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Moving Guide

Moving homes is not easy, it involves making important decisions. While moving can seem exciting, it can also be stressful. From creating a budget to packing to navigating the sea of paperwork, there are a hundred and one things to take care of. Every move is different, with its own unique challenges to overcome. Read through our guide below to get useful moving tips, advice and helpful information to make sure your move goes smoothly.

8 WEEKS BEFORE

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Sort. Walk through every room and open every drawer; decide what to take to your new home and what to get rid of. Make a list of “keep” items that will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.

Purge. Donate items you no longer want, or host a yard sale.

Contact your children’s school . Notify the school that you’re moving, and obtain copies of your children’s records. Contact new schools for enrollment and record-transfer procedures.

6 WEEKS BEFORE

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Order packing supplies. Purchase standard boxes in various sizes; bubble wrap; packing paper; packing tape; and specialty containers, such as wardrobe and dish-pack boxes.

Contact your doctors. Obtain copies of medical records for all family members, or have the records sent to your new physicians. Haven’t found new ones yet? Ask your current doctors for recommendations.

Contact insurance agents. Find out whether your move necessitates changes in your medical, dental, vehicle or personal property insurance.

4 WEEKS BEFORE

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Start packing. Begin with items you use only rarely or seasonally (e.g., fondue pot; pool toys); save items you use frequently (e.g., TV remote; your toothbrush) until just before moving day. Snap photos of valuables and pack them separately; you’ll carry those items with you.

Label, label, label. Mark each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for in the new house. The only exception: Don’t list contents on a box that contains valuables, to avoid theft.

Inventory. Keep a running list of each packed box, its contents and what room it belongs in. Later, you can match this against your moving company’s inventory sheet.

Measure. Ensure that all of your belongings can make it out of your old home and into your new one; measure any tall, wide or oddly shaped items, as well as any doorways or tight spaces they’ll need to fit through, so there are no surprises on moving day.

Update your computer. Download any necessary software updates and ensure that all of your files and photos are backed up to an online cloud storage service or an external hard drive that you’ll carry with you.

Make arrangements for pets. Book a pet sitter or care facility for moving day.

Contact utility companies. Instruct existing utilities to disconnect services the day after your move; direct new utilities to install services at least a day before you arrive.

Alert important parties. Notify your employer, banks, credit card companies, subscription services, friends and family of your move. If your new home won’t be ready when you leave your old one, research storage options in your new community.

Clear the freezer. Start using up frozen food items that will be a hassle to move. Then, tackle the pantry and fridge.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

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Confirm the movers. Contact the moving company and double-check your plans. Make sure the insurance in place is enough to cover your valuables.

Clear out. Empty out storage units, safe deposit boxes and any other off-site storage spots. And don’t forget to pick up your dry cleaning.

Take time off. Evaluate how many work days you’ll need to make the move, and then request time off from your employer.

Clean the rugs. Have area rugs cleaned; they’ll arrive rolled and wrapped from the cleaner, ready to unroll at the new house.

Pay it forward. As you pack, gather warranty information, manuals and other house-specific information in a binder for the new owners.

1 WEEK BEFORE

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Finish packing. Aim to complete the general household packing a couple of days before moving day.

Pack your bag. Your last bag should contain at least one change of clothes for each person in the family, as well as all of the basics (e.g., phone charger, toilet paper) you need to survive for a few days without the items on the moving truck.

Visit the pharmacy. Refill any prescriptions you’ll need for the next month, and arrange to transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new community.

Unplug. Disconnect and clean any large appliances (e.g., washing machine, fitness equipment) you’re moving; contact a professional to disconnect gas lines. If you’re moving your fridge, defrost the freezer and clean it at least a day before you move.

Make your last donation. Arrange for a final pickup of all remaining items in your “donate” pile.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE

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Confirm the movers … again. Triple-check arrangements with the moving company. Verify how much you’ll owe on moving day, and what forms of payment are accepted. Ask for a cellphone number for the day-of contact, and confirm the crew’s arrival time. Prepare written directions to your new home and hand them to the movers on moving day.

Get the keys. Arrange to receive the keys to your new home, on moving day.

Donate food. If you’d rather move fewer boxes, donate nonperishables to a local food pantry.

Disassemble furniture. Place screws, brackets and fasteners in a small plastic storage bag, and label it. Even better: Tape the bag to the furniture’s underside.

Get rid of it. Most movers prohibit moving boxes that contain paint, aerosol cans, matches, alcohol and other chemicals. Properly dispose of these items, or plan to move them yourself.

THE DON'T PACK LIST

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Keep these items off the truck and close to you on moving day:

Important documents (e.g., passports, marriage license, birth certificates, any records containing bank account information or Social Security numbers)

  • Checkbook
  • Credit cards
  • Medication
  • Phone and charger
  • Laptop and charger
  • Toilet paper
  • A change of clothes (one for each member of your household)
  • Snacks and water (for kids and pets)
  • A child’s special toy or blanket (if they can’t bear to pack it)
  • Jewelry
  • Flashlight
  • Tape measure
  • Toolbox
  • Trash bags
  • Paper towels
  • Cash
  • Any other valuables, heirlooms or irreplaceable items

MOVING DAY

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Current Home

Say goodbye. Take time to say a proper “so long” to your old house before things get hectic. Children, in particular, benefit from some closure: Walk through the house recalling fond memories you have, and talk about what fun you’ll create in your new home.

