Whether you are hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck you will want to be prepared in advance to avoid surprises. Here are some helpful tips to make your move go smoothly:

• Confirm with the buyers when they intend to take possession of your home and the actual closing date.

• Planning early and start weeding out possessions that you will toss, give away or sell at a yard sale. Uncluttering goes a long way.

• Compare moving plans with several different companies. How much of the move do you intend to do yourself? Compare rates and services as well as availability.

• Start packing early and place items in a "ready to move" area in your house. You may want to move precious items such as family photos or valuable breakables yourself.

• Mark every box and carton and color code them to make it easier to identify where the items should be placed in your new home.

• Take the current phone book with you, it will come in handy

• Gather auto licensing and registration documents, medical, dental, etc and keep all together. Don't forget your veterinarian's information

• Send your change of address card to the Post Office.

• Remember to complete transactions with local businesses, such as picking up dry cleaning, removing items from your safe deposit box, returning library books, etc.

• Make arrangements to transport animals or plants. In most cases, moving companies will not handle them.

• Establish a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to our account.

• Drain gas and oil from power equipment.

• Back up your computer files before moving your computer.

• Contact local utility companies to give them date for a disconnect and request a final reading. Set up new accounts for your new home.

• Leave house keys and garage door openers with your real estate agent if you are not planning to attend the closing. Also leave any information or booklets you have on all appliances that are staying with the house.

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