Relocation Planner - 7 Super Suggestions

Whether you're moving across town, to another state or overseas, you will need the right information that will help your moving experience be smooth and hassle-free. A well-planned move can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a moving nightmare. The tips in this report are designed to assist you in planning a hassle-free move. Plus, you'll find a moving planner checklist in this Real Estate report that is invaluable for staying on the right track with your move.

Suggestion #1 - How to Simplify Your Move

The average American moves every seven years.

There are those, however, who move more frequently--once or even twice a year--because of job requirements. Typically, these folks are assisted in their moves by the relocation department of the company for which they work. Moving, which is a headache for most of us, is for these frequent movers angst-free and painlessly executed.

How do frequent movers succeed?

The first piece of advice is don't go cheap. Even if you are moving within the same town, or even down the block, hire a professional, reputable moving company to do the work.

This doesn't mean you cannot handle some of the move yourself. You might want to pack the china, silverware, some glasses, your personal computer and the table it would sit on. That way, you will have a place to eat and have the ability to send and answer email.

Before you even start your move, take a complete inventory, which will be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim.

Such an inventory should include clear photographs of tables and chairs, antiques, living room furniture and bookcases. You'd probably not be surprised how things get nicked, even by reputable movers. While a moving company may be the top of the line, there is no guarantee that every employee will adhere to that philosophy, and when the foreman isn't looking...

You should also photograph "tight" parts of the house through which the movers will be bringing your possessions so that you can have evidence of damage. By tight, we mean stairways and doorways.

No mover is perfect, and accidents do happen. But since most movers offer insurance coverage for various amounts--paid $50 for $10,000 worth in our recent move--you should have the proof if a claim is necessary.

In addition, keep some spackle and paint around to do repairs.

Find the right mover.

Begin your search for movers immediately after you know the date of the move. This is especially important during peak moving time, which falls between May and August.

The longer you wait, the less of a choice you will have. And that means an increase in angst.

How do you find a mover?

Check with your broker. Brokers routinely deal with home sales and can both recommend movers and make suggestions that will cut costs and save time.

Also, look in the Yellow Pages. There are local subsidiaries of most nationally-known moving companies--Allied, North American, Mayflower--listed among pages of small and large moving companies in the book.

To be a part of such corporations, these subsidiaries need to adhere to the strict standards these moving giants maintain. These days, most large movers have Web sites that provide information, advice and contact numbers for both corporate headquarters and local movers.

Another source of reputable movers is from the corporate relocation department of your employer, if you have one. A third, but less reliable, is from friends, relatives and neighbors.

When you do get a recommendation, get all the details, such as:

·  Were they prompt?

·  Courteous?

·  Did they choose the shortest route from one place to the other?

·  Did they put the boxes and furniture in the places you designated?

·  Did they follow directions?

If you are able to, get estimates from five movers. Ask for references, and call those references, making certain they are "real" people--not friends or relatives of the mover.

Get estimates within the estimate. For example, how much would it cost if the movers packed rather than you? If they pack, will they also unpack and set up beds, bookcases and other furniture? If you choose to pack, how much will the boxes cost and how many will you need? What kinds of things should go in what kinds of boxes? A small box should hold books but a large box should be packed with lighter things, such as clothing. Will they wrap the furniture in bubble wrap, and carefully pack the computers, small appliances and breakables?

Will they move antiques and pianos or will you need to find special moving companies for such items? Not all movers are capable of moving a baby grand, so you might prefer to have your piano moved by a licensed piano mover.

You also need to ask if moving items up and down stairs is an extra cost. Or if moving on a weekend or holiday will incur a surcharge.

Most estimates are based on hourly costs by a certain number of movers and, of course, on what needs to be moved. Make sure that you are provided with information on the number of movers needed, the time it will take (including transportation time) and the number of trucks that will be needed.

Once you obtain all the estimates and check out references, then it is time to choose a mover. Base your decision on service, not price. And don't skimp.

You'll need to make a deposit--usually about 10 percent of the total estimate. Movers usually will not begin unloading the truck until they receive the balance.

That doesn't mean your work is done.

You or someone you trust needs to be on hand when the move is under way. You need to supervise and double-check and be around for the questions that the movers will certainly have.

