Moving is a big stress—just like the really bad stuff like divorce and job loss. So even when things are going good, household tensions are up there and everyone's nerves are are about worn out. If you're like most of the population, the thing that keeps you up at night is the actual move--a weeks or months long process that threatens to consume your every waking minute. It is staggering for even a very organized and minimalistic person; you've got to pick through and decide what to do with everything and wrap and get boxes and figure out how to put everything in the boxes and disassemble furniture and then actually move it all from point to point.
This is where a professional, full-service moving company can take over and allow you concentrate on your new house, new job, new schools, and new day-to-day schedule. Whether you are moving across the neighborhood in Colorado Springs or several states away, everything in your old house must be boxed up or given away. A lot of people concentrate on the part of the move that involves loading the trucks and driving down the street, but like most household projects, the prep work is the iceberg and the actual moving day is only the visible tip. A seasoned team of professional full-service movers can assist you to navigate that iceberg for smooth and simple sailing right up to your new front door.
For starters, you've got to find the best moving company for you. Ask your family or your realtor for referrals, and interview a couple movers to decide on the right fit for you. If you've never hired movers before, there are a couple important questions to ask.
-Are you licensed and insured? Make sure see a current copy of their certificate of insurance.
-What is your release rate, and what are the options for fine furniture or antiques? Good movers should go over all your belongings and make note of existing damage or weak spots before they wrap, these days they will take pictures, also.
-Can I box some things? Do you really pack dirty ashtrays? Most people want to pack really valuable or delicate items themselves, and most packers are alright with that. However, the pros really know how to wrap delicate items so there's less chance of damage, and to put those things in boxes so they are secure but not packed too tightly (fun fact: twisting packing paper through the handle of a coffee cup or mug and stuffing paper into it reduces the chance the cup will break). And most movers will ask before they pack full trash cans--the ashtray may have happened but it is likely an urban legend.
-Will you take beds and furniture apart and put them back together in the new house? Full-service movers are adept at disassembling and reassembling anything from bookshelves to beds. There are hardly any things in life more gratifying than a man who understands the tricks of those little cams and bolts. Also, they have their own tools so you're not sorting through boxes to locate the screwdrivers.
-Do you charge one price or can I choose a la carte services? Again, the majority of movers will be flexible on service offerings. Nevertheless, you might pay a premium for only getting certain services. If you think you will save a little buying your own packing supplies, or disassembling furniture, chances are pretty good that you won't. When you take into consideration that you'll pay more at moving supply or big box stores and have no idea how much you'll really need, and might need to make make multiple trips to the store, paying the professional packers do it is a better bet.
Now that you've appointed the perfect movers—you're on their schedule for packing and loading and unloading--you can check that off your to-do list and move on to the specifics of starting life in a new home.
If your move is local in Colorado Springs, you are lucky in that you can keep the basics of your life the same--same bank, dentist, gym, etc. But if your relocation is not right around the corner and you've got to start rebuilding your network from scratch; the good news is that without the move anxiety hanging over your every waking moment, you can get going on all the details that turn a new town into a home town.
The devil is indeed in the details, so here are some tips to help you prioritize. Now is the time to gather all your important documents that are strewn all over and condense them into a folder, either digital or a hard copy. You'll want to make sure you have birth certificates, social security numbers, medical and immunization records, driver’s license, passports—chances are that at some point in the near future you'll need to have these items on hand. Changes in federal and some state laws require two forms of photo government ID, so yes, you do need to conjure up your passport and make sure and renew if it is out of date.
Schools
If you've got kids in school, getting them adjusted into their new environment as easily as possible is vital. Get with the local Board of Education to validate the documents you need to register in the system. School districts have different policies in regard to attendance; some have rigid boundary lines and others are more flexible. If you're interested in magnet schools, you'll need their guidelines to register for special programs. For proof of residence, you'll need a copy of your deed, mortgage, or lease to confirm your address, and most likely a utility bill as a secondary source. Also, don’t forget to obtain the current immunization records and transcripts from previous providers.
Health Care
Ask your current doctor for suggested providers in your new area—there is usually a trusted buddy from med school they can recommend. As so many practices now are part of large corporate networks you might be able to facilitate an easy transition to a new group; if not your insurance carrier can steer you to in-network practices. It's likely to be more difficult to find the right pediatricians, internists, orthodontists and witch doctors, but be calm and you will find one you like. Don't forget about switching over your prescriptions; chances are good that you will just have to change to the new location and stay with the same provider.
Utilities and Maintenance
Your realtor may be helping you to ensure all your utilities are turned on and functioning when you get to your new house, but you're the one who must set up the accounts and schedule service. You have got the necessities--power, water, and gas--where there's a single provider and that is it. Most towns have numerous options for things like internet, telephone and cable service, and if your current provider doesn’t service your new area you'll have to locate a new one.
If your new neighborhood has a Homeowners Association they'll have all the pertinent information on things like trash pickup, mail delivery and lawn maintenance standards. If you manage your own yard now might be a good time to upgrade the mower and weed eater, if not ask the locals for a good service.
Personal Miscellany
Most states have a narrow timeframe for changing your address on your driver’s license, so take care of that as quickly as you can. Your cars should also be registered in your new county or town; taxes sway widely and you may realize a notable decrease or increase in your property taxes. You can change your voter registration at most license offices, and get the address of your new voting location.
So, simply re-assimilating your life for a move is quite time consuming, so why would you take on the work of the physical move when you can hire a full-service moving company handle that for you? Research the right pros for your move so you can have time for the vital stuff--like finding a dry cleaner and car wash close to the gym!
