A simple moving checklist for home buyers and home sellers in Kansas City

Moving can be a very stress time, especially during the winter months.. There are so many details that can be over looked or accidentally forgotten. Between signing papers, taking care of the kids and pets, and remembering the down payment it can all be very overwhelming. Hopefully this “to-do” list will help home buyers and home sellers in Kansas City make your move much, much smoother.

1.  Decide what you want to move and what you no longer need. This is a great opportunity to de-clutter and get rid of any unwanted things. If possible, plan a garage sale, or donate unwanted items to your favorite charity. If you donate by the end of the year, you can use donations as a tax deduction for this year.

2.  Get estimates from different moving or truck rental facilities, depending on how you plan to move (if you are moving out of town), to obtain the best rate. The good moving companies can have quite a waiting list, especially on weekends and toward the end of months, so make sure you contact them as soon as you know you are moving.

3. Make all travel plans if necessary. Make lodging reservations in advance to avoid any unwanted stress.

4. Transfer your bank accounts if necessary.

5.  Request all of you records from dentists and doctors if moving to a new town.

6. Obtain your children‘s records from their schools to make the to their new school easier. Plan a visit to the new school before moving day to help lower your kids stress.

7.  Pay any existing bills. Don’t forget to close local charge accounts.  

8. Label boxes clearly. When you are finally in your new home this will make finding things much easier. Putting a label on the box of what room the box goes to can help the move go smoother. 

9.  Have a plan of where and how you want your furniture arranged to avoid confusion once you start unpacking. This will help with the unpacking confusion if everything is already in the room you want it be in.

10. Cancel or transfer deliveries, newspaper, etc. Coordinate the transfer of gas, electric, water,     and sewer to the next occupant of your home. The utility information should be on the sellers disclosure. If not, your real estate agent should be able to give you a list of phone numbers and websites to make this easier for you.

11. Don’t forget personal items that might be at the photo shop, bank safe deposit box, a neighbor’s house, on lay-away, at a friends home or in the repair shop.

12. Keep the phone book from your former city of residence. This can be helpful for tying up loose ends and future correspondence. 

13. Transfer all insurance policies and arrange for any new insurance policies that are needed.

14. Gather all valuables, important papers (deeds, birth certificates, etc.),and  jewelry to take personally with you. It is better for you to be in charge of these items so there is less chance of any loss, damage, or theft.

15. Ask for professional referrals if available (doctor, accountant, etc.) It can be hard to know who to use when you are in a new area. Ask friends, family, and your real estate agent who they would recommend.

16.  Change these addresses: charge accounts, post office, relatives, subscriptions, and friends, church, and past employer to receive your W-2 form.

17.  Make sure that you have transferred your phone information to the mobile phone company. Depending on coverage, you may also decided to transfer to a new cell carrier.

This list should help make your Kansas City move easier. Most of these things can be done well in advance. This will make moving day all about packing up the truck and getting into your new home. 

If you’re looking to move into an area with high re-sale value, feel free to contact the Dowell Taggart Team. We have some great Kansas City subdivisions we can show you.

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Blog post written by the Dowell Taggart Team of RE/MAX Premier Realty 

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