Moving can be very stressful and time consuming. With a little consideration and planning your move can be stress free. Spirit Relocation has created a quick checklist to give you piece of mind and help you in this process.

Preparation for your move

• Clean out storage spaces in your home. For example, closets, basements, and attics are treasure troves of unused items. Discard things that are no longer used or necessary at your new location.
• It may appropriate to have a garage sale or donate your unused items to local charitable organizations. Remember, that donations can be tax deductible so keep your receipts.
• Evaluate if you need to ship appliances. Household appliances such as stoves, washers and dryers may not be appropriate to ship. For instance, it is not necessary to move a gas stove when your new location operates on electricity.
• Create an itemized list of all items to be shipped. Include number of boxes and general size. Also, if you have odd shaped items estimate the dimensions including length, width, and height.
• Gas powered and other fuel oriented items:
  · Make sure all gas powered lawn equipment is fully drained of gas and oil.
  Lawn mowers, trimmers, snow blowers and other equipment should be completely ‘dry’ before loading.
  Also, empty any gas grills or heaters before loading.

Packing

• If you are completing the packing, ensure that all breakables are securely padded in their boxes. Using bubble wrap and other materials will help keep your items safe.
• Label each box with the room location and if the contents are fragile. For instance a box containing dishware would contain the label ‘Kitchen: Fragile’
• Remember to clean out any gym lockers or school lockers that you or your children may use.

Do Not Ship

• Try not to ship canned goods, they are heavy and take up space better used for other items.
• Do not ship perishable items and frozen foods. Try to use them up before the move.
• Do not ship high value items. Make arrangements for contents of safe deposit boxes or other high value items in advance. If possible it may be a good idea to keep them with you or ship via insured/certified mail.
• Plants cannot be shipped between states. It may be appropriate to purchase new plants at your new location.
• Pets cannot be shipped with household items. Check with your vet on the best way to relocate your pets.

Things to Remember

• Notify Post Office of new address and date of relocation. Also, contact publishers of magazines which you subscribe to and provide the new address and date of relocation. It may also be necessary to collect any advance deposits you may have paid to your utility company, phone company or any other service that required advance deposit.
• Transfer or cancel any memberships you may have with health clubs and other member organizations to which you belong.
• Remember to transfer your children’s school records to his/her new school.
• Contact your Doctor and insurance agents for recommendations on services provided at your new location.
• Remember to have all medical records and insurance records transferred to the appropriate agent.
• Review your homeowner or renters insurance. Your existing plans may cover your new location. If not, make arrangements for immediate coverage of your new location.

For more information contact Spirit Relocation @ 303-806-MOVE