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moving
right
along...
a moving
checklist by Leanne
Schildroth |
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At
one point during college, I moved three times in less than a year. I was
a modern-day superhero amongst my friends and classmates. Much to their
envy, I was able to leap tall buildings in a single bound while
simultaneously writing multiple term papers, expertly wrapping
breakables in bubble wrap and mastering the ever-sticky and
always-unwieldy packing tape.
The secret to my success? It
wasn't superhero powers or high doses of caffeine pills. The answer was
much simpler: a moving checklist.
Whether you are moving down
the street or relocating across the country, the basics of what needs to
be done remain largely the same. The following week-by-week breakdown
outlines what needs to be done -- and when -- next time you switch digs:
Eight weeks
before the move
If hiring a moving van and driver, get written estimates from at least
three companies. Contact the Department of Transportation
(202-366-4000 or check out the website) for detailed info on
rights, responsibilities, and legal jargon. No denying that it's as
boring as the Statistics class you took in college, but it's also
need-to-know info!
For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck rental and
moving help. Read: bribe your friends to slug boxes for you in
exchange for you buying them pizza afterwards.
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your
policies for changing states. Ask if you'll be covered through your
current policy during the move.
If necessary, book flights, car rentals and hotels for the journey
to your new city. If you plan to drive to your new home, gather maps
and directions.
Create a "move file." Many moving receipts are tax
deductible, so hang on to your receipts. Request Publication 521 from
the Internal Revenue Service to find out which moving expenses you can
deduct (1-800-829-3676 or www.irs.gov/formspubs to download).
mosey
along folks
--------------------------->
lounge . nourish .
host
. laze . home.
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