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Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Cleveland Ohio Relocation And Buying Guide

Transition/Planning

Keep everyone involved.
Since each member of the family is dealing with the same issue—the big move—it is crucial to keep each member involved and interested. Show your younger child pictures of where you would be living, ask your teen to do some internet research about the Cleveland Ohio area, or suggest an activity you and your spouse could do together on weekends in your new town. Once each person learns more about what the living situation will be like, the sooner they can become excited about the relocation.

Get educated.
Learn about the location by just typing the name of the city in your favorite search engine. There are also great links on this site about the different areas of Northern Ohio. If you are relocating to a major city, you can purchase guides to the area at a bookstore. If you are not too far from your future location, plan a day or weekend trip. Drive by schools, shopping centers or even the house itself. Being able to visualize where you will be drastically helps with the adjustment process.

A time for renewal.
If you see your relocation to the Cleveland Ohio area as a positive experience, it will most likely be just that. Consider it as a way to meet new people, involve yourself with other interests, and explore an unfamiliar area. There are many attractions in Ohio from Put-in-bay to Cedar Point. There’s also great shopping in areas such as Westlake, Avon Lake, Lakewood and Downtown Cleveland.

Make friends.
Some children are naturally outgoing, and others have a difficult time making friends. Once you move, encourage your children to join clubs and activities at school and join some with your spouse. If they notice their own parents are taking the initiative to create new friendships and relationships, they will most likely follow by example. Relocating doesn’t have to make you feel isolated.

6-8 Weeks Before Your Move

• This is the time to start strategically planning your move, step-by-step, to alleviate the stress of last minute packing.
• Create a room where you can begin to store and organize packing supplies and other items that will assist you in your move. Group boxes by size so you will not have to fumble through heavy piles when packing your things.
• Now is the time to make travel arrangements for you and your family. Whether it be renting a car, scheduling a flight or reserving a hotel room, book it at a time that will give you flexibility in case anything goes awry.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
• Return anything you have borrowed from nearby friends or relatives and make sure to ask for your things back.
• Compile a list of phone numbers and addresses so that once you have moved in to your new home you will be able to easily access this information without the hassle of searching through the phone directory.
• Create a designated folder for moving related expenses where you can file all receipts. This will come in handy as many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or visiting the IRS web site at www.irs.gov web site. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
• Notify schools in the old and new location and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools.
• Collect all medical, dental and school records to ensure you do not forget to obtain them at a later date. Keep these in a safe place
• Contemplate holding a garage sale at least two weeks prior to your move; this will help you save space while earning some extra cash on the side.

4-5 Weeks Before Your Move

• Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at the postal service web site by visiting: www.usps.com
• Give a change of address to the following.
1. Banks
2. Schools
3. Friends & family
4. Insurance company
5. Doctors & specialists
6. Cellular phone company
7. Credit card companies
8. Subscriptions (Magazine, newspaper, etc.)
   
• By this point you should have already hired a mover and received an estimate. Check with you mover to confirm that all the details of the move are set. If you are packing on your own, make the proper arrangements and get the right supplies.
• Make the arrangements to connect and disconnect your cable, internet, electric and any other services you currently use. Dealing with this at an earlier date will prevent any date and time conflicts you may incur.
• You may have to switch banks because your current bank branches may be sparse in your new town. Investigate the popular banks in the area you will be living in so that you can close and open new bank accounts as needed.
• Check what the requirements are to receive a new driver’s license and complete auto registration at your new motor vehicle location.
• If you will be making an international move, make sure your passport is up to date and has not expired. Passports generally take 3 weeks to process.

3 Weeks Before Your Move

• It is now time to make final arrangements for transporting your car if you plan on doing so. If you are traveling by car, check to make sure your vehicle is in good shape for the trip.
• Investigate your secret hiding spots to search for any forgotten items. Collect valuable items such as jewelry or heirlooms and keep them separate from the rest of your packed belongings so that you do not leave them behind.
• Return any borrowed items, such as library books, and collect any clothing that you may have taken to be dry cleaned.
• Begin cleaning the various rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics to prepare for the new residents and to make sure you did not leave anything unpacked.
• Do you or your family members take any medications? If so, locate pharmacies in your new town that you can transfer prescriptions over to.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

• At this point you should have a good sense of what items you will not be taking with you. This is a good time to organize a garage sale to earn some cash on the side from your unwanted belongings. You should also consider donating old clothing to a local charity or shelter—if you do, you may be eligible for a tax deduction.
• Resume packing any items you have not had a chance to pack yet. Your final week at home has the potential to be very stressful and you should prevent pushing things off until the last minute.
• Think about quick and easy meals you can prepare for your family while utilizing the remaining food in your refrigerator so that it does not go to waste.
• Make sure all scheduled deliveries (newspaper, etc.) have been canceled or redirected to your new home.
• Empty all lockers at school, work or at your gym.

