| Austin Apartment Pros Home | Austin Apartment Moving Guide |
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Thank
you for visiting Austin Apartment Pros. We know that moving can be
a daunting task and it may seem like you always forget something
no matter how detailed your preparation might be. We've included
this helpful moving guide to give you some helpful suggestions and highlight
both the big things and the small details that might otherwise get
left out. Remember, you can sign up for a free membership to search
our database of over 600 apartments in Austin, Texas at Austin
Apartment Pros.com or just call us at 512-413-7983 to get FREE
help from one of our agents. |
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| 2 months before moving | 2 days before moving | |
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| 1 month before moving | 1 week before moving | 1 day before moving |
Assuming that you are in the process of selling your home or your lease has expired on your rental and you have given the required notice, now would be the time to consider the following list of activities which are sorted by the length of time from your actual move date:
• Depending on whether or not you plan to use a moving company, contact several moving agencies to get quotes for the amount of furniture and other items that you need to have moved. If you are planning to use a moving truck and load it yourself or with the help of friends, contact several companies and get quotes for the dates that you will need the truck. Austin Apartment Pros can provide you with a list of reputable, local moving companies that you can contact for quotes.
• After you've decided on a moving company or trucking company, schedule your move with them and be sure to get confirmation via email or fax.
• Moving is something few sane people look forward to, but it is a great time to clear your life of unwanted clutter. Make a list of every item that you will not be taking with you and be sure to ask yourself "is this item something that I use regularly, that has sentimental value or that I will likely need in the future?" If the answer is no, it can go! Remember that worthy charities like Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army always are in need of donations and you can even get a tax write-off for helping out those who are less fortunate. If you have items that you would rather sell, nothing beats a yard sale or garage sale for generating some much needed cash to help cover moving expenses.
• Start collecting moving and packing supplies you don’t already have from stores or moving companies. If you have a moving company scheduled to move you, it is a good idea to check with them about what types of supplies to use. Don't forget to call or check with your local grocery store or warehouse store for extra boxes. This alone can save you a$100 or more depending on the amount of household items you have.
• You might benefit and enjoy obtaining information about the community to which you are moving. For those relocating to Austin, the Austin Chamber of Commerce offers a newcomer guide that is packed with valuable relocation information.
• Make your travel arrangements but try to keep your plans flexible to account for the little things that come up.. Keep all receipts for moving related expenses. It might be a good idea to get information from the IRS about what expenses are deductible. Some forms to consider are: IRS Change of Address Form, Form 8822, and Form 3903. You can download and print these forms as well as read about them at the IRS website.
• It's time to make arrangements to find your new Apartment in Austin. This is a good time to contact us, so one of our licensed Real Estate professionals can start checking around to find your best housing options. Either call us at 512-413-7983 (888-955-APTS toll free) or go to our website and sign up at www.Austinapartmentpros.com
By this time Austin Apartment Pros will have likely found your new Apartment in Austin, so you should have the address of your destination.
• If you haven’t already done so, it is a good idea to contact your insurance agent(s) to transfer your insurance and/or inform these companies of the date of your move and new address.
• If possible, make arrangements for the transport of any medical records including vaccination records, prescriptions, dental records, veterinary records, as well as important documents such as wills and stock certificates. Don't forget your children's school records which can be obtained by request from their respective schools. Alternatively, you can ask your medical practitioners to mail your records to your new providers and have your child's school forward their records as well. Austin Apartment Pros can provide a list of local school districts as well as contact information for local schools should you require them.
• Contact or visit your local Post Office or online at USPS.com to obtain a Change of Address form.
• Contact utility providers at new and old locations with your moving date to make arrangements for connection and disconnection of such things as telephone, gas, electric, cable TV and trash collection. Austin Apartment Pros can provide you with a list of utility companies that service apartments in austin, texas as well as their contact numbers.
• Make arrangements with your banking institution to transfer funds to your new banking institution in Austin.
• This is also a good time to check the requirements for changing your address on your vehicle registration and your driver's license if you are moving from out of state. Texas allows a certain grace period after which you can be fined during a routine traffic stop for not having changed your license and registration address.
• Call your moving company or the trucking company if there are any changes to your move-in date and confirm that everything is still set for your chosen date.
• Start packing all the items that you will not be using during the last two weeks at your old address. Your moving company may have specifice instructions on how they prefer to have your household items packed, so be sure to ask. Be sure to label all boxes in detail. Nothing is more frustrating than going through the pain of moving to realize that you can't find anything and don't know what box contains what items after you arrive.
• Make arrangements for any vehicles that you will not be driving to be transported or arrive later.
