Issue Date: July 5, 2006

Things to do before you move

By Jody Zink
Licensed Realtor in Ohio & Michigan

There's always more than you think. If you're like me, you'll try to cram it all into just a few hours. (I'm getting better with the whole time management thing.) But in addition to packing up, you've got utilities to transfer, a fridge to clean out and sanity to keep. Here's ten tips, in no particular order:

1. Begin saving boxes and old newspapers to wrap glassware and china. You may want to double or triple wrap so stash away more than you think you'll need. Or invest in my personal favorite: bubble wrap.

2. Storage. Will the new place be ready when you get there? Will you need to store your furniture? If you're moving out of state, it's probably best to store near the new home. In case you need something, you can get to it quickly. Marking boxes with its contents and destination room will also save time at the new place. Better buy some Sharpies.

3. Schedule renovations or repairs before you move in, especially if you're planning to paint or put in new floors. It's much easier to do it when the place is empty. Despite the craziness of the move, it may very well save you some hassle to make that decision ahead of time, rather than move furniture again.

4. Transfer utility accounts. As soon as you know you'll be moving, call the utility companies (telephone, electricity, cable, gas and water) and let them know about the move. If you're moving locally, leave the power and water on at the old address for a few extra days so you can go back and clean up afterwards. If it's an out of area move, you'll need to find the numbers to the new utility companies to start service. Your Realtor can help you with this.

5. Reserve the elevators. If you're moving to or from a condo or apartment building with several floors, you may need to schedule that with building management. Perhaps they'll let you use the freight elevator.

6. Stop the newspaper. Forward the mail. (You can now do it on line at www.usps.com/moversnet/) Takes less than 5 minutes.

7. Change of address cards. You can get these at the post office or make your own. Emailing the new address may be the simplest, most cost effective way. Also, if you receive Federal Express or UPS packages for your home-based business, be sure to let them know of the address change as well.

8. Pets. If you've moving across town, leave them with a friend or at day care. Animals can become frightened and confused during a move.

9. Use caution when making a run for the border or golden arches: Moving vans and U-Hauls often require 12 feet of overhead clearance. Remember this when passing through your favorite drive-thru restaurant.

10. And finally, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle by starting the entire moving process early. Sort out the stuff you don't need anymore. Don't take everything. Throw out, give away or sell the things you don't need. When you've gotten to the things you just can't live without, as Dan Lepkowski would say, "start packing."

Jody Zink is a licensed REALTOR in Ohio and Michigan with the Loss Realty Group. Her column appears every other week in the Toledo Free Press. She can be reached at jody@jodyzinkrealtor.com or 419-725-1881.