1 Week Before Your Move

• Before you move, mow your lawn one last time. Especially if your home will not be unoccupied after your departure.
• Mark any unmarked boxes as “Fragile,” “Do not load,” or “Load last” if you have not yet done so.
• If you are not going directly to your new home, ensure that your movers have an address or phone number to contact you at in the event that something goes wrong.
• Empty, clean and defrost your refrigerator/freezer during this final week and use baking soda to rid it of any foul odors.
• Put together a moving day survival kit with items you will need for the trip and immediately when you arrive at your new home. These items include toilet paper, snacks, bottled water, dishes, toiletries, towels, etc.
• Notify the police in your town if your home will be uninhabited for a long period of time.
  

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Moving/relocating with Children

Traveling with Toddlers
For younger children it’s all about routines. If things don’t happen the same way everyday, they may grow anxious or fearful. Try to keep their activities as similar as possible. For example, schedule meals at the same time everyday or if they attend karate lessons try to locate somewhere they can continue to take lessons. Here are some suggestions of things you can do to help them become better accustomed to the idea of the upcoming move:

• Try your best to get them to relay how they are feeling or give them a job to do, such as boxing up their toys.
• Do not pack up their favorite blanket or teddy bear! These items are their security objects and will comfort them when they arrive somewhere unfamiliar.
• Let them be creative and color over the cardboard boxes.
• Give them a character to relate to. There are many children’s books related to moving to a new home such as, Who Will Be My Friends?
• Let them pick out colors and decorations for their new room. This will allow them feel as though they have a role in the process and can be excited about the move.

When younger children hear they will be moving they begin to fear that they will be left behind. Reassure them that they are coming with you, to eliminate any of their insecurities.

If they show signs of withdrawal, talk to them or let their new teacher know so he or she can help. If the situation worsens, locate a counselor for your child who has experience dealing with similar issues.

Tension with Your Teen

The largest concern for a teenagers and adolescents is fitting in and being accepted. The things their life revolves around include friends, school and work. When they hear news of a move, they become fearful that everything of importance will be disrupted. Consider the following important points when moving with your teen:

• Questions they ask themselves include, “Will I make friends?” “What will everyone be like?” They are curious about life after the move, so give them answers to their questions.
• When teens hear about a move it is common behavior for them to rebel or act out. They may make comments like, “I hate you!” or “I’m not going”. Take a calm approach and attempt to explain the situation in a mature fashion.
• Taking them visit the school beforehand or discussing what life in their new town will be like will help calm their insecurities.
• Never be too busy for your teen. Even though moves are usually quite hectic, set aside some time to talk to your teen or address any problems he or she has.
• Reassure them that although things will not be the same, they will meet new people and make new friends. Remind them that this is an opportunity for a fresh start.
• Suggest that they organize a goodbye party and emphasize how easy it is to keep in touch with their friends via email, internet or phone. Encourage them to take pictures or gather phone numbers and addresses.
  

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Schools

What are the schools like and are they nearby?
If you are a single person, this may need little consideration unless you are planning on starting a family while living in your new community. Even singles when buying a home should at least familiarize themselves with the local schools because school ratings may effect your home's resale value. It may also determine the overall popularity of a City in the future if schools are declining or on the rise. If you are married or single and have kids, this most probably will be high on your list of needs. You may want to check out how good these schools are. There are many ways to do this. You can contact the schools directly and talk with the principal or you can generally find this information on the internet.

You may find information on the internet by checking out the Ohio's local district web site. You will find contact names, numbers and locations as well as student teacher ratios and class sizes. Sat score information as well as how many students go on to college and the awards and recognitions the school has achieved are also posted on this site. There's also a page here called Schools that lists the top 50 Ohio schools from elementary to high school.