Develop a checklist.

Make sure that the movers adhere to the letter of the contract, and don't hesitate to complain to the foreman of the crew or the supervisor back the office if things aren't going as promised any time during the move.

Lastly, don't forget to have enough money for a tip--probably about $50 per mover per eight-hour move.

Suggestion #2 - Moving Tips Ease Your Pain

First of All, Sell All that You Can.
Don't hang onto all the stored clothes, books, old records, etc., just because you might need it someday. Have a humongous yard/garage sale and just get rid of it. Besides freeing you up from household items that your children or grandchildren will throw away anyway once you've made that "final move," eliminating extraneous items will put some road money in your pocket and save you money if you're hiring a moving company, which charges by weight.

What you can't sell, give away to a charitable organization. All household items have some sort of value, and this value can be deducted from your income for tax purposes. Besides helping less fortunate families, you'll also cut your tax bill.

If you have grown children, urge them--with threats to cut them out of your will--to come get their own stuff and store it in their own basement or closets. You're their parents, not their personal storage facility.

Fix Your Cars and Vans
A couple of weeks before you leave town, get your vehicles in the shop and have them looked over for the coming long trip. Of special interest are the tires, anti-freeze fluid and the water pump. If your tires wouldn't pass inspection, then change them. Flush your anti-freeze to keep your vehicle operating cooler, and have the air conditioner checked if you're traveling during the hot months. Also, check the water pump. This is the instrument that pumps the coolant through your engine. No water pump, no coolant and, eventually, no engine.

Check Insurance
Check out your auto insurance and homeowners insurance policies to make sure you have enough coverage for your trip between houses. On the auto insurance, ask for a roadside assistance rider, if you don't have it already. Many insurance companies offer this nifty coverage for just a few bucks. If you break down during the trip, they have a 24-hour phone number to call for assistance, and then it's covered by your provider (depending on your deductible).

Find out from them if you're covered for damage caused to a rental truck if you're moving yourself. If not, find out how you can get such coverage. If your company won't offer coverage, then get it from the rental company.

Now that your home is going to be on the road a few days, contact the homeowners insurance company and let them know you're traveling with all your earthly belongings. Find out what you need from them to cover you from point A to point B. If the truck runs off the road or gets burglarized during the trip, who's going to pay for the damage to the truck and for the loss?

In preparation for the trip: video tape your valuables and household items for a record of their condition. If you fall into a mishap, you now have evidence to show the insurance company.

If you're hiring professional movers, ask about their coverage: specifically what is and isn't covered and what kind of limitations they have on coverage.

Change Utility Services
As you leave the home front, cut off all utilities and transfer them over to the new house. There's nothing more frustrating than arriving at your new house with no power--e.g., no lights, no air conditioning or heating, no hot water, etc.

Map Your Trip
You may have driven this road several times, but designate someone as the chief navigator and map out your trip. While online services can help (MapQuest.com or Maps.com), don't count solely on these services for your directions. Invest in some paper maps--and know where their location once you hit the road. If it's a long trip, plan some pleasant tangents to ease the stress and give you a break.

Suggestion #3 - Prepare Your Kids for Moving Day

As you prepare to move, you'll want to make a concerted effort to ensure that your children are in the loop. While they may be going about their normal routine with no visible sign of anxiety, it's there--or will be there once the big day arrives. After all, moving means change: new friends, a new school, new places to go and a new set of concerns and worries.

There are many things you can do to help your child, whether you have a 3-year-old or a 16-year-old, and ease this transition.

One of the most important--and difficult--things that can help your child is keeping your own stress level down. Kids pick up on parental emotions. If you're apprehensive or nervous, kids will mimic that behavior. However, if you're cool and confident, kids are more likely to be, too.

Also, no matter how old your children are, be sure to talk about the upcoming move at all stages of the process. Kids need time to warm up to new ideas and get adjusted to major changes in their lives. Talk to children about the changes to expect, answer questions and make sure that they understand you're willing to discuss their concerns at any time.

Some tips to help you prepare your children for the move include:

·  Once you know you will be moving, try to bring your child along when you look at houses so they understand and come to accept that the family will be moving.