• Make arrangements to transport any pets that you have, ensure that your pets vaccinations are up to date and don't forget to get their records from your veterinarian.
• Collect all your valuable jewelry and other important items and get them ready to transport with you.
• Transfer any prescriptions to a new pharmacy in Austin.
• Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including closets, basement, and attic.
• Give away or dispose of hazardous items that cannot be shipped.
• Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider, if needed.
• Call to obtain information for any possible storage needs. Austin Apartment Pros can provide a list of local storage facilities near your new apartment. Storage is a competitive business, so we advise our customers to get quotes from at least three storage facilities to get the best price.
• Have your car serviced and your tires checked, if you are traveling by car.
• Cancel any newspapers and other regular deliveries.
• Clean out any gym or school lockers.
• Separate the items that you are transporting and the ones that are being moved by a mover or going in a truck. As mentioned earlier, it is a good idea to take your valuable documents, jewelry, and photos with you, if possible.
• Mark the boxes containing breakable items “Fragile”. Also such markings such as “Do Not Load”, or “Load Last” as appropriate. If you are using a moving company, you might ask them what markings they prefer.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your stove all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out.
• Prepare items you will need while your goods are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements.
• Pick up any dry cleaning and laundry.
• Return videos and library books.
•Pack your "first night bag," which should contain a couple of days of clothing a set of basic toiletries that you will need when you first arrive in your new apartment..
• Disconnect and clean any appliances that will be moving with you and those that will remain.
• Gather keys, alarm codes, garage door openers and be prepared to hand over to the new owner or property agent.
• Packing -- Try to finish your packing today, except for a few essentials in the kitchen and bathroom. Remember to clearly mark the boxes with the room name as well as “fragile” or “breakable” when appropriate.
• Dismantle & Disconnect – Unless you have arranged with the moving company you may be expected to dismantle any self-assembly furniture that cannot be moved out in one piece. Take down curtains and any fixtures you are taking with you. Make sure you have disconnected the washer and fitted the transit brackets to secure the drum.
• Snacks – Make up a container of refreshments for when you are moving into your new home, considering that your means of cooking may not be available. Be sure to include beverages and mark the container.
• Toiletries – Finish packing up your necessary toiletry items last after using them and clearly mark them for convenience at your destination.
• Outside items – Put any outside items, such as lawn furniture and equipment, that you are taking, inside so as to keep it dry before moving.
• Parking – Park your own cars in such a way as to make it possible for the moving company van or your moving truck to park, so as to allow optimum accessibility for packing up.
• Map – Either write out some directions, draw a plan on how to get to your new address, or have copies of a map for all who need it. Be sure to include a contact number.
• Cell phone – Make sure your cell phone is fully charged up for tomorrow and remember to take your charger with you, incase you will be on the road for more that a day.
• Moving day really starts the evening before, with a good night’s sleep. Moving day can be a long one and you’ll need to be sharp and full of energy to handle the day. Taking the day off from work or moving on a weekend will be a big advantage so you can focus your attention on the task at hand. If you have children you will probably want to get a babysitter during the loading and unloading process and you should keep pets in a room where they are not in the way. Moving day may seem overwhelming as it arrives upon you but there is no need to feel stress. Just remember that moving isn't usually a picnic, but you will get through it and have a new home and possibly a new city to enjoy!
• If you are using movers, work with them and be on hand when they arrive. If you are unable to meet them, designate a friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence. Let the mover’s agent know to whom you have given the authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do and which valuation liability program and amount your have selected. This person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
• If you are moving your self, just pack up your belongings, keeping in mind in what order you want to unload. This is where the appropriate markings come in handy.
• Hand over keys, alarm codes and garage door remote controls to the new owner or real estate agent.
• Provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached, while shipment is in transit. Make sure to take along the destination moving agent’s name, address and telephone number, if using a moving company.
• Provide the driver with clear direction to your new home.
• Review all paper work and details when the mover arrives, if using a mover. Accompany driver as they inspect furnishings.
• Do a final inspection before the van operator leaves. Check the mover’s inventory; make sure you agree with conditions of furnishings. Take pictures if necessary.
• Clean your house before the moving van arrives.
• The driver will contact you at least 24-hours prior to arrival. If you will be unreachable contact the destination agent.
• Review you floor plans so that you will be able to instruct the movers where to place the furniture. Make yourself available for instructions and any questions they may have.
• When you sign the inventory sheet provided by your moving company you are acknowledging your receipt of all items. It is important to document the loss or damage of any item on the inventory sheet. Report this to your moving agent.
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