ERA Articles - Relocation

Southern Oregon Relocation

Relocation, moving, can be smooth and easy when you plan properly. It starts with pre-move planning which includes everything from the sale of your existing home to the purchase of your new home.

Start with considering how you'll move your personal affairs, like bank accounts, insurance, investment and retirement accounts. Ask your current accountant for a recommendation for a new accountant in your new home town. Ask your doctor and dentist for referrals. Arrange to have records transferred.

Before you pack, get rid of as much as possible. Be ruthless with yourself and your family. As you consider items to let go of, think how or if you'll use them in your new home; if not, out they go. The more you get rid of, the less you'll have to pack and the smoother your move will go.

Choose your movers carefully. Ask for recommendations from friends. Get binding estimates. Ask for references and check them; check also with the Better Business Bureau. Check with your existing home owner's policy to determine if your move is covered. If not, it makes sense to buy moving insurance.

As you line up the actual moving day, go over the moving contract with extra care. Ask as many questions as you need to. Make sure the contract spells out the number of hours, and don't accept anything more than a 10% overcharge. Get totally clear on the day they will pick up and the day they will deliver to your new home.

Don't sign any moving contract until you're happy.

Create a written inventory of everything you're moving. Back it up with your camera a digital camera will work just fine. Photograph everything you can think of, from furniture to books and knickknacks. Pay particular attention to any collectibles or other items that have a larger than expected value.

You can save some money by doing the packing yourself. On the other hand, movers are professionals and it may be worth it to pay the extra to let them handle the packing. Probably you'll do a bit of both.

On moving day, be there the whole time to watch the movers work. You need to be on hand to answer questions and to keep an eye on things. If something seems to be going wrong, stop the work and talk with the mover in charge. If you don't get satisfaction, call the mover's office.

When the movers are scheduled to deliver at your new home, be sure you're there too. They will want advice about where to put your things. Don't hesitate to call a halt if things aren't going well.

Relax as best you can. Moves are tough, but properly handled they can go smoothly and you'll be happy in your new home.