Public Act 92-0604 requires school report cards to be published on the district Internet site so check these out and look for awards and recognitions the school has achieved. The secretary of education has initiated the Blue Ribbon Schools program in an effort to meet the requirements of the "No child Left Behind Act". This award is given to schools that fall in the top 10 percent of state assessments or to schools that have at least 40% of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who has dramatically improved on student performance in accordance with state assessment systems.

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Finding The Right Home

Your dream home
The average American lives in each home for about seven years so it is important to think ahead. Where are you in your life right now and will your home meet your needs in one year or two years time? If you are thinking of getting married or starting or adding to your family a one-bedroom condo may not be the most suitable to meet your future needs. So before leaping into purchasing a new home decide what you need and what you can afford and think of the future.

When we go shopping for anything we generally have a good idea of what we want and the same should apply to a new home however, a home is probably the most expensive purchase one is likely to make in a lifetime so it is important to decide up front what you want. Of course you may want a swimming pool and a stable with room for a pony however this is where you need to be realistic. It is a good idea to come up with a list of what you need and what is nice to have. You might be lucky enough to be able to afford everything on your wish list and you may be lucky enough to get it however this is generally not going to happen. There is no problem in thinking big however remember you may need to make the decision later that, if you get the home with the enormous family room, there may not be a large dining room. Areas of Northeast Ohio offer different things. There may be room for a stable or extra land on your wish list of you're moving to a more rural area such as Medina or even Avon/Lorain County.

The list of must haves should be thought through carefully as you do not want to get into a situation where you miss a perfect home at an affordable price because you did not look at other homes since they do not meet your must have list.

Write up your list and bring it with you as you go to view potential homes. Write up notes beside each item on this list as to the reason you need this so you can be clear as to why some properties work for you and others do not. This will also help you when you go home after viewing some properties and are wondering why you disregarded one of the homes. Stick with your well thought out list and you will not go astray.

List of things to have!

So what are some of the things you will need to think of when defining your dream home?

1. What type of home do I want? Single family, Condo, Multi-Family...
There are many different types of residences ranging from single-family units to condos and co-ops in the Cleveland area. It is important at this stage to at least decide what type of residence you would like to live in so as to reduce the number of properties you will need to look at. Of course you may not be sure so do a little homework and decide what is best for you.

2. Structure

Stories
Do I want a single story (Ranch, Bungalow) or two story residence (Colonial). If you have a preference think this one through as your agent may only show you the preference an you may miss out on a great home because of this. It may be a good idea to tell your agent what your preference is however you are willing to look at other properties that meet the remainder of the home specifications you decide on.

Brick or Wood
You may not care beyond that the material is in good condition what the home is made of however some people are very passionate about either brick or wood homes. Decide if you want to look at all homes, brick or wood that meet your home specifications or make a decision on if you have a preference. Make sure to let the agent know so you do not end up viewing properties that are made of say wood and you only want brick. Some properties have wood framework and the remainder of the structure is brick. So, if you decided earlier on a brick only home, will this meet your needs and decide if this is okay with you.

Brick homes in general require less maintenance however maintenance is generally more expensive when it is needed. Wooden homes will generally need regular painting unless they are sided with a material that does not need to be painted regularly such as aluminum. Some areas such as Cleveland Hts., Lakewood, Olmsted Falls, etc. have older homes and many are wood. Homes in areas such as Westlake, Parma, Rocky River, etc., have more brick homes. It's important to understand your area of interest may not have as many homes in the exterior of your choice.

3. New or Existing home
There are many advantages to owning a new home such as updated home styles, newer model refrigerator and washers, however newer home are generally in newer developments and may be without all your favorite stores nearby and without mature trees. This is however not always the case. Newer homes are growing in areas such as Strongsville, Avon, Avon Lake, Westlake, etc.

An existing home may have a lot of charm, mature and landscaped ground and be in a well-established neighborhood such as (Lakewood, Cleveland Hts. Rocky River, etc.) Older homes are generally larger and may have those wooden floors you’ve dreamed of. An existing home may also have higher maintenance costs because just like everything else as it ages it requires more care and more repairs.

4. Rooms
How many bedrooms (Br) do you need?

Do you want a few large bedrooms or do you prefer to have a larger number of smaller bedrooms? Decide on the number and approximate sizes. The same applies to bathrooms (Ba). Do you need one on each level and you probably do and how many. Does each bedroom need a separate bathroom or only the master bedroom and how big does the family bathroom need to be? Think about each of these questions before deciding.

