After helping the residents of Port Washington and many surrounding areas move around for nearly 100 years, we at Hyde Realty think we’ve perfected the moving process to a fine art! Below is a comprehensive “movers checklist” we as a team have come up with, drawing on our many years of experience in real estate. Hopefully this list makes your transition as smooth as possible whether you’re a vendor, purchaser or tenant.

In the month before you move:

• Scout around for tape, marking pens and sturdy boxes.
• Confirm your date of moving
• Have a thorough clean out. Organize a garage sale, or donate unwanted goods to charity.
• Ensure all your furniture and appliances will fit into your new address.
• Start using all the frozen and canned foods you’ve been storing.
• Prepare an inventory of boxes, and a list of essential items you’ll need on moving day
• Organize a furniture remover company if necessary.

In the final days:

• Contact utilities and organize final gas, electricity and water meter readings etc.
• Organize utilities those you will require at your new address too.
• Organize to discontinue telephone services lines (remember international lines you may have more than one), T.V. connections and your internet service provider.
• Redirect your mail to your new address.
• Cancel local arrangements such as lawn-mowing services, newspaper, snow clearing service etc.
• Return library books and videos, collect any outstanding items such as dry cleaning etc.
• Have a final clean out, defrost and clean your fridge and freezer.
• Inspect your new address and organize any necessary repairs or maintenance e.g. steam cleaning.

ON THE DAY:

• Ensure valuables remain safe or with you at all times.
• Check all cupboards and storage areas.
• Mark boxes of essential items.
• Turn off gas at the meter and electricity at the switchboard.
• Say your final goodbyes lock all doors and move on.

Tips For Getting Organized

• Ask local liquor store retailers or supermarkets for smaller spare boxes.
• Consider using clear plastic storage tubs, as they are cheap, the contents are easily identifiable, and they are waterproof.
• Hire a trolley for moving heavier items to save time, and your back!
• Wear some garden gloves to protect your hands
• Place dissembled furniture parts in a bag and tape to item (e.g. wheels)
• Remove the plate from your microwave and tape the door shut
• Pack frozen foods in some ice in a cooler.
• Park sharp tools and utensils carefully with plenty of padding
• Tape paper, bubble wrap over shiny surfaces to prevent marking.
• Try to pack heavy things in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes
• Tighten the lids on jars and bottles of food and toiletries
• Distribute books out evenly amongst boxes as these are the heaviest
• Move boxes to the room closest to the exit before the day.
• Mark each box with the room it is intended, and mark boxes of storage items.

Spread The Word
Remember to ensure everyone can still contact you once you’ve moved on.
Below are some of those you may need to advise of your change in address.

• Friends and relatives, of course,
• Sporting clubs and community groups,
• Your employer and/or education facility
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Banks and credit card companies
• Attorney
• Accountant
• Department of social security
• Electoral commission
• Insurance companies
• Department of motor vehicles
• Keep a record of your mail to ensure you haven't missed anyone