"These very words strike fear into even the most self-assured. Having the unexpected challenge of selling your home while finding a new one in an unknown community – in a hurry - is daunting. Following are helpful guidelines. Consult them as you go. Call me – I can help you understand your options on this end."

RELOCATION GUIDELINES

Take advantage of company relocation benefits:

Take your monthly rent, multiply by 200 = purchase price of home
Example: $ 2000 x 200 = $400,000

Familiarize yourself with the real estate market in Davis or surrounding Yolo County towns.

Evaluate your new community. Read through the abundant and current information provided to you here such factors as commuting; school systems; parks; libraries and community facilities; property tax rates and other taxes; crime rates; cost of living; current and historical property values; age and character of neighborhoods; recreation; outdoor activities and arts; community organizations such as churches, charities and sports clubs; shopping; health care; and other amenities, services and costs.

Determine your price range. Many advisors recommend that your debt ratio be no greater than 36% of your gross monthly income. In other words, when combined, a car loan, tuition loan, credit card debt, property taxes, insurance, mortgage and other debts should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. The best way to determine your price range is to obtain pre-approval from a home mortgage lender. Don't be afraid to speak with a lender to find out where you stand, as most preliminary evaluations are free. You may even find out that you can afford to buy the home that you NEVER thought that you could!

Communicate. Verify that I know exactly what you need and want. Take photographs of your current home or clip pictures from magazines to illustrate the kinds of features you'd like in a new home.. If you don't understand what's going on, don't hesitate to ask questions.

Most important of all, approach your relocation with a positive attitude. Moving can be painful or joyous, depending on whom you consult, how well you plan, and how openly you approach the task. Through a process of sound decision-making, you can banish the relocation jitters and ensure a smooth start to a new life.

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A LESS STRESSFUL MOVING EXPERIENCE


You can't put enough importance on organization... Plan, and plan early. Here are considerations:
1. How will you be moving (rental truck, moving company, a friend's pickup)? If you are renting a truck or hiring movers, get a number of quotes. Make sure you've hired the movers or reserved the truck at least a few weeks in advance.
2. Check your insurance. Make sure that your renters insurance will cover your belongings during the move. If it won't, purchase a rider or separate moving policy. Most moving companies offer some insurance as part of the moving price; make sure this will cover full replacement value for any items lost or damaged during the move.
3. Gather important papers. Bank statements, bills, medical records, veterinarian records, insurance records, school records, the mover's contract, leases, mortgage papers, deeds, car records and other documents should be kept together in a briefcase or small file box and never packed.
4. Turn on utilities. Contact the utility companies at your new home and give them your move-in date. This will ensure that you have a phone and electricity when you get there. Likewise, notify your current utility companies of your move-out date (have utilities turned off the day after you leave) and new address (so they can send the final bill).
5. Notify the post office of your change of address. The post office can also supply you with change of address postcards for magazine subscriptions, credit cards, banks, friends, and anyone else who needs your new address.
6. Get plenty of boxes -- you can usually return those you don't use. Also get plenty of heavy duty plastic tape and bubble wrap or clean paper. Most movers and truck rental companies have calculators to help you determine how many boxes you need.
7. Purge ruthlessly. Take an objective look at your belongings and ask yourself, "is this so important that I am ready to pack it up, load it on a moving van, unload it, unpack it, and find it a place in my new home?" If the answer is "no," discard it. Hold a yard sale if you can; give things away; donate items to Goodwill or like organizations; give them to a thrift shop, shelter or other charity. Think of the move as a great opportunity to do that spring cleaning you've never quite gotten around to.
8. Pack. And keep your packing organized. As you pack each box, keep an inventory, and number each one. Pack one room at a time. You can even color code the box labels by room. (Remember, things should be labeled with their destination at the new home.) You should start your packing early with those things you won't need until after the move. Make sure to use bubble wrap or clean paper to protect breakables.
9. Keep a box of cleaning supplies. Most leases will require that you do some basic cleaning before leaving, so keep cleaning supplies together, and clean each room as it is emptied. When you get to the other end, you will be ready to do any necessary cleaning at your new home.
10. Beat the movers. If you are using a moving company, make sure you are at your new home (with a cashier's check or money order for payment) before the movers arrive. They will want to be paid before they unload the truck, and you will want to direct them where to put your stuff.

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CHOOSE A MOVING COMPANY

Check with friends and neighbors to see if they can recommend a mover.
Call your local Better Business Bureau or consumer office to find out if a mover you're considering has been hit with complaints.
Get the names of two or three movers from the phonebook or companies you've seen around town.
Go to the companies' headquarters and look around. Is the place clean and organized? Do the trucks appear to be in good shape? You can tell a lot by looking at a place.
Moving from one state to another? Your mover must have authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Call the agency at 800-832-5660 and opt for Menu No. 1.
Call the AMSA's membership department at 703-683-7410 to see if the mover is a member or to see if a company is an agent for a van line.

