Merribeth Burns - HOW TO NAVIGATE THE HOME-BUYING PROCESS

The second checklist that you need is a list of all the tasks involved in your move, such as packing, labeling, disposing of items not being moved with you, utility turn-off and turn-on at the new home, and others. No task is too small for your checklist. It pays to be prepared. To help you with this list, here’s a comprehensive sample to which you can refer. You might divide it into segments of time to keep you organized.

A MONTH BEFORE THE B RE THE BIG MOVE

• Ask friends and relatives for referrals to moving companies and inquire about their services, procedures, and policies. Get at least three estimates from different companies so that you can compare their services and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. • Go through all your “stuff” and identify the things that you’ll keep and those that you’ll dispose of. Remember, less is more. If you no longer use it, give it away or sell it. This will make packing easier and quicker for you. • Keep a file of all your moving documents, such as contracts, invoices, bills, etc. This file should be readily available when you need them. • Inform your utility company of your moving date so they can disconnect services (i.e., water, electricity, cable, Internet) on the date after your move. • Schedule an activation or transfer of these same services to your new address, so that you already have them in place once you move in.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE B RE THE BIG MOVE

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