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Plan
Your Move
You
know you have a lot ahead of you, so why wait until the last minute
to throw things together? Plan well in advance and start taking
steps now to make your move more manageable.
Be
an Informed Mover
Start by creating a "move file." You'll need a place
to keep important information and receipts for moving related
expenses. Contact the IRS or visit their Web Site to determine
what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Research
your new community. Start by visiting your new city and state's
Web Site or contact their chambers of commerce for relocation
packets. Check out local entertainment, shopping and restaurants.
This can be lots of fun and will give you much to look forward
to. You'll also want to order a phone book and city map for your
new location. This will allow you to start researching new schools
and service providers and is a must for your "essentials"
box. Finally, consider ordering a local newspaper. Most news providers
will send a complimentary issue to prospective customers.
Start
Paring Down
Moving is tough, but it can also be an opportunity. This is the
perfect time to get rid of the extra "stuff" you've
accumulated. Take it one room at a time and prepare to make tough
decisions.
Survey
each room and ask yourself:
•
Does this have sentimental or monetary value?
• Does anyone really use it?
• Is it worth lugging around?
• Is there room for it in our new home?
If
the item in question doesn't make the cut, ditch it! Plan a yard
sale, post an online auction or simply donate anything that does
not meet your criteria. This is a great way to earn a little extra
cash or another tax deduction.
Start
using up items that can't be moved to your new home. Properly
dispose of flammable or potentially hazardous chemicals. This
would include anything in an aerosol can, cleaning and lighting
fluids, paint, matches and ammunition. Eat foods that are frozen
or stored in glass jars and don't plan on replacing these items
until you are in your new home. Finally, be aware that live plants
cannot be shipped with your other household goods. Plan on taking
these in your car or find new homes for them.
Take Inventory
Sorting through your home gives you the opportunity to take inventory
of your belongings. Make a list of everything you decide to keep
and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. Make note
of items that are difficult to replace. Either carry these items
with you or ship them by insured or certified mail. Such items
might include:
•
Photos and home videos
• Birth certificates, wills and other legal documentation
• Jewelry, rare coins and special collections
• Stock certificates, insurance policies and financial records
• Computer diskettes with backups of important files.
Know
what you will need upon arrival to your new home. Plan ahead and
make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases
and an "essentials" box. Allow for extra clothing and
be sure to make room for treasures, toys and snacks for the kids.
Your essentials box should include things you'll be scrambling
for upon arrival.
• Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can
opener
• Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels
• Plastic forks, spoons, knives
• Dish soap, trash bags, towels
• Instant coffee, tea, beverages
• Toilet paper, toiletries
• Prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers
• Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer
• Phone books, pencils and paper, your "move file"
• Telephone, radio, batteries
Plan
on keeping your essentials box and luggage handy, preferably in
your automobile.
One
thing we learned a long time ago...
Happy customers make a happy business.
We truly enjoy what we do.
As
long as our customers are smiling, we'll keep driving.
Free consultations and estimates call us toll free at 1-800-440-0342
-or-
email us at info@seamensmoving.com.
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