·  If you're moving to another part of the state or to a different state, pull out a map and show your child where you'll be moving. Explain any differences in weather and any nearby attractions that may interest the child, such as moving closer to the ocean, the mountains, even closer to an amusement park. Look at web sites with information about your new community.

·  Take your child to visit his or her new school. If possible, try to arrange for your child to meet the teacher ahead of time.

·  Gather information on the sports or other extra-curricular activities that interest your child so you know how and when to sign up. For older children involved in high school sports, look at area newspapers to read up on the teams' activities.

·  Before you move, hold a going-away party for your child. Encourage your child to keep contact with his or her old friends while encouraging new friendships.

·  Help your child put together a scrapbook, photo album or journal of your old house and special memories the family shared--whether it's spent sipping hot chocolate in front of the fireplace or the hidden-away closet that became your child's favorite place for hide-and-seek.

·  When you move into your new home, begin a new keepsake and encourage your child to write about his or her hopes and expectations at the new home.

·  Encourage your child to take part in the moving process as much as possible. Younger children can help pack some of their favorite items, helping them to realize that although the family will be in a new home, their belongings will stay with them.

·  Once you've selected your new house, show your child where his or her room will be. Draw a sketch of the room layout and let your child take part in determining where he or she will place the furniture.

·  If your budget allows, perhaps help your child choose a new décor for the new bedroom. If nothing else, new paint in a bright color is an inexpensive way to brighten up the room and give your child a sense of personalizing his or her new room.

·  For toddler-aged children, speak with pediatricians regarding such issues as the introduction of a new diet or the start of toilet training.

Above all else, communicate with your child throughout the process.

Children are creatures of habit, and any disruption in their daily routine will naturally prompt reactions, whether it's a rebellious attitude among teens or tantrums among toddlers. Let them know it's normal to feel sad and anxious, but help them through the transition and emphasize all the wonderful new experiences that lie ahead.

Suggestion #4 - Choosing a Realtor Off the Web

How can you choose a Realtor you've never met? Well, one way is to look at and compare the Web sites of ones who serve your new city. You can find many by entering the following key words into any search engine: cityname statename Realtor.

Here are several questions to ask yourself:

Does the Realtor's site mostly talk about them, their sales awards and the many courses they've taken to earn the many acronyms they've listed after their name? Or does it instead focus on your needs, providing extensive area info, hints, tips, tools and resources that you can use? What is in the site that will help you right now, today, in your home quest--not in promises about later?

Is there a headline that tells you why you should stay within that Realtor's site and what the site and Realtor can do for you? For example, there could be features like: "Search for homes from here," "Get community and school info," etc. Does the Realtor "specialize" in some field of value to you, i.e., "The Horse Property Realtor," "The Buyer's Web Realtor," "The Relocation Specialist," "The Beach Property Specialist"?

Does the Realtor's site have "personality"? Do you feel welcome upon first seeing the home page? Is it open with lots of white space logically framing distinct sections? Or do you feel cramped, confronted with stacks of hard-looking buttons on a page broken up into tiny impinging frames manipulated by scroll bars that make you have to "figure out" your next step?

Entering a Realtor's Web site should be like entering their home. If the Realtor's Web site makes you feel welcome, they likely care about you and want to serve you. If their Web site looks cold, hard, mechanical and distant, he (or she) may be that way, too.

In these early days of real estate web marketing, some Realtors built a Web site just because the competing Realtors have one. Plus, many non-web-savvy Realtors pay a design firm to create a Web site for them from cookie-cutter templates. (That's why you see many similar Realtor sites.) But afterward, the Realtor pays little attention to it.

Another way to help select a Realtor is to see which one answers your email query first--with useful information that either answers exactly what you asked or poses further questions that show that the Realtor understands your query and wants more data to help you further.

Once you choose your Realtor, work this way with him:

Search for homes in their area on the many sites that let you search a city's Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Write down the MLS numbers of homes you like. Then email these to the Realtor and ask him to evaluate each home compared to some original parameters you've given and email the summaries to you. (The Realtor has access to more local home info than you will online.)

This process may repeat itself many times. But with each round, both you and the "remote Realtor" become more familiar with exactly what you want and can afford in the new location.