Meet the movers. Greet the moving crew and ensure that all workers are representatives of the moving company you hired.

Supervise the load-in. Assign a helper to watch the moving crew stack your belongings inside the truck, keeping an eye out for damage.

Clean the old house. Tidy up rooms as the moving crew empties them, or consider hiring a cleaning service.

Keep valuables with you. Be sure the movers don’t mistakenly load boxes containing your laptop, jewelry, passports and other irreplaceables you should keep near you at all times.

Make a final walk-through. Lock your old home’s windows and doors, turn off lights and ceiling fans and make sure nothing’s left before you leave for good.

NEW HOME

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Roll out the carpet protector. Lay down plastic carpet protector at the new house, if your movers haven’t already done so.

Show the moving crew around. Point out specific rooms so boxes end up where they belong.

Watch for damaged and missing items. Your movers will make an inventory sheet, called the “bill of lading,” that notes the condition of your items, including damage to any boxes or furniture.

Pay the movers. Complete the transaction using the payment method you agreed to when you confirmed the move.

Get it in writing. Before the movers leave, sign the inventory sheet — and make sure the mover in charge signs it, too. Get a copy for your records.

Do an initial clean. Vacuum and mop floors before you set down furniture; wipe down countertops; and do a deep clean of tubs, showers and toilets.

Assemble furniture. Grab your toolbox and start reassembling furniture; don’t wait until your helpers have gone home.

Start unpacking. If you notice any damage to your boxes, set them aside until the moving company can return to inspect them. Take photos of the damage for your records.


MORTGAGE CALCULATOR

Your mortgage is one of the biggest elements of your monthly budget so, you want to give it careful thought and consideration. What kind of mortgage is right for you? What’s the optimum term? What interest rate should you go for? The answers to these may vary for different families. But everything starts with the mortgage amount. How much can you afford to pay each month based on your income, the home price and your down payment? You can estimate your mortgage amount and get a fair understanding of how much you can afford by using our calculator below.

Mortgage
Budget
$
%
Mortgage Payment
$
years
%
Total
$
years
%
Total

Note : This calculator is for demonstration purposes only. Laurelcrest Homes does not guarantee that all calculations are accurate. Always consult a professional financial advisor before making personal financial decisions.


Maintaining Your Home

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

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March

  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check air ducts, remove covers and vacuum dust from vents
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter
  • Check attic, basement and crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Check sump pump (if installed) for discharge
  • Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels
  • Remove snow and ice from overhang and vents
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

April

  • Check eavestroughs and downspouts for debris
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels
  • Inspect basement or crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Check roof for loose or cracked shingles
  • Check driveways and walks for frost damage
  • Inspect water heater for leaks
  • Turn on exterior water supply
  • Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement and water ponding
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

May

  • Inspect fences
  • Check caulking around windows and doors for air or water leaks
  • Lubricate weatherstripping
  • Check exterior finishes for signs of deterioration (peeling paint, loose siding, cracks)
  • Check windows and screens are operating properly
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

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June

  • Check air conditioning to see if properly functioning
  • Check condition of roof shingles and flashing
  • Check garage and garage door tracks for deterioration and lubricate bearings
  • Check sealing around windows and doors for air or water leaks
  • Inspect water heater for leaks
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

July

  • Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
  • Clean air conditioner
  • Check or clean exhaust fans
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

August

  • Clean or replace air conditioner filter
  • Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
  • Inspect driveways and walkways for chipping or cracks
  • Inspect doors and locks for proper closure and locking
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

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September

  • Check exterior finishes for signs of deterioration (peeling paint, loose siding, cracks)
  • Check garage door tracks and lubricate bearings
  • Check caulking around windows and doors for air and water leaks
  • Seed the lawn
  • Check basement or crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Have humidifier, furnace and (heat recovery ventilator) HRV serviced
  • Clean and test clothes dryer vent
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

October

  • Check windows and screens for cracks or separations
  • Drain exterior water lines
  • Check roof including shingles and flashing and ensure vents are sealed properly
  • Check weather stripping for damage or wear
  • Check sealing around windows and doors for air or water leaks
  • Winterize landscaping and remove leaves
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Clean water heater
  • Shut off exterior water supply
  • Check eavestroughs and downspouts for debris
  • Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

November

  • Check attic, basement and crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Inspect floor drains to ensure trap is filled with water
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Check humidifier for condensation and proper humidity levels
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

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December

  • Check air ducts for debris and clean if necessary
  • Check for excessive snow on roof and arrange for removal if necessary
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

January

  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Check furnace fan belt for wear or looseness
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Check or clean exhaust fans
  • Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels
  • Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

February

  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Check and ensure air intakes and exhausts are clear of snow
  • Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors