SHARI SELLS SAN DIEGO

But, as your Willis Allen Realtor, Shari is here to help. Need some pre-listing work done on the house? Shari can recommend painters, contractors, landscapers and more.

And, thanks to Willis Allen's exclusive global affiliations, Shari can set you up with a Willis Allen-approved Realtor, whether your move is taking you to Baltimore or to Belfast.

Here’s a checklist and timeline to get you organized for moving day.

8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

~ Create a Moving File – this is where you can keep all important receipts, quotes and other move-related information.

~ Purge and Donate – get rid of anything you don’t really need; set aside time to drop off donations to, or schedule a pick-up through, a local charity.
~ Research Moving Companies – take the time to get more than one on-site estimate in writing.
~ Collect Important Records – arrange for the transfer of school records, medical charts, veterinarian files, etc.
~ Schedule Appointments – if you or any family members or pets are due for an annual exam (dental or medical), get that done ASAP; ask your doctors for referrals in your new city.

7 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

~ Transfer Your Insurance – find out what changes you need to make to auto and home policies.
~ Identify and Use Items You Can’t Move – begin to use up what’s in your freezer or pantry; remember, you can’t move most cleaning supplies or even propane for the BBQ grill.

6 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

~ Cancel or Transfer Memberships – find out if you can transfer memberships to fitness clubs and other member groups; if you can’t, cancel them.
~ Identify Valuables – you may not trust some items with the moving company, so identify those and decide how you will transport them (ship them separately? take them in your car?)

5 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

~ Change Your Address – file change-of-address paperwork with the post office, bank, cell phone company, credit card company, magazines, newspapers, etc.
~ Notify Professional Services About the Move – let your attorney, accountant, financial planner, etc. know you are moving so they can file appropriate paperwork to change your address for you.
~ Order Moving Supplies – order boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers and specialty boxes (for clothes, dishes, etc.).
~ Start Packing – identify items that are seasonal or not used often and pack them up now; be sure to carefully mark what’s in each box and the room in which they belong.

4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

~ Verify Your Move Date – contact your moving company to ensure everything is set for your move.

~ Make Travel Arrangements for Pets – how are they arriving at your new destination? (Do you need to board them on either end of your move?)

3 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

~ Service Your Car – make sure your car is in tip-top shape for your moving road trip.
~ Dispose of Non-Movable’s – old paint, cleaning supplies, propane, etc. cannot be moved and must be properly disposed of (via a hazardous waste program through your city or by giving them to a friend).
~ Connect with Friends and Family – now’s the time to host a going away party and alert friends and family about how to reach you once you’ve relocated. 

~ Cancel and Set Up Utilities – you’ll need to cancel utilities in your old location and set them up for your new home.

          ~ Water
          ~ Gas
          ~ Telephone
          ~ Cable/internet
          ~ Sewer
          ~ Trash
          ~ Electric

~ Verify Travel Arrangements – confirm plans for transporting your family, pets, houseplants, and valuables to the new location.
~ Use Up Food – finish eating up the food in your pantry or freezer (you might have to get creative!).
~ Clean Rugs and Drapes – it’s nice to have your curtains and rugs (if you're taking them with you) cleaned prior to your move so you can have a “fresh start” in your new home.

~ Fill Prescriptions – get any medication refills that you need for yourself, your kids or your pets.

~ Pack an Essentials Box – you’ll take this with you in your car for the first day in your new home; include paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, paper plates, plastic utensils, etc.
~ Prepare Outdoor Equipment – drain water hoses, remove gas from lawn equipment and BBQ grills, etc.
~ Alert Your Credit Card Company – let them know you’re moving so they don’t flag any move-related purchases as suspicious, which could lead to a freeze on your account.

~ Pack Your Bags – you’ll want to pack a suitcase or two for the first few nights in your new home; ensure toiletries, personal items and prescriptions are in your suitcase.

~ Be Present – even if you’ve hired a moving company, it’s still important to oversee the move.
~ Check and Double-Check – when the boxes and furniture have been removed, check every room and closet carefully to ensure nothing has been left behind.
~ Leave Your New Address – leave a note for the new owners with your forwarding address so they can get stray mail back to you.

SHARI WINET RODRIGUEZ
619.933.8531
Shari@WillisAllen.com
ShariSellsSD.com
DRE #02100228