Eventually, as moving time nears, you'll have to look at homes in the new city in person; when you do, you and the Realtor will seem like old friends, having worked together for weeks or months. And because you worked together, the Realtor now shows you only appropriate homes.

After you choose a home and enter escrow on it at your new location, your Realtor can then communicate with you by email and fax for escrow details. You work as a team. And all because you learned here how to select the best Realtor for you in your new city!

Suggestion #5 - Job Hunting Strategies for Trailing Spouses

You're moving to make life better, but that is only true if moving is best for both of you and the rest of the members of your family. Your job as the transferred spouse is to make the best of the transition. Finding the right employment situation will get you well on the road to accomplishing that goal.

Over 75% of company transferees are married, according to the Employee Relocation Council in Washington, D.C. This means that three out of four transferees has a "trailing spouse."

Although some companies take steps to smooth the transition for employees who are asked to move from one city to another, few recognize or appreciate the tremendous stress factors that typically befall the trailing spouse. The transferee is expected to integrate into his/her new surroundings and "hit the ground running," while the trailing spouse is left with the primary duties of finding or moving into a home, installing children in new schools and other programs, beginning a new social network and generally adjusting the family to the culture shock of a new environment. Add to that the burden of having to find a new job in an unfamiliar market, and the prescription for adjustment problems is filled.

Many relocating spouses cope by developing or falling back on a skill they can develop in an entrepreneurial style.

Deborah Grooms, who followed her husband to Orlando when he accepted a job at Disney World, found that she could return to the photography business she had begun in another city. Dave Harland, who followed his wife to Orlando where she took a job as a radio DJ. Knowing that every time she took a new job, it meant putting his career temporarily on hold, he developed a strategy that works for them as a couple. He began a home-refurbishing business, a career he can take anywhere.

And job hunting in a new market doesn't have to be frustrating. There are a number of tips that transferred spouses can follow to help them find the right position.

· Go to your present company and see if the human resources department or your boss can refer you to similar companies in your new city. After you have given notice, contact the competitors of your present company as well. They could have a branch or be looking to open a satellite office in your new city, and you may be the right choice to make the plan happen.

·  Contact your spouse's human resources department and see if there are any programs for transferring spouses and their families. They may have a job search network in place that can help get the word out about your special skills.

·  Contact your friends, family and acquaintances and ask for referrals in your new city.

·  Contact the local Chamber of Commerce. Many times they will have a Web site and a list of members will be available for you to call.

·  When you arrive in your new city, don't let the grass grow under your feet. Volunteer with organizations that need the kind of professional expertise you have and ask them for referrals to people and companies who can offer you the kind of work you are seeking.

·  Scan the papers and surf the 'Net. Ask long-time residents and business contacts about the opportunities you find.

·  Get to know people in your neighborhood and your child's school and make yourself part of the community. Don't live as if your life is on hold.

If you are uncertain what direction you want to take, slow down and re-evaluate your priorities. Do you want to return to the same kind of job that you had? Talk to a career counselor if you are in doubt. The evaluation fee is well worth it if it can lead you in a new direction that you will find more rewarding.

Suggestion #6 - The Complete Relocation Kit

Those relocating for the first time will find invaluable advice and helpful hints about changing homes, jobs and communities. Those who are old hands at relocating--whether a relocation administrator or a well-seasoned transferee--will benefit from the book's highly useful charts and checklists that can help keep every relocation organized and on track.

The book is divided into two sections, "The Decision Process" (Should I relocate?) and "The Move" (How do I relocate?). There is also a comprehensive glossary of common relocation terms and an excellent list of resources for additional information. Although "The Complete Relocation Kit" does not promise to relieve all the anxiety of a relocation, it does offer practical advice based on the author's 26 years of experience in the relocations industry.

The first section, "The Decision Process," helps the prospective transferee assess important aspects of the potential move, including evaluating the new job, family considerations and the company's relocation policy. It also suggests methods for addressing the "dual-career couple dilemma." Since most relocations also involve selling a home, this section discusses how to determine the value of a residence (with the help of experts). Finally, it advises the transferee on investigating the new community and gauging the quality of life there.

