Getting Ready for the Big Move

You sold your home, and now you’re approaching moving day. The hardest part is over with, so now you can collect your belongings and transition to a new space with some tips to help keep your possessions organized.

Cleaning, De-Cluttering and Packing

If you’re 4-6 weeks away from the big move, then don’t hesitate to start packing some of your less essential items. Seasonal tools, decorations, clothing and other items can be packed right away. Place in clearly labeled boxes with specific directions as to where they go in the new home. Start cleaning your closets and start discarding or donating items that you no longer need. This will help cut down on packing time. Organize closets and storage spaces for quick packing as well. The key is to de-clutter, pack and then clean the area after all possessions have been removed.

Discontinue Services

Do you employ a gardener, lawn care or pool maintenance service? Then make sure you contact them well in advance of your move. If you feel that they did a particularly good job, then leave their business cards out for the new owners of the home. Contact the U.S. Postal Service to reroute your mail. Pick up all items from the tailor or cleaner, and return all borrowed DVDs and books. These are commonly overlooked ends to tie up before moving day.

Moving Companies

If you’re hiring a moving company to help you transport possessions between locations, then get moving estimates early. I recommend talking to at least 3-4 moving companies before you make a decision. Set a moving date with a company well in advance, and then confirm that date once again a few days before the move. On moving day, make sure the movers have a detailed map of how to get to the new location. In addition, you should diagram where you want all major pieces of furniture as well as boxes to be dropped off. Be there to supervise movers when they move your possessions into your new home—just in case anything is placed in the wrong location. Finally, compensate the movers with the form of payment they requested ahead of time. In addition, if they did a good job moving, have a cash tip ready for them. I recommend giving $40-$80 to a group of two—depending on how well they performed. If they went above and beyond their job description, then compensate them accordingly. If you felt it was a particularly difficult move, then you may want to tip a little higher in that instance as well.

Tax Deductible Moving Expenses

Did you know that you can deduct your moving expenses if you moved because of a new job location or because you started a new business? Check out Publication 521, Moving Expenses, at www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.html to see if you qualify for this tax deduction based on moving distance and number of hours per week you work.

If you have any additional questions about how you can prepare for moving day, contact your local agent today.