Avoid moving at the end or beginning of the month when the schedules of most moving companies are filled. You can save time and money by planning your move for a weekday instead of busier weekends. And remember the worst time of the year to move is around three summer season holiday weekends: Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day. They're long weekends and they come at the end of the month.


The Estimate: The cost of an interstate move, according to the AMSA, is based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services you may need. Movers will give you an estimate to help you anticipate the cost of your move - but only after they've come to your house. Real professionals will not give estimates over the phone, They will send someone to the home and find out what the customer's needs are.
The AMSA says you can help out the movers by showing them every single item to be moved, including stuff in the attic, basement, garage, closets, and even under the beds.


There are different types of estimates:


Binding estimates are written agreements that guarantee the cost of the move based on the items to be moved and the services listed on the mover's estimate sheet.

Non-binding estimates are not guaranteed. They approximate the cost based on the mover's survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after the shipment is weighed. There is no guarantee the final cost will not be more than the estimate. Movers determine weight by putting the van on a scale before and after it is loaded.

Moving Company Types and links

Here are companies offering local and long distance moving and truck rental services. Many offer additional moving tools, including cost calculators, tip sheets, and moving supplies. Book or get estimates online from some.

• Allied Van Lines - Moving calculators, frequently asked questions, free estimates, and a list of local agents are all here.
• Atlas Van Lines - Locate an agent, find moving and packing tips, sign up to be notified by email of moving milestones as the occur. Provide international services as well.
• Budget Truck Rental - Reserve your truck, order boxes and supplies, find a local agent, or get moving tips here.
• Mini Moves - This Company specializes in full-service small moves as from a college dorm or small apartment. Quotes are available on the site.
• Ryder Truck Rental - There aren't a lot of useful tools here, but it does supply an 800-number to be connected to a local agent.
• U-Haul - Get rates and make reservations, find a local agent, Rent local or one-way.
• United Van Lines - Some moving tips, frequently asked questions, and an agent locator.

PREPARING TO MOVE

This section contains answers to questions most commonly asked by families on the move.


Packing

The bigger the box, the heavier it is likely to be once packed! Having ample boxes on hand will help insure that you don’t risk back injury by over packing your boxes. Pack by room for your new house, being careful not to mix items from several rooms in one box. This will make it easier to find everything later. Place heavier items towards the bottom of the box and lighter items towards the top. Be sure to secure the bottom box flaps with moving tape (masking tape is not as strong) before filling the box.
Pack one box with essential items you will need throughout your moving process. Having the following items accessible to you will save you time and money: coffee cups, local phone book, instant coffee, tea, soft drinks, tape, snacks, bath towels, paper plates, trash bags, plastic silverware, toiletries, paper towels, flashlight, toilet paper, utility knife, pencil/paper, bar soap, dishwashing liquid, utility knife, scissors pencil / paper, aspirin.

Plants and Animals

Many movers do not transport plants or animals. Make arrangements to move plants and pets a few weeks before the move. This is also a good time to take pets to the veterinarian for immunization and to order new identification tags. Attach them to your pet(s) collar just prior to the move.
Your pet may also need a Health Certificate to enter another state. You can find out about your new state’s pet entry laws and regulations by calling the State Veterinarian Office for that state.

Computers

It is important to pack your computer properly for the big move. The safest packing materials for computers are the original box and styrofoam. If you can not find the original box, use a sturdy container with proper packing materials.
Make sure that you have backup copies of all your files and store the backup disks in a safe place. Remove any floppy disks from the drives and check to make sure the drive doors are closed before you pack the computer.

Clean Up

When packing, be sure to leave out cleaning supplies for that final cleaning, or arrange for a cleaning service to come and perform the job. To make the job go quickly, clean one room at a time. Start at the door and work your way right to left, top to bottom. The floor should be the last thing you clean in each room. Vacuum vinyl and wood floors before you mop. Remember, the cleaner it looks and smells, the cleaner it is.
A few tips to ensure a shiny home: Use products that have a good smell and can do a great job. Remember, the cleaner it smells, the cleaner it is. Do not leave a room until it is completely finished. Do not spray cleaning products directly onto counters or glass, instead, spray them onto a cloth and then wipe the surface. If you have hard water stains on your bathroom fixtures, use a pumice stick to help rub them away.
To clean those hard to reach areas around water faucets, use an old toothbrush. Clean one room at a time, giving each one special attention. Start with the door of the room and clean right to left, then top to bottom.

Where do you find those Boxes?

You can purchase boxes, moving tape, bubble paper, foam peanuts, and other packing materials through your moving or truck rental company. It may be possible that your moving company sells used boxes at a discounted rate. Many grocery and liquor stores will give you their used boxes for free, however these boxes may house roaches or other pests which you will not want to take with you to your new abode.
Old newspapers make very affordable packing materials. Be sure to save your newspapers for several weeks before you begin packing, for ample supply. (Be careful, the newsprint will rub off onto your hands and the items you are packing. Be sure to protect linens in plastic bags before placing next to newsprint, and be sure to wash your hands before you touch any upholstered items.)

