Moving can be a big stress—just like the really horrible stuff like divorce and job loss. So even when things are going good, household tensions are high and everyone's nerves are out there competing to be the last one stepped on. If you're like the vast majority of the population, the thing that keeps you from sleeping soundly is the actual move--a weeks or months long process that will take up your every waking minute. It's staggering for even the most organized and minimalistic family; you have got to sort and get rid of and wrap and get boxes and figure out how to pack the boxes and take apart the furniture and then transport it all from here to there.
This is where a professional, full-service moving company can provide their expertise and allow you focus on your new home, new job, new schools, and new routine. Whether you're moving across the street in Little Rock or across the country, every single thing in your old house has to be boxed up or gotten rid of. Many people concentrate on the part of the move that involves loading the trucks and driving down the road, but like most household projects, the preparation is the iceberg and the actual moving day is only the visible tip. A seasoned team of professional full-service movers can assist you to navigate that iceberg for smooth and easy sailing right up to your new front door.
First, you have got to find the best moving company for you. Ask your family or your realtor for referrals, and interview a few movers to decide on the right choice for you. If you've never employed movers before, there are a few vital questions to ask.
-Are you licensed and insured? Ask to see a current copy of their commercial policy.
-What is your damage liability, and what are the options for expensive items? Good movers should look over all your belongings and record existing damage or weak spots before they wrap, these days they'll take pictures, too.
-Can I pack some things? Do you really pack dirty ashtrays? Some people want to box really valuable or fragile things themselves, and most professional movers are okay with that. However, the pros really know how to wrap fragile belongings so there is not as much of a chance of breakage, and to put those items in boxes so they are safe but not packed too tightly (fun fact: twisting packing paper through the handle of a coffee cup or mug and stuffing packing paper into it reduces the chance the cup will break). And most professionals will ask prior to they pack dirty dishes--the ashtray could have happened but it's most likely an urban legend.
-Will you take beds and furniture apart and put them back together in the new house? Full-service movers are adept at disassembling and reassembling anything from dressers to beds. There are not many things in life much more pleasing than a man who knows the tricks of those little cams and bolts. Also, the movers have their own tools so you are not digging through boxes to unearth the screwdrivers.
-Do you charge a flat rate or can I pick and choose services? Again, the majority of movers will work with you on services. Nevertheless, you could end up paying additional for piecemealing the services. If you think you'll save here and there purchasing your own packing supplies, or disassembling furniture, you might want to think again. When you figure up that you'll be charged more at moving supply or big box stores and don’t know exactly how much you will really need, and may make umpteen trips, having the professional packers do it is usually much less of a headache.
Now that you've hired the perfect movers—you are on their schedule for packing and moving--you can check that off your to-do list and move on to the nitty-gritty of beginning life in a new house.
If your move is local in Little Rock, you are getting a break in that you can keep the nuts and bolts of your life the same--same schools, dry cleaners, gym, etc. But if your relocation is not right around the corner and you have got to start rebuilding your network from scratch; the good news is that without the move stress hanging over your every waking moment, you can get a head start on all the details that turn a new town into a home town.
There are lots of details to pay attention to, so here are some suggestions to help you prioritize. For starters, you need to gather all your documents that are spread all over and place them into a folder, either digital or a hard copy. You will want to make sure you have birth certificates, social security numbers, medical and immunization records, driver’s license, passports—chances are that at some point in the near future you will need to get your hands on everything. Changes in federal and some state laws require two forms of photo government ID, so yes, you do need to conjure up your passport and go ahead and renew if it has expired.
Schools
If you've got kids in school, getting them assimilated into their new environment as simply as possible is vital. Check with the local Board of Education to make sure you have the documents you need to register in the system. School districts have different policies in regard to attendance; some have rigid boundaries and others are more fluid. If you are interested in magnet schools, you'll need those guidelines to register for their programs. For proof of residence, you'll need a copy of your deed, mortgage, or lease to confirm your address, and most likely a utility bill as a secondary source. Also, remember the most recent immunization records and transcripts from previous schools.
Health Care
Ask your primary care physician for referrals in your new town—there is sometimes a trusted buddy from medical school they can recommend. As so many practices now are part of large networks of providers you may be able to make an easy transition to a provider; if not your insurance carrier can point you to in-network practices. It is likely to be more difficult to find the right pediatricians, internists, orthodontists and witch doctors, but be understanding and you'll find one you like. Do not forget about your prescriptions; chances are good that you will just have to switch to the new location and keep the same provider.
Utilities and Maintenance
Your realtor should be assisting you to make sure all your utilities are turned on and working properly when you arrive at your new house, but you're the one who needs to set up the accounts and schedule service. You've got the essentials--power, water, and gas--where there's a single provider and that's it. Most towns have numerous options for communication services, and if your incumbent provider doesn’t service your new area you'll have to find a new one.
If your new neighborhood has an HOA they'll have all the relevant information on things like trash pickup, mail delivery and lawn maintenance standards. If you manage your own yard now might be a good opportunity to upgrade the mower and weed eater, if not ask the locals for a good lawn company.
Personal Miscellany
Most states have a narrow timeframe for changing your address on your driver’s license, so take care of that as promptly as you can. Your cars should also be registered in your new county or town; taxes sway greatly and you may realize a decent decrease or increase in your property taxes. You can update your voter registration at most license offices, and find the address of your new polling location.
So, simply rebuilding your life for a move is a full-time job, so why would you take on the stress of the physical move when you can employ a full-service moving company do that for you? Locate the right pros for your move so you can make time for the important stuff--like locating a dry cleaner and car wash close to the vet!
