Moving Guide
Welcome to Your New Neighborhood
Change Your Address
DON’T FORGET:
Delivery Services
Toll Pass (Fast Lane, EZ Pass)
Newspapers & Magazines
Credit Card Companies (including department store cards)
Lenders (mortgage, home equity, auto,student loan)
Insurance Companies (health, renters, auto, home, medical, dental, disability, life)
Retirement (pension plans, 401K, retirement accounts, Social Security)
Investments (investment agencies and brokers)
Water, Sewer and Gas Companies
Recycling and Garbage
Internet and Cable
IRS and Passport Office
Veteran Affairs
Past Employers (for W-2’s)
Doctor’s and Pharmacies
Change Your Utilities
UTILITY LINKS:
Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light (Water, Sewer, Garbage & Electric)
Hiring Movers
Hiring a moving company can make the often stressful process of relocating much smoother and more efficient.
Professional movers bring expertise in packing, lifting, and transporting items safely, ensuring your belongings are handled with care. They also save you time and physical effort, freeing you to focus on other aspects of the move, like settling into your new home or managing paperwork.
Many moving companies offer additional services, such as furniture assembly and storage options, providing flexibility to meet your specific needs. Plus, with insurance coverage often included, you can have peace of mind knowing your valuables are protected during the journey. Remember to always check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) to check out ratings and reviews as well.
Sarah’s Favorite Moving Companies
Questions to Ask:
Are they properly licensed?
Do they have experience with my specific type of move?
What kind of liability coverage do they offer? Do they have references
How can you communicate with the driver during the move?
Do they have a cancellation policy?
What forms of payment do they accept?
Do they have a deal if I pay cash?
NOTE: Tipping movers is a nice gesture for a job well done, so it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
Moving and Packing Tips
The process of moving is long and complex. Being organized, knowing what needs to be done, and tackling tasks efficiently can make your move significantly less stressful. Here’s a checklist to keep you on task and help make your move successful.
SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE:
Use up things that may be difficult to move, such as frozen food.
Get estimates from professional movers or from truck rental companies if you are moving yourself.
Once you’ve selected a mover, discuss insurance, packing, loading and delivery, and the claims procedure.
Sort through your possessions. Decide what you want to keep, what you want to sell and what you wish to donate to charity.
Record serial numbers on electronic equipment, take photos (or video) of all your belongings and create an inventory list.
Change your utilities, including phone, power and water, from your old address to your new address.
Obtain a change of address packet from the post office and send to creditors, magazine subscription offices and catalog vendors.
Discuss tax-deductible moving expenses with your accountant and begin keeping accurate records.
TWO TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE:
If you’re moving to a new community, contact the Chamber of Commerce and school district and request information about services.
Make reservations with airlines, hotels and car rental agencies, if needed.
If you are moving yourself, use your inventory list to determine how many boxes you will need.
Begin packing nonessential items.
Arrange for storage, if needed.
If you have items you don’t want to pack and move, hold a yard sale.
Get car license, registration and insurance in order.
Transfer your bank accounts to new branch locations. Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payments from your accounts if changing banks.
Make special arrangements to move pets, and consult your veterinarian about ways to make travel comfortable for them.
Have your car checked and serviced for the trip.
Collect items from safe-deposit box if changing banks.
TWO TO THREE DAYS PRIOR:
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
Have movers pack your belongings.
Label each box with the contents and the room where you want it to be delivered.
Arrange to have payment ready for the moving company.
Set aside legal documents and valuables that you do not want packed.
Pack clothing and toiletries, along with extra clothes in case the moving company is delayed.
Give your travel itinerary to a close friend or relative so they can reach you as needed.
Moving Day Essentials
PRO-TIP: Pack a “first day” box with items you will need right away.
MOVING DAY:
YOUR OLD HOME
Pick up the truck as early as possible if you are moving yourself.
Make a list of every item and box loaded on the truck.
Let the mover know how to reach you.
Double-check closets, cupboards, attic, basement and garage for any left-behind items.
MOVING DAY:
YOUR NEW HOME
Be on hand at the new home to answer questions and give instructions to the mover.
Check off boxes and items as they come off the truck.
Install new locks.
Confirm that the utilities have been turned on and are ready for use.
Unpack your “first day” box (see list for suggested contents).
Unpack children’s toys and find a safe place for them to play.
Examine your goods for damage.
MOVING
ESSENTIALS:
Furniture Pads
Handtruck or Dolly
Packing Tape
Bubble Wrap
Newspapers or Packing Paper
Scissors
Utility Knife
Labels
Felt-tip Markers
Cornstarch Packing “Peanuts”
Plenty of Boxes
FIRST DAY UNPACKING
ESSENTIALS:
Scissors
Utility Knife
Local Phone Book
Coffee Cups & Paper Plates
Teakettle or Coffee Pot
Instant Coffee, Tea or Soft Drinks
Easily Accessible Snacks
Pencil and Paper
Hand Soap & Cleaning Supplies
Hand & Bath Towels
Trash Bags
Shelf Liner
Toilet Paper & Paper Towels
Children’s Toys and Books
(if needed)
Sarah’s Favorite Places to Donate
Donations:
Garbage & Recycling:
The Home is Finally Yours
But there’s still a lot to do.
Welcome Home
Here are Sarah’s top suggestions for your first week in your new home:
SAFETY FIRST:
Upon purchasing a house, it is best practice to replace the locks and update keyless entry and garage codes. Many homes have multiple keys floating around to neighbors and service companies.
TO-DO LIST:
Review your inspection report (if applicable) meticulously and identify any required repairs that the previous owner wasn’t obligated to address. Subsequently, prioritize these projects based on their significance. Address critical safety and functionality repairs as a priority, followed by cosmetic fixes. Reach out to me for service referrals.
GET COMFORTABLE:
Familiarize yourself with your new home by taking the time to learn the layout and functionality of its various components. Identify essential features such as circuit breaker switches and the water shut-off valve. Additionally, ensure you know how to access areas like the attic or crawl space. Acquiring this knowledge early on will contribute to your comfort and confidence in navigating your new living space.
AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, CELEBRATE:
Buying a new home is a significant accomplishment worthy of celebration. Whether you choose to host a grand housewarming gathering with friends and family or prefer a more intimate dinner in your new dining room, be sure to commemorate this major milestone in a way that feels meaningful to you. And I love being invited to housewarmings - let me know and I‘ll stop buy with a treat!
Winterize Your Home
Protect Your Pipes
Insulate any pipes in unheated areas of your home. Drain the water from your exterior sprinklers and hoses, disconnect them and attached an insulated cover over any exterior faucets.
Clean the Gutters
As soon as you feel a chill in the air, grab a ladder to ensure your gutters are clear before they fill with water or snow. If you have a tall home or are not comfortable on a ladder, hire someone to clean them on a yearly basis.
Seal Windows and Doors
Storm doors, or weatherstripping, can prevent the winter chill from getting indoors. Hot tips- apply caulking to seal any gaps around windows, use door sweeps on exterior doors, swap summer curtains for heavier drapes.
Chimney and Fireplace
Conduct an annual inspection before lighting the first fire of the season. Soot and debris build up naturally over time, creating potential hazards. Electric fireplaces need maintenance too — a quick Google search of your model will show instructions on proper use and care.
Patio and Deck
Store grills and patio furniture in a shed or any covered area or put covers on them. Ensure propane tank valves are closed and store in a dry place.
Snow Shovels and Tools
Make sure your snow-removal tools are accessible. Keep your windshield scraper in the back seat of your car, and your shovel near your front door to clear your walkways.
Questions? Concerns?
Sarah Rudinoff is here to help!