Closet space is very important when looking at new homes especially if there is no basement or attic. Have all the rooms been built in closets or is there room to put in stand alone units which may be an extra expense? Will the closets that are in place hold all your stuff or will you need to look at alternative storage? Moving companies usually can put you in the right direction if this is the way you want to go.

Do you want a large eat in kitchen (EIK) or a smaller one with a breakfast bar only. If you have a large family or are a gourmet chef you will probably want the larger one however if you are single and eat out all the time a small kitchen may be just what you want.

Do you want separate dining room (Dr) or will the kitchen be where any formal meals are eaten. If you are big on entertaining you may need the separate dining room. Again have an idea on the size that will work for you.

Living Room / Family room (Lr)
This is probably the most used room in the house. This is where you will gather with your family and friends, watch TV and entertain. This may also be the room you take a nap in after a large meal so having an idea on what you want is very important. You may also want a den or study room where some of the same activities that happen in the family room occur. Some families use the Living room as the formal room when there are guests or for special occasions and use the den as the main family room. This may affect what size and what you want in the rooms .You may want a fireplace in one or the other of these two room or none at all.

Basements - many new and existing homes come with a basement. The basement can be either finished or unfinished. The basement can add another room or rooms to the house and can double the square size footage of the house. The basement can be an ideal place to put that noisy washer or can be finished to give teenagers their own living quarters or can be an equally good storage space. An attic can have the same purpose depending on the height and if there are windows. If the sole use of the attic and or basement is for storage ask yourself if there is enough storage space to store everything you need or if there is none at all, where will you store all that extra stuff? Moving companies will be able to help you with this.

Is a yard on your must have list and if it is have you though about what you will use it for and what is a good size for you. Do you want to use your green fingers and do some gardening or is this simply a patch for the kids and you may only to need to grass this area in that case. Do you have a family pet that will use this land as their primary recreation area and if so does the area need to be fenced in. Of course you may want the yard to serve many purposes and this is probably the most likely case so think of what you will use this space for. There are many cities in Northeast Ohio that generally have larger lots. It's important to factor this into your overall search criteria.

5. Garage
Have you decided on whether a garage is a must have or is this on your wish list but not a deal breaker. Whatever the case garages are very useful extra rooms in a home. Some garages are attached to the home and others may be detached and are a small walk from the home. The garage can have a multitude of uses such as house your car in the winter and keep it snow free, it can keep that unsightly lawnmower out of view. It can also offer an additional space to work in or house your tools.

6. Central air conditioning and Forced air heat
Central air conditioning and forced air heat may also be on your must have list and it is a good idea to decide up front what you need and what you will negotiate around. Many older cities in Northeast Ohio such as Lakewood, Cleveland Hts, Olmsted falls, etc. still have radiators. Converting this into forced heat and central air, may be costly.

Find Your Perfect Home

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Making An Offer On A Home

Congratulations, you have searched high and low and found a home you would like to live in and can afford. You head will be full of ideas of what price to offer, what contingencies you want included with the offer, what personal property you would like included in the sale and many, many more.

So what are the next steps you need to make to try to secure this home? You will need to make an offer. An offer is a legally binding contract, which must be in written form. Verbal agreements are not sufficient. If you are in any doubt as to what is the meaning of the contract, consult your attorney and seek his legal counsel. Using a Realtor when making an offer is crucial. Not only are you represented completely, you are benefiting from the knowledge and experience of a professional that does this everyday. There are many things to consider. Making sure everything is in place and you’re protected is priceless. All the Realtors at Youshouldown.com are free to you and you don’t have to sign a binding contract. Not all Realtors are the same. Make sure your Agent/Realtor has no fees or contracts. Real estate laws differ in different states. The contract format and what's included will differ also. Remember to be specific and include everything in the contract. If you leave something out the seller is not obliged to include it in the sale. For example, if you want the window air conditioning units to be included in the sale, include this in the contract. If the seller verbally agreed to do this and you move in and find no air conditioning units in the windows, you will have no recourse.

When writing up the purchasing contract, remember that everything is negotiable at this stage. You may ask for everything you want, though you may not get it. Depending on whether this is a seller's or buyer's market and how badly you want the home, you may want to ask for more or less. It should now be clear that you need to include a lot of information in the contract and that you need to be as specific as possible.

