Using a professional moving company is something to be considered. If funds are available, and time is a factor, then deciding to use professional moving services may be wise.

Moving companies offer varied services. Some companies pack, load, move, and unload items, placing them exactly where they belong or where the customer wishes.. Others may require that belongings already be packed, and may only provide loading and unloading services, and unloading may be simply that: off-loading the belongings at the residence, with no further placement.

Other companies may go even farther: they may pack the household contents, load the belongings, transport them to the new residence, and unload and set up the items precisely where they belong, to the residents’ specifications. Additionally, they may also clean the old residence. Some may even go so far as to clean both the old and the new residence.

A relatively new concept in moving is the “all-inclusive” company. This company does everything. They act as the real estate agency by finding the right house, then continue to offer their services during the entire packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and set-up process.

Any moving company should be thoroughly checked out before being engaged. One may wish to ask the company to provide references, preferably former customers. It is also wise to determine if any complaints have ever been filed against the company.

Do not be hesitant to negotiate. Ask if a midweek move would be cheaper than a weekend move, and even if there is a difference in the time of year a move occurs. Any company, of course, will need to inspect the home and contents to see what will be involved in the move; this may be a good time to “comparison-shop”, for the best prices and services.

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On the day of the move, if a moving company has been engaged, one will only need to supervise the loading, transporting, unloading, and, possibly setting up. If the move is being accomplished with the help of family and/or friends, then those who are involved will need to be present and ready to go.

Rooms should be emptied individually. A re-check should be done, with attention to closets and cupboards, to ensure that everything has been removed. The room should then be swept, mopped, or vacuumed, if necessary, and the door closed.

It should be understood that a closed door means a room is emptied, cleaned, and done with. This way, there will be no chance that dirt is tracked into a clean room, or that anything is inadvertantly set down in a room and possibly forgotten.

It may be wise to keep some empty boxes and bags on hand, in the event that a closet was overlooked, or some things simply could not be packed until the last minute. The containers should be clearly labeled, and care taken to ensure that they are loaded.

Any necessary items, such as supplies needed for infant or child care, or any medications that must be taken regularly throughout the day, should be kept separate from all other items. Additionally, important papers, documents, or especially valuable items should be kept separate, secure, and accessible to the owner.

Utilities should be turned off, or arrangements should be made for them to be discontinued within the next few days. The former occupant may also want to take meter readings, and ensure that there no water damage can occur while the house is vacant.

Last looks should be taken, memories stored for future recollection, one chapter closed, and another one opened in life.

The week just prior to the move will be the time for “tying up all loose ends”. Notifications of changes of address should have already been sent or made to the appropriate agencies, and the week before can be used to follow up on these. This will ensure that mail continues to be received in a timely manner.

It should be determined that banks and other financial agencies have been made aware of address changes. This will eliminate any problems, and will aid in maintaining security of records.

Arrangements for the commencement of utility and other services at the new residence should be made during this final week. In this way, it will be guaranteed that the house will indeed be ready for occupancy upon moving in. Likewise, it may be wise to contact utility companies, to ensure that they are aware of discontinuance of services to the old house.

Packing should be completed to the fullest extent possible. It will still be necessary to retain some items, as life must continue in the old residence right up until the day of departure.

However, as each day passes, more and more things, such as clothing and shoes can be finally packed.

Appliances should be inspected and cleaned during the final week. Attention should be given to any perishable food that is still in the home. If there is a chance that the food cannot be moved without thawing or reaching a dangerous temperature level, it should be consumed, given away, or thrown away.

Those rooms that are being used the least can be cleaned during the last week. This will eliminate having to do them on the final day, when it will be necessary to clean those rooms that were still being utilized until the final day.