The Dream Homes Team Daytona Beach Real Estate

Moving day is going to be very busy and can be very stressful. There is a lot going on and you want to be prepared. As your team of relocation experts we are here to make that move go as smoothly as possible. The more you can take care of ahead of time and the more prepared you are, the less you have to worry about on moving day. With that in mind, below is a list of helpful moving tips to help reduce your stress during your move to the Ormond Beach, Port Orange or Greater Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida.

Before The Move
Notify everyone of your move and new address change. Stop and think about anyone that sends you mail and let them know your new address.

Friends and Family - Don't forget to update people with any email address changes.
US Post Office - Let your letter carrier know and make sure your mail is forwarded. You can either visit your local post office or go to the USPS website and request the move online.
Credit cards and any loan or finance companies (car payments, banks, etc.) - Your statements or payment slips usually have a place for a change of address or you can call or make the necessary changes online.
Magazines or catalogs - They typically include labels for your convenience to return with a change of address.
Banks - Contact your banks to see if there is a branch in your new town. Arrange for check cashing abilities in the new location. Transfer any accounts you have and empty your safety deposit box.
Insurance Companies (life, auto, health, liability, business, homeowners) - You will need to obtain a new homeowners insurance policy and possibly and windstorm or flood policy. Your other insurance should transfer. Just check with your agent.
Utility Companies (gas, electric, water, telephone, cable or satellite, internet) - Notify utility companies of shut off dates and make arrangements to get any deposits they may be holding.
Health Professionals (Doctors, Dentists, Eye Doctors) - Ask for referrals in your new location. Have all of your medical records, x-rays, and prescriptions that can be transferred.
Church and Civic Organizations - Ask for referrals in your new area. Transfer membership and get an introduction letter.
Schools - Get school records, transcripts, and medical records. Register children in new school and look for childcare if necessary.
Pets - Ask for referrals and get medical records from Veterinarian. Look into licensing and laws in your new area. Plan for pets travel and arrival to your new home.

How to Pack For a Smooth Move
If you are moving or packing yourself, pack intelligently to protect your valuables. Professional moving companies only use sturdy, reinforced cardboard cartons to move your personal belongings. The can get free boxes from your local grocery store but they are not typically as strong as the boxes that movers use.

It may be worth the investment to purchase boxes from the movers for the items that need protecting. You can also have the mover partially pack for you and have them pack the difficult things and fragile items. If you are responsible for packing your own belongings you need to have packing materials on hand to protect your valuables and pack wisely.

Some Helpful Packing Tips

Gather pens, packing tape, scissors, a tape measure, and twine and keep it in a box so that it is on hand when packing.
Use bubble wrap, newspaper, Styrofoam peanuts, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the carton.
Place china in plastic bags and pack plates and glass objects vertically wrapped in paper, rather than flat and stacked.
Wrap pictures and mirrors in packing paper and pack in picture boxes.
Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.
Garment boxes make moving your hanging clothes easy, a great investment.
Always reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength.
Take the time to label every box with the name of the room in your new home where the items will go. Number the box and list a few of the major items in each box. This will be a godsend later.
Pack electronics in their original boxes when possible.
The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton easily, it's too heavy.
Never move flammable, combustible, corrosive, or explosive items such as paint, gasoline, and ammunition.
Pack a separate bag of personal items you'll need during the move in overnight bags. Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.
Set aside the boxes containing your sheets and towels and other items you will need right away.
Leave out tools such as a flashlight, screwdrivers, a hammer and pliers that you may need during the move.
Transport jewelry, important documents and other valuables yourself or use registered mail.

Fill two "OPEN FIRST" cartons and clearly label them, containing some important items you will need when you first arrive at your new address. Those items might include snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are tightly secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items your family can't do without. Ask your movers to load these boxes last, so they will be unloaded first at your new home. Be sure to keep prescription medicine with you just in case the movers are delayed in route to your new home.

General Moving Tips

Have a plan for where you will put your furniture in your new home. It's helpful to draw a layout of your new home and sketch in the major furniture pieces.
Decide what to move and what not to move. See our Garage Sale Guide or give items to a charitable organization and get a receipt for your donation for tax purposes.
Disconnect and bundle cords on television and stereo components. Label cords with masking tape with the item and where to connect it.
To save time on moving day, move all boxes to one area on the main floor.
Keep your phone connected through moving day to stay in touch with friends, family, and the moving company.

Important Things to Remember on Moving Day

Carry ample cash or travelers checks to cover incidental expenses.
Clean out refrigerator and freezer, plan food use and pack necessary items in coolers.
Defrost freezer; use charcoal or baking soda to absorb odor.
Set aside moving papers and remember time of move and arrange ahead of time the method of expected payment.
Leave keys, garage door openers and any home manuals for new owners.
Get certified check or cashiers check for closing, driver's license and proof of insurance.
Re-check closets, drawers, etc. to make sure they are empty.
Alert close friend or relative of the route and schedule you will travel for emergencies.
Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from your new home, be sure to pack your phone book.
Don't forget the kids. Plan activities for them during the move.

If Using Professional Movers
We recommend you work hand in hand with your mover and give the moving foreman your contact information, including your cell phone numbers and email addresses, so he can remain in contact with you. Be sure to secure the mover's contact information too!

Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to explain anything you don't understand. Make a note of your shipment's registration number, and always keep your Bill of Lading handy.

If you're moving long distance, ask if your belongings will be sharing a truck with several other households. Your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for a few days. It is important to ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse for organization, security and cleanliness.

By following these simple tips, your family's move to this area will be less stressful and easier to manage. If you are thinking about relocating to the Ormond Beach, Port Orange or Greater Daytona area of Central Florida contact us, The Dream Homes Team for all your home buying needs!