receive a report on your delinquency, and your credit score will eventually take a hit. Rather than going through all that, just remember to cancel subscriptions you will no longer use.
Obtain a Home Warranty
If you are moving to a brand-new home with manufacturer and builder warranties, you probably will not need a home warranty until their current warranties expire. But if you are dealing with an old structure, it might be worthwhile to invest in a policy. When home systems fail, they are often pretty costly to fix. For instance, consumers typically spend around $1,700 to replace their water heaters. Meanwhile, replacing a central air conditioner and heating unit can run between $3,250 to $12,586.
These are considerable amounts of money. If you do not have that kind of cash, moving without a policy will be a challenge. Just imagine how hot it will get inside your house with no working air conditioner in the summertime. Or with a busted water heater, make sure you are ready for chilly showers when the winter months come around.
The cost of home warranties varies, but they range between $25 and $80 monthly. Once you get a policy and are in need of repairs covered by the plan, you can call the warranty company, which will send a technician. If there is a deductible due, the homeowner will have to pay for it at the time of service, unless other arrangements for payment have been made. The repair person will then repair or replace components and pieces to get your systems running like well-oiled machines again.
Some Last Words
If you follow the advice on this list ASAP, you can save yourself from many headaches and heartaches as you move to your new home. These tips will prevent you from being overwhelmed with your move, like many others who came before you. You owe it to yourself to plan your move wisely and make your life easier.