It has been said that if you keep one foot firmly planted in yesterday
and the other foot firmly planted in tomorrow, there's a good chance you're
going to wind up spoiling the here and now. Not a petty picture, for sure,
but one which underscores the need to keep moving.
Now, when we find ourselves getting ready for a move, whether it's across
the street, across the country, or from a fine place like Texas to a place
we've always cast aspersions on - like the District of Columbia, for
instance - it's important that we prepare ourselves well in advance.
Preparation is something we do can today to ready ourselves for something
that may happen tomorrow. Keep in mind that a key word in the last sentence
is may, because even the best laid plans of animal and humankind can be
changed by outside forces for a variety of unexpected reasons.
If you're one of the lucky people who has maneuvered your way through the
long and, at times, arduous process of finding a new home to buy and live
in, then you're going to face the often unpleasant experience known as
moving day. Being your preparations for the move while you have time,
because the experience can be exhilarating, exhausting, and excruciating all
rolled into one.
The Internet offers dozens of website that provide checklists for things
your can do to prepare for your move. including tips for transporting your
pets and your houseplants. Each list has its merits and every one of them
provides more or less similar information.
Basically there are two sub-lists you'll want to keep in mind. The first
is a list of those things you'll need to do to prepare for the movers -
assuming you'll be using movers. This includes making the arrangements with
a moving company, acquiring boxes and shipping supplies, and girding
yourself for the necessity of allowing other people to touch your property.
That's often the most difficult part.
The second list is more personal and under your control; well sort of.
These are the things you'll want to have done by the day you move, the
things that will almost guarantee that everything runs smoothly on this end
and on the other end.
For instance, some of the websites recommend that you sit down and take
an inventory about six weeks prior to your move. Yes, that's right, make
another list. Which items that you own have become dead wood? What don't you
need anymore? Gather what you don't need and have ,a a yard or apartment
sale. While you're sorting through it all, begin to envision where you see
it in your new home. Draw a floor plan of the new home and start to decorate
it on paper using what you have sorted in front of you.
Around six weeks before the move, you'll also want to start looking at
movers and getting estimates on their rates. One list also suggests
beginning a file where you can keep all the details about your move. Quotes,
receipts, taxable expenses, etc.
During week five, you'll want to make a final decision on the moving
company you'll use or, if you've decided to move yourself, you'll want to
begin searching for boxes.
About one month before your move, contact the post office to give them
your change of address. Now is also the time to contact local utility
companies and the utility companies where you're moving. Your goal is to
make sure everything is shut down when you leave where you live now; and get
turned on and cookin' by the time you get to your new residence.
If you're moving yourself, now is the time to begin to pack items that
you won't be using prior to the move. Antiques, expensive items fragile
things, etc. Pack them well and label everything so you know what it without
having to open the box. If you're going to have a yard sale, begin
advertising it now.
Things get really crazy about three weeks before your move. The "to dos"
can accumulate rapidly and you may begin to feel overwhelmed. Try to
remember that you are coming down to the home stretch - so to speak.
It's a good idea to take another inventory three weeks before the move.
Decide : want - then throw it in our yard sale pile. Begin serious packing
during the third week; time is running out. Another thing to keep in mind is
that you should keep all important papers in one place. Driver's licenses,
insurance papers, auto registrations, etc. You don't want to lose track of
those things at the last minute, and you'll want them very handy when you
get to where you're going!
Now is a good time to contact your doctors, lawyers, neighbors, and
others about where you're going and when you're leaving. Arrange to have
medical records transferred; if you have children, school administrators
need to be contacted; and if you have pets, you'll want to make sure you
know of a vet where you're headed.
Week Two on the checklists is chaos, for sure. You're getting down to the
"I have to do everything now that I've forgotten to do so far" point.
Bank accounts should be transferred, pharmacists need to be chosen,
insurance needs to be transferred, and final bills will need to be paid.
The last week pretty much involves the movers; they'll no doubt show up
and begin packing. At some point you'll have to arrange for their payment.
You'll find yourself walking around the old dwelling doing things like
defrosting the fridge sweeping empty rooms, and calling neighbors for the
last time.
When moving day arrives, arrange to have one special box that you'll open
first when you get to the new home. It will contain things like linens for
your bed, coffee or tea, refreshments, and medicines. If everything has been
done one hundred percent correctly, all you'll have to do is watch the
movers do their thing and sip tea.
Keep in mind that the checklists are merely suggestions to guide you
along. This column merely highlights a few of the salient features on the
lists. There are dozens more. If you are planning a move, begin reading the
lists and change them, if necessary, to fit your own needs.
The most important things to remember is that the more orderly a move you
plan, the more orderly a move you will have.
- 30 -
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by Michael Walker
