Moving Tips

Moving Tips

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Selecting Your Mover

Selecting the right moving company is one of the most important parts of moving. Stevens Moving & Storage of Toledo suggests these tips for choosing the right mover:

  • Compare movers
  • Request estimates from more than one moving company
    • Compare rates and services of each mover
    • Review your estimates and make sure there are no hidden fees
    • If you have any questions, ask the movers
  • Make sure the moving company is licensed
  • Select a company with professionally trained employees
  • Research the mover to find out if they are a member of the American Moving & Storage Association, a trade association representing the interest of the domestic and international moving and storage industry
  • Compare the cost of moving yourself to the cost of using a moving company
  • Consider how far you are moving and research the relevant costs that will likely be factors when moving yourself:
    • Packing materials
    • Truck rentals
    • Gas prices
    • Dolly and pad covering rentals
    • Additional insurance
    • Time involved

Moving Calendar

When moving into a new home, it’s important to start preparing a moving plan several weeks in advance. Stevens Moving & Storage of Toledo suggests using the following timeline. If your move is coming sooner, just condense this list into the most important priorities.

  • Establish a tentative timeline for your move
  • Consider using a realtor to help you sell your home
  • Verify what portion of the move your employer covers if they are helping pay for the move
  • Use a realtor to help you buy or rent a home in your new area
  • Research school districts and the process for registering your children in school
  • Contact Stevens Moving & Storage of Toledo to help you move

  • Now it’s time to get rid of some excess items and declutter your home. Consider selling or donating the extra stuff you don’t need
  • Get in touch with your accountant or the IRS for forms regarding tax-deductible moving expenses

  • Research places where your spouse could potentially work
  • Contact the utility and energy services to transfer services in your name to your new home
  • Check if your primary bank has a branch in your new area. If not, research other banks you could use
  • Finalize essential details such as finances and homeowners or renters insurance
  • Measure the rooms in your new home and sketch out a floor plan

  • Finalize pickup and delivery dates with Stevens Moving & Storage of Toledo, and make storage arrangements through our company
  • Keep sorting through your belongings to determine what you really need to take with you.
  • Obtain an appraisal and gather receipts for any high-value or unusual items that will be shipped

  • Notify the postal service at www.usps.com of your new address and send change-of-address cards to friends, relatives and periodicals
  • Obtain the proper forms for transferring your driver’s license and applying for credit
  • Make sure you get all of your old medical records and call your new doctor or dentist for referrals in your new area
  • Arrange any installations or repairs for your new home

  • It’s time to start packing!
  • Make travel arrangements including car rental and hotel reservations

  • Give back borrowed items to your friends and return library books
  • Get your car checked for general maintenance
  • Manage any bills, stocks and investments you have
  • Transfer your bank account to your new bank
  • Drain oil and gasoline from power equipment
  • Get your pet records to give to your new veterinarian
  • Relax! Throw a going away party for the family, and visit some of your favorite places

  • Make another list that contains items you will be taking with you to your new home
  • Pack your bags
  • Transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new area
  • Discontinue delivery services and newspapers
  • Before you move the refrigerator, defrost and dry it
  • Make sure your cash or checks are ready to pay for travel expenses

What to Take Along

The items you take with you on your trip depend on how you’re traveling and for how long, and whether you have any children or pets. Stevens Moving & Storage of Toledo suggests a few essential items you’ll want to have with you.

  • Maps
  • Suitcases
  • Cash or credit cards
  • House and car keys
  • Photo identification
  • Moving paperwork
  • First Aid Kit
  • Car registration and insurance paperwork
  • Water and beverages
  • Snacks
  • Blankets and pillows
  • Pet food and bowls
  • Moist towelettes
  • Valuables
  • Kids and pet toys