Moving can be a great big stress—just like the really horrible stuff like divorce and job loss. So even when things are going good, household anxiety is up there and everyone's nerves are are about worn out. If you're like most of the population, the thing that keeps you from sleeping soundly is the actual move--a weeks or months long process that seems to take up your every waking minute. It's staggering for even a very organized and clutter-free family; you have 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 take apart the furniture and then get it all from point to point.
This is where a professional, full-service moving company can provide their expertise and give you time to concentrate on your new residence, new job, new schools, and new life. Whether you're relocating across the street in Killeen or across the country, everything in your old residence must be boxed up or thrown out. Most people concentrate on the portion of the move that includes loading the moving trucks and driving down the road, but like most household projects, the preparation is the iceberg and the actual moving day is only the visible tip. A seasoned team of professional full-service movers can help you navigate that iceberg for smooth and simple sailing right up to your new front door.
First, you've got to locate the right moving company for you. Ask your friends or your realtor for referrals, and interview a couple movers to decide on the best choice for you. In case you've never employed movers before, here are a couple important questions to ask.
-Are you licensed and insured? Ask to see a current copy of their commercial policy.
-What is your release rate, and are there options for high value items? Good movers will go over all your things and record existing damage or weak spots before they wrap, these days they'll take pictures, in addition.
-Can I box some items? Do you really pack dirty ashtrays? Most people want to box really valuable or delicate things themselves, and most packers are alright with that. However, the pros really know how to wrap delicate belongings so there is not as much of a chance of damage, and to put those belongings in boxes so they are secure but not too tight (fun fact: threading packing paper through the handle of a coffee cup or mug and stuffing packing paper into it reduces the chance the cup will break). And most professionals will ask before they pack up full trash cans--the ashtray might have happened but it is likely an urban legend.
-Will you take beds and furniture apart and re-assemble them in the new house? Full-service movers are experts at disassembling and reassembling anything from dressers to beds. There are not many things in life which are a lot more gratifying than a man who knows the tricks of those little cams and bolts. Also, professional movers use their own tools so you are not sorting through things that you just packed to uncover the screwdrivers.
-Do you charge one price or can I select and pay for certain services? Again, the majority of movers will work with you on services. However, you might end up paying a premium for only getting certain services. If you think you'll save here and there buying your own packing supplies, or taking apart 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 do not know how much you will really use, and may make umpteen journeys to the store, paying the professional packers do it is usually much less of a headache.
Now that you've hired the perfect movers—you're on their schedule for packing and moving--you can check that off your to-do list and move on to the details of beginning life in a new home.
If you are moving locally in Killeen, you are lucky in that you can keep the fundamentals of your life the same--same bank, dry cleaners, gym, etc. But if your relocation is not in the same town and you've got to make all new connections in your new town; the good news is that without the move worry consuming your every waking moment, you can get a head start on all the details that turn a new town into a home town.
There are lots of details to pay attention to, so here are some suggestions to help you prioritize. Now is the time to gather all your important paperwork that are spread all over and place them into a folder, either digital or a hard copy. You'll need birth certificates, social security numbers, medical and immunization records, driver’s license, passports—at some point during the move and settling you will need to be able to find all of these things. Changes in federal and some state laws require two forms of photo government ID, so yes, you do need to dig out your passport and proceed to renew if it has expired.
Schools
If you've got school-aged kids, getting them sorted into their new environment as uncomplicatedly as possible is very important. Call the local Board of Education to validate the documents you need to register in their system. School districts have different rules regarding attendance; some have rigid boundaries and others are more flexible. If you are curious about magnet schools, you will need those guidelines to register for their programs. For proof of residence, you will most likely need a copy of your deed, mortgage, or lease to confirm your address, and most likely a utility bill as a secondary source. Also, remember the appropriate immunization records and transcripts from previous schools.
Health Care
Ask your current physician for referrals in your new area—there's usually a trusted buddy from medical school they can recommend. As so many practices now are part of large networks of providers you may be able to make an easy transition to a provider; if not your insurance carrier can steer you to in-network practices. It is likely to be hit or miss to find the right pediatricians, internists, orthodontists and witch doctors, but be calm and you'll find one you like. Do not forget about switching over your prescriptions; chances are good that you'll just have to switch to the new location and stay with the same company.
Utilities and Maintenance
Your realtor may be assisting you to make sure all your utilities are turned on and functioning when you get to your new house, but you are the one who needs to open the accounts and schedule service. You have got the essentials--power, water, and gas--where there's a single provider and that's it. Most towns have a number of options for things like internet, telephone and cable service, and if your current provider doesn’t service your new area you'll need to locate a new one.
If your new neighborhood has an HOA they'll have all the appropriate information on items like trash pickup, mail delivery and lawn maintenance standards. If you manage your own yard now may be a good opportunity to upgrade the mower and blower, if not ask around for a good service.
Personal Miscellany
Most states have a fairly narrow timeframe for updating your address on your driver’s license, so take care of that as promptly as you can. Your cars should also be registered in your new county or city; taxes sway greatly and you may discover a noticeable decrease or increase in your property taxes. You can update your voter registration at most license offices, and find the address of your new polling location.
As you can see, simply rearranging your life for a move is a full-time job, so why would you take on the burden of the physical move when you can employ a full-service moving company manage that for you? Find the right pros for your move so you can make time for the important things--like locating a dry cleaner and car wash close to the gym!
