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- Develop a master “to do” list so you won't forget something critical.
- Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.
- Don't throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you'd feel if you no longer had it.
- Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.
- Decide what if anything you plan to move yourself. Precious items, such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move, should probably stay with you.
- Use the right box for the item. Loose items encourage breakage.
- Put heavy items in small boxes so they're easier to lift. Keep weight under 50 lbs. if possible.
- Don't over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.
- Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
- Label every box on all sides. You never know how they'll be stacked and you don't want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what's there.
- Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
- Keep your moving documents together, including phone numbers, driver's name, and van number. Also keep your address book handy.
- Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
- Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
- Remember, most movers won't take plants.
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- Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually two to four weeks ahead of the move.
- Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.
- Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.
- Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.
- Cancel the newspaper.
- Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
- Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.
- Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.
- Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.
- Have a “first open” box with the things you'll need most—toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.
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- Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
- Get copies of children's school records for transfer.
- Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.
- Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
- Let a friend or relative know your route.
- Carry traveler's checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.
- Empty your safety deposit box.
- Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you're moving in cold weather.
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- The closing date . See if the date the buyer wants to take title is reasonable for you.
- Date of possession . See if the date the buyer wants to move in is reasonable for you.
- The earnest money . Look for the largest earnest-money deposit possible; since it is forfeited if the buyer backs out, a large deposit is usually a good indication of a sincere buyer.
- Fixtures and personal property . Check the list of items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it's acceptable.
- Repairs . Determine what the requested repairs will cost and whether you're willing to do the work or would rather lower the price by that amount.
- Contingencies . See what other factors the buyer wants met before the contract is final—inspections, selling a home, obtaining a mortgage, review of the contract by an attorney. Set time limits on contingencies so that they won't drag on and keep your sale from becoming final.
- The contract expiration date . See how long you have to make a decision on the offer.
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