Earnest money
In order for the seller to know you are serious about the offer, you will need to include a deposit or good faith money (a.k.a. Earnest Money) with the purchasing contract or offer. The amount varies but typically in Ohio, $1,000 - $3,000 is sufficient. The amount can be less or more depending on circumstances and or the price of the home. Multiple offers may also play a part in determining how much earnest money should be given. Again, using a Realtor is crucial. Your RE/MAX Agent will explain start to finish the Earnest Money process so that all your questions are answered and you’re protected. The money goes into an escrow account, which earns no interest. The earnest money is often then used as part of the cash down payment given to the seller. The earnest may be returned to the buyer in the event the seller pulls out of the deal. If the buyer pulls out of the deal outside of contingencies, the funds are typically given to the seller.

The contract is divided up into sections. Here is a guide on what sections you will find in most contracts and what to include in these:

1. Buyers and Sellers names.

2. Address and legal description
of the property, i.e. as per government records.

3. Names of brokers involved, if any.

4. The price, down payment, loan amount and amount of the deposit.
Many people work with a lender prior to going shopping for a new home so they have an idea how much the lender is willing to loan. The lender will offer to provide a letter of pre-approval. Many buyers feel more comfortable with this when shopping for a new home. This way they stay within their price range while shopping. It is also a good idea to discuss this with your agent before looking for a new home. This will give you an idea what you can afford and your agent will show you homes accordingly. Remember the pre-approval is not a guarantee of a loan. You will still need to go through the approval process but it'll give you a good idea of what you can afford.

5. Contingencies on which the contract is binding.
A contingency allows you to back out of the contract for a specific reason. Many buyers have the offer agent or attorney.

6. Obtaining financing.
This gives the buyer a way out in the event the buyer cannot get a mortgage. You do need to be specific on the type of mortgage. However, depending on how motivated the seller is to sell, he may be able to help with the financing.

7. The appraisal.
If the house is over priced, this will come to light when an appraisal is conducted. The buyer may be able to back out in the event this occurs. Also the lender may not loan funds to the buyer in this case.

8. Home Inspection.
If the inspection turns up a major fault, the buyer may be able to back out of the deal, though the seller usually has the option to offer to make repairs. The buyer is generally required to have the inspection performed within five to ten days after the offer is accepted by the seller.

9. Clear Title.
This is commonly listed as a contingency on the purchasing contract. A title search indicates there is an easement on the property. This means that somebody else is allowed to use the property permanently. It can be cleared up if the person or persons authorized to use the property signs a quitclaim deed. There also may be an encroachment on the property. This means that something you own may be on another's property or something someone else owns may be on your property. Again, a quitclaim deed may be used to clear this up if all parties involved agree.

10. The sale of prior residence.
This is commonly listed as a contingency as the buyer wants to ensure they have sold their old home before investing in a new home.

11. Approval by the board.
This may be a requirement for a co-op or condo.

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Storage

You may not be ready to throw that antique vase away, but you don’t want to bring it to your new home either. So, what should you do? There is a simple solution to this problem—put it in storage. Families today prefer as little clutter as possible in their homes and many option to put certain items they rather not part with in storage. Storage units are climate controlled, have around-the-clock security and superior pest control programs. Storage spaces come in various sizes and goods can be stored for as long as you need.

The reasons individuals and businesses rely on storage vary; they may be moving, remodeling or storing away items to be used later in the year. If you are in the process of moving to a new home and need a temporary storage area, your moving company may have space available to you. This will save you the time of seeking out self storage. However, you should investigate the cost differences.

There are a few advantages to storing with your moving company. Firstly, when your other items are delivered to your new home, your moving company will also deliver your stored goods. You should provide prior notice if you will need certain items before others, such as business files or documents. In addition, if you need to store items for a few days before your move because of space constraints, you may be able to store them in the truck your other household goods are being transported in.

When the time arrives to make the decision—what items you will store—ask yourself the following questions:

1. How valuable are the items I will be storing?
2. Do I really need the items I am putting in storage?
3. Is there anything I can dispose of?
4. Do any of my goods need to be repaired?

After answering the questions above, decide what you will be doing with the items that won’t be making it to storage. There are a few possibilities of what to do with your unneeded things:

1. Donate your items to a charity organization such as St. Vincent de Paul or Red Cross.
2. Books can be donated to a local public or school library.
3. Offer additional clothing or furniture to family members or neighbors in need.
4. Hold a garage sale to make some profit on unwanted household items. See our Moving Guide for helpful tips on how to hold a garage sale.