The second section, "The Move," is useful once the decision has been made. It walks the reader step-by-step through the relocation process and incorporates valuable hints on choosing a broker to sell the home, putting the home on the market, finding a house in the new community, offering to purchase a new home, finding the best financing and closing on a new home.

As most relocation professionals would agree, the moving process is, at best, a stressful situation, and no manual or book can wipe away the anxiety entirely. With, "The Complete Relocation Kit" on hand, however, most people can sail through a relocation with minimal problems. At the very least, they can be fully prepared and well informed about what is going to occur. Place this book on the "must-read" list of every family you know who is relocating.

Suggestion #7 - Moving Organizer Checklist

Good luck with your move! Now, take control of your move from start to finish!

8 Weeks Before the Move

1) Method of Moving. This is the time to think of how you are going to move.
· Begin to investigate available options.
· Begin reviewing your budget--it may have the final word on how you move.
· Are you hiring a professional?
· Are you moving yourself?

2) Credit Report. This is a good time to learn what your credit report contains. You can order one before you begin your move.

3) Moving Expenses. Moving expenses are frequently tax deductible. Begin keeping records of move-related expenses and documents, such as:
· Lodging expenses
· Travel expenses
· Transportation expenses

7 Weeks Before the Move

1) Packing.
· Begin organizing your possessions.
· Set aside old towels and sheets to provide cushioning for your fragile items when you pack.

2) Storage Facilities.
If you have too many things for your new place, a storage unit is a handy place to store the items you don’t use every day. If you decide to look into this further, be sure to compare:
· Security level
· Pricing
· Hours during which you can access your unit

3) Supplies.
· Use up your cleaning supplies and the food in your pantry.
· Don’t shop for more household items

6 Weeks Before the Move

1) Medical Coverage. Make sure you have health insurance in your new town by calling your provider and transferring your policy to the new address.

2) Memberships. Transfer or resign your memberships to any clubs or community organizations you may belong to. If you hold a board position, you might want to suggest or nominate a successor.

3) Valuables. If you are going to insure valuable items for the move, now is the time to get them appraised. It is important that this be done before you submit your request to your insurance company.

4) Doctors. Inform your doctor(s) and dentist about your move; this is a good time to ask for referrals if you have not already made new selections in your new town. Request that your medical records be transferred once you have chosen a new doctor(s) and dentist. Transferring your records at this time simplifies matters since most doctors require a signature to release records to another doctor.

5 Weeks Before the Move

1) Mailing Labels. Now is a good time to order new address labels, stationary--even new bank checks--for your new home.

2) Decorating. Begin thinking about decorating your new place and decide where you will place furniture. Order your new furniture soon, as it can take more than 6 weeks to be delivered.

3) Donations. It’s time to start cleaning out closets! Any clothing you have not worn for 1 to 2 years can be donated or sold, as can books you no longer want. Libraries and schools are good places to donate books.

4) Packing Supplies. Boxes, tape and padding need to be purchased. Some boxes do not require tape and are sturdy and easy-to-use.

5) Yard Sale. A great way to get rid of miscellaneous items you no longer want, a yard sale can be held in your own yard, or you can get together with other families and hold a larger sale at another site. You can even hold the sale online, displaying your technical expertise.

4 Weeks Before the Move

1) Address Change. Businesses need to be notified of your new address, including magazines, catalogs, organizations and your new Post Office. Complete a change of address form, and we’ll notify everyone for free!

2) Packing. All items that will not be needed during the month prior to your move should be packed. Depending on the season, this could include winter or summer clothing, sports equipment, books, knick-knacks, linens and items that are stored away in places such as the garage.

3 Weeks Before the Move

1) Social Security. Make sure to change your address with the Social Security Administration if you receive Social Security benefits. Make sure you have your social security number when you call them at (800) 325-0778.

2) Health Care. If you don’t already have a new pharmacy selected, call your current pharmacy for a recommendation and then transfer all of your prescriptions. Your doctor may be able to help you get a couple months’ worth of medication if you are concerned about having access to it during and right after your move. If you decide to do this, first call your medical insurance provider to check their payment policy; not all insurance companies will provide their usual coverage for more than a one-month supply.

