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Moving In
It's finally moving day! Depending upon your arrangements with the seller, you
will be able to move in either right after the closing or the next day.
Be Prepared for
the Movers
Make sure the moving van has room to park as well as easy access to both
houses. Movers expect payment upon delivery, so you'll also need to have a
certified check and/or cash available to settle the bill. Many movers accept
credit cards as well, so inquire in advance if this is your chosen payment
method. Tipping is customary - usually about $20 per mover - though this is
obviously highly variable with the length and difficulty of the move.
Work With the
Movers
Be available to answer questions about packing order and fragile items.
Point out any items you intend to move yourself, and keep these things separated
from those to be handled by the movers. Make sure the movers have clear
directions to the new house as well as a phone number to reach someone if they
get lost or have any problems. Make sure someone remains at your old home until
the movers are packed and ready to leave.
Do a Final
Walkthrough
Make one last inspection of your old home to insure that nothing has been
forgotten and left behind. It's OK to have a few minutes to yourself if you are
feeling emotional at this point.
Arrange for Mail
to be Forwarded
You'll actually want to make these arrangements a week or two before moving day.
Go to your old post office and arrange for mail to be forwarded to your new
address (if you had a P.O. box you may want to retain it for a period of time).
Send out change of address cards with your new location.
Get Settled into
Your New Home
Target the most important areas of your new home and unpack for these rooms
first. Arrange to have someone available at the house during the first few days
to coordinate installations and deliveries. Have written instructions prepared
for installers to make sure you get phone lines and TV jacks in the right
places. If you have any improvement projects planned you can start scheduling
the work if you haven't done so already.
Change the Locks
Though many people don't bother with this precaution it is extremely advisable
to do so - you probably know very little about the seller and even less about
anyone to whom they may have given a key.
Deal with Any
Problems
If you discover any problems with the home after you move in, stay calm. Have
the problem checked out and documented by a qualified professional, then consult
with your attorney - the seller may be liable for any deficiencies that were not
disclosed to the purchaser.
Finish the
Paperwork
Store your purchase and closing documentation where you can easily find them at
tax time (or whenever else they are required). Complete any paperwork required
by local schools (if you have children who are enrolling). Don't forget to
change your driver's license, automobile registration, and voter registration,
if necessary. Lastly, confirm that the deed was correctly filed with the
appropriate authorities.
| Moving
with your pets |
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Ask your veterinarian for a copy of
your pet's medical history, and be sure all shots are current. |
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When you move, take along a health
certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate. The health
certificate, signed by your veterinarian, says your pet is in
good condition. The rabies certificate states when and where
your pet was vaccinated. |
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If you move across state lines, call
or write the state veterinarian for laws on the entry of
animals. Some states require up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
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Shortly before the move, your pets
may become nervous because of all the unusual activity. Keep a
close eye on them; stress may cause them to misbehave or run
off. Consider having them boarded during the most hectic days.
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Make certain your pet is wearing
proper identification and any required license tags. |
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After the move, give them time to
adjust to the new neighborhood. Don't let them roam freely until
they learn where "home" is now.
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If you pet has an ID implant,
remember to update your contact information. |
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| Just for Dogs |
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If possible, try to ease your dog
into the new environment. If your move is not a great distance,
take your dog with you for visits to the new home prior to your
move. Let your dog sniff and explore. |
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After the move, take your dog for
walks to get acquainted with its new surroundings. Introduce
neighbors as well as the mail carrier and other service people
who will come to the home regularly. |
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Moving from the city to the suburbs,
or the reverse, may mean a transition in housebreaking
procedure. The suburban dog will find that city living means
learning to relieve itself on the pavement rather than grass.
(Don't forget the pooper scooper.) A city-bred dog must become
accustomed to using a designated area in the suburban yard. Put
your dog on a fairly rigid schedule just as you would a puppy. |
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| Just for Cats |
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Introduce the cat to its new home
one room at a time. For the first few days, restrict it to one
room. Surround it with familiar objects: feeding and water
bowls, toys, bed or blanket, and litter box (placed away from
feeding bowls). Gradually introduce it to other rooms. As your
cat acclimates itself, gradually move the feeding dishes and
litter box to their permanent locations. |
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If your cat has been an outdoor cat
in the country and moves to the city, keeping it a strictly
indoor cat is recommended. Traffic and elevators (if you're in a
high-rise) are among the hazards that can be life-threatening.
Another danger is the "high-rise" syndrome. Be certain that all
windows have secure screens to prevent your cat from falling. |
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Conversely, if yours is a city cat
used to being indoors, proceed with caution if you allow the cat
to go outside in a suburban setting. An indoor cat is not used
to traffic or to other animals. And she may run away – some cats
have been known to travel incredible lengths to reach their
former home. |
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Hello, I'm
Eleanor Nastepniak of National Advantage Realty in New Lenox, Illinois.
I'm committed to providing the highest level of service possible to my
clients. I always try to stay educated on happenings in the market so I
can provide the best professional advice and counsel. I love working
with both buyers and sellers and I am dedicated to helping my clients
navigate the markets smoothly and successfully. |