Remember to get a receipt for any donations or stored items for tax purposes.

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How to Decide on a Mover

Although choosing a mover may not seem like a difficult task, it is necessary to consider many aspects when deciding who you hire to pack, move and deliver your valued belongings. We understand the complications involved with moving and were here to lighten the load with our tips designed to help you hire the best person for the job.

Check qualifications.
Only allow licensed and insured movers to place an offer on your job. Check their license certificate to ensure they are licensed with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Your local Better Business Bureau and your state's DOT can provide you with information about how a specific mover handles complaints.

Make decisions.
Before scheduling a meeting with a mover, decide whether you would like the movers to pack for you and what items you will be shipping so that they can make a clear and accurate estimate. This will also prevent future overcharges. Remember, do not accept estimates that are not made in person.

Estimates are free.
In order to receive the best possible estimate make appointments and meet with several movers to obtain as many estimates as possible before making a decision. Following this, sit down and compare the estimates side by side and notice which estimates are binding and which are not. It is easy to reject high estimates, but if one is significantly lower than the others, call and ask why.

Get references.
Ask all movers for references from recent customers to ensure the best possible service.

Make it binding.
When you decide on the estimate that seems to best suit your needs, call and ask the company if they can make the offer binding and put it in writing. By making the estimate official it will be difficult to incur any extra fees.

Inform the movers.
Be prepared to inform the movers of any unusual situations if you want an accurate estimate such as parking space availability or any special items you want shipped.

Ask questions.
Don’t hesitate to ask the movers specific questions before you decide to do business with them.

Suggestions of questions to ask:

• What forms of payment do you accept?
• Is my offer binding?
• If I pack myself, what packing materials are suitable?
• What is the estimated delivery time?
• For what reasons might I incur additional fees?
  

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Moving tips

The moving industry’s “peak” season, or busiest time of the year, arrives during the summer months or winter holidays. This is when the demand for moving equipment, vehicles and workers is at its highest. If you want to beat the crowd, make moving arrangements prior to or after these dates.

There are many factors to consider once you have decided to relocate. One important question parents ask themselves is, “How will this move affect my child?” Many families make the decision to move following the school year, so as not to disrupt the child’s academics and allow them substantial time to part with friends. This is especially relevant to teenagers and adolescents. Unfortunately, the end of an academic term is a popular time for families to move and will raise your relocating costs.

Relocating for business? Being moved to a new office and city can be emotionally and physically stressful. It is recommended to investigate what advantages are offered to you for agreeing to this move. Many companies and universities who relocate employees cover some or all of the moving and shipping costs and possibly even airfare. Inquire with a boss or supervisor to see what is available to you.

Estimates are necessary when hiring a mover, so make sure you make an appointment with a relocation consultant to do a visual inventory of the items you are planning on bringing to your new home. It will save you and your consultant time and money if you prepare what items you want shipped in advance.

Make a checklist. Writing everything down will prevent future mix-ups. Get a notebook or even create a spreadsheet online that you or your family can access to mark off things that have already been packaged.

Mislabeling a box can cause you to leave needed items behind or take things you don’t really need. Your mover needs to know which items he or she can mark as ‘going’ or ‘not going’. Before you tape up each box, look inside. Did you write “kitchenware” on a box with unwanted tool supplies? If you are unsure, double check.

If you are doing your own packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damaged boxes packed by the customer. Be extra cautious with fine china or glass products. Apply double or even triple wrapping using bubble wrap, foam sheets, newspaper, etc.

Create a color chart. Assign a color for each room in your new home, such as pink for bedroom, yellow for kitchen or blue for basement. Use colored stickers to mark your boxes and place a matching sticker by each room so that the movers know where to place everything as they unload the truck. Placing notes around the house with additional directions are very helpful as well. Your movers will be grateful!

Make the necessary arrangements with plumbers, roofers, electricians, etc. so that your home is ready upon your arrival.

Take pictures or videos of the new house, schools or shopping centers. Showing your family photographs of the new house and area before you move will help raise their excitement. It is helpful for them to be able to visualize where they will be.

Someone may have lived in your new home before you and strangers may have access to a set of spare keys. Don’t forget to change all the locks and place your valuable goods in a well protected area.