Storage

It is often a good idea to select a storage facility in your old location and then have movers transport you items to the new location once you are settled in your new home. Choose a storage facility based on the items that are to be stored. A climate-controlled facility is recommended for items such as antiques, artwork and electronics, if you are located in the extreme north or south. If the contents of the unit can not be easily damaged, a regular space is fine. There are various methods of payment and terms involved in renting a storage unit. Some companies will lease on a month-to-month basis, but some require a longer contract. Many require a deposit or first and last months’ rent. Some storage facilities allow payment in full upon rental or you can pay monthly. Many can automatically charge to your credit card for convenience. Be sure to check the company’s insurance policy and find out if you need to have your stored items insured.

Miscellaneous

Before leaving your old home, be sure to collect all extra spare keys from neighbors and hiding places. Also, do not forget to leave any garage door openers for the new owners of your old home.
Make sure to empty your safety deposit box and pick up all items on layaway, those at the dry cleaners, items being repaired, etc.
Try to establish a checking account in your new location about a month before your arrival. This ensures you will be able to start using your account immediately.
Obtain forms for transferring drivers’ licenses and voter registration cards about a month before your move. Also obtain copies of your medical records to transport to your new location.
Pack up some phone books from your old location. You might need those numbers again!


Income Taxes

If your move is job related, you can deduct the cost of moving trucks needed to move from your old home to your new one. You can also deduct the cost of packing and unpacking (by professionals). There are other deductible items such as the cost of shipping your car, storage and household pets. These deductions can really add up, so check with you local IRS office to get more details. There is a cap on how much of your moving expenses you are able to deduct and you will want to be sure you qualify for this moving perk.


Change of Address

4 weeks prior to your move, complete a change of address form available at any United States Post Office. Also, do not forget to notify friends and family, periodicals, and billing companies of your address change. It is also helpful to keep your new address handy in a purse or wallet, just incase the new address slips your mind and you need to pass it on to a friend.
Also at this time, schools need to be notified of a child’s transfer. Obtain a notarized permanent school record and check into pre-registration procedures for any new school(s).

Transferring Utilities

In all of the confusion, it is easy to forget to transfer your utilities. It is best to contact the power, gas and phone, cable and Internet companies in your area two weeks prior to your move date to have your service transferred. Be prepared to furnish your complete new address and cut-on, cut-off dates. You may be charged a small deposit if prior service was not in your name. For convenience, most utilities will allow you overlapping service at both addresses for several days, to allow you to return to your old address for final clean-up, etc.


Garage Sale Guidelines

Having a garage sale prior to your move can save you money in two ways! You'll not only have some extra money in your pocket, but you'll also be getting rid of some of the things you own, thereby having fewer items to move.
Have your sale on the weekend and when the weather is mild. To catch all interested buyers, hold a two-day sale. Holding a garage sale can be exhausting, so be sure to have someone there to help you throughout the day.
The golden rule of garage sales is "anything goes." If you have doubts whether something will sell, put it out anyway. Remember that your junk just may be another person's treasure.
Think about where you're moving and what items might be obsolete there. That snow blower will go unused in Miami, and some items might cost more to move than to replace--firewood, for example.
When pricing items for sale, be realistic. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes: How much would you be willing to pay for clothing that went out of style 10 years ago?
Keep the set up simple and organized. Arrange tables for your goods so that browsers have room to walk. If possible, make an electrical outlet available to test appliances.
Secure all cash that you receive in a strongbox or piggybank. Keep out only enough money to make change and put the rest in the house. Don't accept checks unless you're well-acquainted with the buyer.
Place a classified ad in local papers, featuring your best or most unusual items. Take advantage of any free advertising in your community--bulletin boards in your supermarket, church, school or club. Consider putting up signs on your front lawn and at nearby street corners a day or two before your sale. Also, many local radio stations have swap-and-shop programs where you can have your sale announced free.
Consider donating unsold items to charitable organizations. Some will send a truck to your home to pick up the goods. Be sure to get a receipt, as your donation may be tax-deductible.
If an item has no resale value, if it has no practical or sentimental value, and if it's inappropriate as a charitable donation, simplify your life and just throw it out. It'll reduce the cost of your move and make settling into your new home much easier.

MOVING CHECKLIST

It's really never too soon to begin planning for a move, and veteran movers have found that a comprehensive timetable and checklist is the best strategy to ensure a smooth relocation. It's also a great way to involve the entire family in the move and to spread some of the responsibilities to each person, including your children.

You'll feel a sense of accomplishment as items are checked off. Moreover, as the weeks roll by, your checklist will help ensure that nothing has been overlooked or omitted from your planning, and that alone will go a long way toward relieving some of your anxiety.