3) Utilities. Sign up for utilities, such as electric, cable, gas, phone and water, at your new address and set the starting date for the day before you move. You can check the Internet if you wish--some companies let you connect your utilities online. Contact your current utility companies and request that services be turned off on the day after you move.

4) Internet Services. Ensure that you have the Internet available from your new home. This may be a good time to upgrade your Internet connection after you’ve ascertained whether you have DSL or a second phone line.

2 Weeks Before the Move

1) Borrowed Items. All borrowed or rented items, such as library books, games, videos, etc., should be returned.

2) Warranties. Leave in one place all of the warranties, instruction manuals and receipts for appliances and electrical devices that will be left in the home after you move. This will be a tremendous help to those moving into your house.

3) Bank Accounts. After selecting a bank in your new community, open an account with $500 so that you have easy access to some cash while you are moving. DO NOT close your current checking account until all of the outstanding checks have gone through.

4) Packing. While you continue packing items that you will not need before you move, remember to clearly label each box, indicating which room they came from. This helps settling into your new house proceed faster and with less stress.

5) Disposal of Waste. Your hazardous waste, such as cleaning and lighter fluids and aerosols, must be disposed of before you move. You can contact your Public Works department, town hall or (800) CLEANUP to locate the nearest hazardous waste disposal area.

1 Week Before the Move

1) Packing. Pack all possessions that will not be needed during the week of your move, such as clothing, books, pots/pans and craft/hobby projects and supplies.

2) Dry Cleaners. Remember to pick up your clothes from the dry cleaners!

3) Subscriptions. Subscribing to the local newspaper in your new community is a good way to learn about government issues and community events.

4) Warranties/Manuals. Contact the previous occupants of your new home to locate any instruction manuals or warranties for appliances that they will be leaving in your new home.

5) Notification of Move. You can be creative while you are notifying your friends and family of your move. You can send a note in the mail, telephone them--even send an electronic card.

6) Trash Removal. Final trash and recyclables will need to be picked up. You may be able to make arrangements with your neighbors to leave these with them or you can drop them off at the local dump.

The Week of the Move

1) Snacks. A small, but vital detail--make sure to have plenty of snacks and refreshments for everyone who is helping with the move.

2) Cleaning. Remember when your mother told you, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”? This applies to leaving your house clean!

3) Etiquette. Although to some people this is common sense, remember to not block your neighbors’ driveways or sidewalks. Also remember to make arrangements for or to dispose of garbage and unnecessary furniture rather than leaving it behind.

4) Moving Day Items. Gather together a telephone, some light bulbs, a tool kit, scissors, flashlight, large trash bags, toilet paper and bed linens. Put them in a box specially marked, so that when you get to your new house, you have a collection of items you will likely need right away.

1 Week After Moving

1) “First Projects.” Fun “first projects” when settling into your new home include painting closets and re-papering or painting the bathroom.

2) Safety. In case of fire, make sure that one of the first things you do in your new home is to map out an escape route. Locating the police, fire stations and the nearest hospital is also a good idea, as is installing new alarms (smoke and carbon monoxide) and a new fire extinguisher.

2 Weeks After Moving

1) Updates. Remember to update your driver’s license or ID at the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Make sure you have the necessary documents, as cities often require proof of residence.

2) Tax Forms. To avoid delaying next year’s tax forms, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to change your address at (800) 829-4059. If you’d rather, you can also visit the IRS online at www.irs.gov. Remember to ask for Form 8822.

3) Recycling. Call the local sanitation department to continue your habit of recycling. If you have not been recycling, now is a good time to start!

4) Security. If you have any doubts about having received all of the keys to your new home, change the lock on the outside door(s). A second lock, such as a dead bolt, can also be installed if it makes you feel more secure.

5) Voter Registration. Remember to call your local town hall to change your voter registration information.

We sincerely hope you have enjoyed our "Relocation Planner" Report. We truly appreciate your business and look forward to keeping in touch with you. Our site is updated frequently with new and valuable information. Please visit as often as you like and consider it as your personal real estate resource center. Would you be so kind as to take a moment and let us know what we can do to help you? Do you need any further information about homes for sale? Do you have a home to sell? Do you want mortgage information?

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