Buyer Tips

Goal:  Moving efficiently

The Home Search

1. Learn as much as you can about your new town. Subscribe to the area’s local newspaper. Look in the real estate section to get some idea of the type of housing available in the new city. Arrange for a house-hunting trip to your new city. Our company arranges get-acquainted tours for prospective new residents year round. Just give us a call toll free 877-964-5800.

2. Learn as much as you can about your new town. Subscribe to the area's When you start your home search, take along a tape measure and a list of the exact dimensions of each of your major appliances and other large pieces of furniture. Measure the areas provided for them to be sure your appliances and furniture will fit.Begin the process of establishing credit in the new city. Ask your banker for a referral to a correspondent bank and to act as a credit reference. Your real estate agent can also refer you to resources.Plan your move as early as possible to take advantage of the best moving rates. Summer and the end and beginning of each month are times to avoid. They are more costly.Notify your landlord of your moving date.Keep a record of all expenses related to the move, some of which may be tax deductible.Take a Household Inventory for each room. This is important for establishing the amount of declared valuation for the shipment and as a permanent inventory for insurance purposes. List, as nearly as possible, the year of purchase and original cost of each item. Attach any invoices or records of purchase to the completed inventory. Prepare a separate high-value inventory if the shipment will contain articles of "extraordinary" value.The following list includes items that might fall into this category:
   Antiques, art collections, cameras, collections, computer equipment, glassware, firearms, appliances, manuscripts, rugs, silvers, china
3. Estimate of Moving Costs

6 – 8 weeks before moving

*Have the moving company conduct a household goods survey in order to
furnish you with a written estimate, although the final cost will depend
on the actual weight of your household goods after they are loaded on the
van.

* Before the removal list arrives, inspect the property. Include the garage,
patio and any storage shed. Decide what to move and what to discard.
Remember the cost of moving an item may be greater than the cost of
replacing it.Personal records:*Arrange for closing or transfer of charge accounts.

* Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered.
Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure
coverage at the new home.

* Obtain transcripts of the children's school records* Gather medical and dental records including vaccination data, medical
prescriptions, dates of last examinations, history of past illnesses and
so on.* Ask your doctor and dentist for referrals in the new city.* Transfer, sell or resign memberships in clubs or associations. Report
your move to billing companies.

4 to 6 Weeks before moving

Plan Your Packing. Gather containers and packing materials. Purchase if necessary.
* Small cartons for heavy items (books, record albums, and tools).
* Wardrobe containers
* Large cartons for bulky items (pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys).
Important: scissors, a sharp knife, felt markers, labels and stickers
are very important for packing.10. Places To Notify of Impending Address Change Utilities.* Electric
* Gas
* Water
* Telephone
* Fuel
* Trash removal
* Doctor/Dentist
* Accountant/Lawyer
* Real estate Agent
* Stock broker
* Insurance Agents
* Life, Health
* Fire, Auto, Boat
* Business Accounts
* Credit cards
* Motor Vehicle Dept
* Finance companies
* Banks
* Department stores
* Govt/Public Offices
* Social Security* Fed/State tax
* Publications
* Newspapers
* Magazines
* Credit Cards
* Bank cards
* Oil companies* Store cards
* Relatives and friends
* Business associates
* Schools and colleges
* Church


2-3 weeks before moving

* Notify post office of change of address.

* Phone the local business office of the Telephone Company. They can make arrangements for service in your new home and, on request, give out your new number when your present number is called.

* Contact all service companies as listed. If possible, arrange to have utilities connected before your arrival.

* Electric * Gas * Water * Fuel * Cable TV

11. Make family travel plans. Reserve air or rail transportation and hotel
accommodations as needed. Have your car prepared for the trip--tires,
brakes, lubrication, oil change, and tune-up-as needed. Have all utilities in place until the day after your move, in case you need them that day.

3 days before moving

The "UPON ARRIVAL BOX"
Pack a box for instant needs on arrival. Mark the box "To be loaded last and Unloaded firstFor more information, request a free booklet, Moving Appliances and Other Home Furnishings, from United Van Lines Moving Day

Loading Your Belongings

* Be on hand when the movers arrive.
* Accompany the van operator through the house inspecting and tagging each
piece of furniture with an identifying number.
* Be sure the condition of each item is recorded. After making a final tour of the house to be sure no items have been overlooked, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy and keep it in a safe place.
* Check to see the van operator has the exact destination address. At Your Destination

* Make sure the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives.* Be on hand to accept delivery of your household goods.* Check your household goods, as they are unloaded.

* To save time and confusion, place a floor plan of your new home at the entrance the movers will use, indicating where each piece of furniture should go.

HOME AT LAST!