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Home Page >> VIP Realty Indiana Moving Guide VIP Realty Indiana Moving Guide VIP Realty Indiana Moving Guide: Packing Tips, Moving Out, Low-Stress, Organization, Track Each Task's Progress, Eight Week Moving Plan, Licensed Moving Companies

One of the most stressful aspects of buying or selling a home is the move. We are pleased to present the VIP Realty Indiana Moving Guide to help you through the moving process and make it as easy a task as possible.

Packing Up & Moving Out - Organization is the Key to a Low-Stress Move

Moving is considered one of the most stressful life events you can face. There are, however, ways to make your move less intimidating and easier on the nerves.

Organization is the key. Carefully plan your move well in advance, giving yourself at least eight weeks to complete the project. Outline all tasks on a week by week basis, and track each task's progress.

Below is an example of an eight week moving plan with a representation of the steps you will need to take before leaving your home.

WEEK 1

1. Create a three-ring binder to organize all the details - the perfect place to start.
2. Decide whether to move yourself or to use professionals - price the many costs (truck, gas, food, hotels, physical requirements, available assistance from family and friends, etc.) of doing it yourself before deciding that professionals cost too much.
3. If you've decided to use professionals, book your truck or moving company immediately -  depending on the time of year and direction you're traveling, space availability may be limited, causing you to be wait-listed or forced to pay additional charges.
4. Find out if you can deduct any or all of your moving expenses. Keep careful track of all expenses; tolls, snacks, maps, etc. can add up.

WEEK 2

1. Clean out storage areas and donate or sell everything you don't want to take with you.
2. Start planning your meals around the contents of your freezer.
3. Get rid of all flammable or corrosive products, such as
   • Paint
   • Cleaning products
   • Antifreeze
   • Oil
   • Gasoline (don't forget the lawn mower and hedge trimmer)*
   • Propane tank from BBQ grill - empty it completely or remove and dispose of properly*

   * If you're unsure where to get rid of these materials, contact your State Health Department or ask your moving company for a local HAZMAT disposal site.

WEEK 3

1. Start collecting used boxes for your packing needs.
2. Re-appraise all valuables you are moving; purchase additional insurance riders, if needed.

WEEK 4

1. Notify post office, family, friends, banks, credit cards, etc. of upcoming change of address.
2. Alert your homeowner's/renter's and auto insurance companies.
3. Register children in their new school and transfer their records.
4. If moving out of state, research the driver's license and auto registration requirements.

WEEK 5

1. Ask your physician or health care provider for referrals in your new location.
2. Transfer all your medical records, including x-rays, to the new service providers.
3. Record the serial numbers of any electronic equipment.
4. Start packing items you won't need again before the move.

WEEK 6

1. Get a two-month supply of medications and have your prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy in the new location.
2. If you're packing your own stuff, start buying packing materials.
3. Check your insurance policy for what is covered in a move. Arrange for additional coverage, if needed.
4. Arrange for your homeowner's or renter's liability insurance coverage overlaps both the new and old locations during the move.

WEEK 7

1. Tell the utility companies when to turn off the old services and turn on the new (two days before your arrival).
2. Pack all valuable items you will be taking with you.

WEEK 8

1. Unplug, defrost and dry the freezer and refrigerator.
2. Pack suitcases with all items you will need before the moving truck arrives in your new location.
3. Prepare a special "last-on/first-off" box with any items you'll need immediately upon your arrival.

Moving: Hire a Pro or Do It Yourself?

Decided to hire professionals to move you? Recommendations from friends, relatives and neighbors are the best way to find the right moving company. Here are a few items to keep in mind when you interview prospective movers:

• Only deal with licensed moving companies. Ask the representative to demonstrate that it carries worker's compensation insurance to protect the company and its customers.
  
• Ask about the firm's experience and client list. Call a few clients to verify references.
• Ask the movers if they are members of any local or national moving trade associations. If so, contact the associations for further information.
  
• Check the companies out with the Better Business Bureau and the American Moving and Storage Association to see if they have information on them.
  
• Decide if you want full service (they pack, unpack and move everything) or self-service (you pack and unpack everything and they move it).
  
• Get a written estimate, and determine whether it's binding or non-binding. The most accurate way to estimate your moving costs is to get an in-home, visual assessment from the mover.
   
• When you're ready to sign the contract, insist on a guaranteed price in writing that includes guaranteed pick-up and delivery dates. The contract should include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10 percent.

For more information about how VIP Realty can help you buy or sell a home in Central Indiana, call Tammy Bookout at (317) 345 - 8269 or toll-free at 888-VIP-0002 (888-847-0002), or send Tammy an e-mail, or submit the Request for Information form below.

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