You may qualify to receive compensation for your moving costs if you are moving closer to your place of employment. Inquire with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information about tax deductions on moving expenses and what receipts you will need to keep. Deductions are available for lodging, cost of moving and temporary storage for your household goods.

Among all the chaos, find time to research your new location. What schools are in the area? Are there any synagogues or churches you could join? Where is the nearest grocery store? You can access this information by doing a quick internet search. You will be glad you did your homework when you run out of milk.

Along with a change of location, comes a change of address. Notify your local post office bank, cable/internet company, and doctor, This will simplify your move and allow your bills and favorite magazines to be delivered to your home on time.

Decorating your new home doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet. Just because you are on a slim budget, you don’t have to constrain yourself when it comes to style. You can rent furniture, search the web for used couches in good condition or paint rooms according to each individual’s personality. Creating an appealing and comfortable environment will make your living space somewhere you want to come home to.

Throw a party. Once you are settled in, housewarming parties are a great way for you and your children to meet new people from your neighborhood or community. Drop off flyers and invitations in nearby mailboxes or even ring a doorbell and introduce yourself!

Always apply the three “C’s” when organizing a move; remain Composed, Calm and Collected.

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Relocation Glossary

There are many terms and phrases that will cross your path when organizing a move. Here is a list of the important terms you should become familiar with:

ACCESSORIAL (ADDITIONAL) SERVICES
This include services such as packing, appliance handling, unpacking, or additional stair carries that you ask to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation charges.

ADVANCED CHARGES
These are the charges for services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to your bill of lading charges.

AGENT
A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company.

APPLIANCE SERVICE
Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipment.

APPRAISAL FEE
An additional charge for the statement of property value.

BILL OF LADING
This is the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you disagree with a certain aspect of the bill of lading, do not sign it until it meets your requirements. The bill of lading is an important document so do not misplace your copy.

BINDING/NON-BINDING ESTIMATE
A binding estimate is made when the mover is able to evaluate your goods and offer you a fixed price that cannot be altered. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariffs in effect.

CARRIER
The mover that is providing transportation of your household goods.

CARRIER LIABILITY
The financial responsibility for damaged or lost good based on the amount they are insured for.

CASH ON DELIVERY (C.O.D.)
A cash payment that is required at the time of delivery for items transported to the destination residence or warehouse.

DECLARED VALUE PROTECTION
The value of your shipment is based on the total weight of the shipment times $1.25 per pound. This coverage protects goods at their current price less depreciation.

EXPEDITED SERVICE
An agreement with the mover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight.

FLIGHT OF STAIRS
An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs. A fourth floor walkup counts as three flights since your mover begins on the first floor. This fee is not applicable if your building has an elevator.

FREIGHT CHARGES
These are the calculated charges for transporting freight.

GUARANTEED PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICE
An additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover proving reimbursement for delays. This premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.

HIGH VALUE ARTICLE
Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP)
This is required in many countries in addition to your driver’s license. It is intended to be used while you are waiting to receive your new country’s driver’s license. You can obtain an IDP at your local DMV from your country of origin.

INVENTORY
The detailed descriptive list of your household belongings, listing the number and condition of each item.

LICENSE
Movers are required to obtain a license in order to be able to transport household goods within the state lines or from state to state.

LINEHAUL CHARGES
Charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges.

LONG CARRY
An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover's vehicle and your residence.

ORDER FOR SERVICE
A document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.

ORDER (BILL OF LADING) NUMBER
The number used to identify and track your shipment.

PEAK SEASON RATES
Peak season usually occurs during the summer months; the most popular moving time. At peak season many moving companies will raise their rates because of increased business.

PICKUP AND DELIVERY CHARGES
Additional transportation charges for transporting your shipment between the storage-in-transit warehouse and your residence.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal, larger line haul equipment.

STORAGE-IN-TRANSIT (SIT)
Temporary warehouse storage of you shipment pending further transportation, for example, if you’re new home is not quite ready to occupy. You must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 90 days of storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service, as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.

TARIFF
The mover's required, published price list of rules, regulations, rates and charges for the performance of interstate moving services.

VALUATION
The degree of ‘worth’ of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges.

WAREHOUSE HANDLING
An additional charge applicable each time storage-in-transit service is provided. This charge compensates the movers for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.

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