TWO MONTHS- Before the Movers come

• Take a deep breath. You have two months to prepare before the Naples movers show up at your door.

• Decide how you’ll manage the move. If you’re hiring a moving company, you need to understand the best price doesn’t always mean you are getting the best team of Naples movers. If you’re moving far, arrange for transporting your car. If you’re going to do it yourself, figure out where you will get a truck and how much advance notice will be needed.
• Start pruning. What will need to move? What will not be moved and go to Goodwill? Start as far ahead as you can so that you will sort through the stuff instead of throwing it into a box and taking care of it at your new space. If you’re hiring someone to do the packing, ask them how they would prefer things to be sorted, if at all. This will give you an idea of what you will be trying to sell, too.

• Get packing materials. You can buy boxes, Bubble Wrap and packing tape, but keep an eye on your local Freecycle Network and the free section of Craigslist for people who have recently moved and are giving away boxes.

• If you’re selling a home, attack the inspection repair list. If you don’t have a regular plumber, contractor and/or electrician, it will take time to hire professionals. Closing day comes quickly. Keep all receipts for work in case the buyer asks for them at the closing.

ONE MONTH- Before the Movers come

• Change magazine subscriptions.

• Keep packing. There is more stuff than you will expect.

• If you’re moving into an apartment building, find out where the truck can park and if you need to make arrangements or reserve an elevator.

• If you’re selling furniture, make a plan for when and where to list the items for sale. You can probably live without that hutch if it sells on Craigslist in a flash, but not your bed.

TWO WEEKS- Before the Movers come

• Schedule your change of address at the post office or at moversguide.usps.com.

• Change the address for whatever paper bills you get in the mail.

• Arrange to stop or transfer utilities. Whether you’re selling or buying, ask your broker what the title company will handle and what you should do yourself.

ONE WEEK- Before the Movers come

• Other addresses to change: driver’s license and insurance cards (for yourself and your car if you have one). Also, make sure your prescriptions are changed to a local pharmacy or will be delivered to your new address if you get them by mail.

• Keep packing, but make sure to leave out what you’ll need on moving day, and anything else essential if it will take a while for you to be reunited with your stuff. Also, make sure those items are in luggage or boxes clearly marked “DO NOT MOVE.”

• Change or halt newspaper delivery and any other regular deliveries.

• Confirm the date and time of the move; discuss any changes because of possible bad weather, and what the company will and won’t take (plants are rarely moved, and they probably won’t take your fireworks either). If you’re moving into a building, confirm the elevator and parking situation.

ONE DAY- Before the Movers come

• Pack up the food you’re taking with you. (For non-perishables you’re not bringing, donate them to a local food bank.

• Make sure your luggage and the “DO NOT MOVE” boxes are far from what the movers are taking.

Moving Day- The Naples Movers are here!