Out of the Dark: How to Set up House Utilities For Your Move

Over 40 million Americans move to a new address each year. For many of these people, setting up utilities at the new home is an afterthought when there’s so much to do throughout the packing and moving process.

However, no one wants to settle into a new home without electricity, heat, water, and the internet. Here’s how to properly set up your house utilities so they’ll be ready and active in your new home when you arrive.

Gather All of Your Information

To make the process go much smoother, gather the names and contact information for your current utility providers in one location. Record the names and contact information for any providers you are switching service to.

Have your new address ready when you start contacting providers.

Make Sure Your Moving Date is Firm

Before you begin contacting providers to cancel your current service and start a new one at the new address, you’ll need to make sure your move-out/move-in date is set in stone. It’s one of the most important moving tips you need.

This is because some utility companies require a few weeks’ notice when connecting or disconnecting services. If you’re using a new provider, you’ll need to schedule new connections at least a day before you move in to ensure everything will be working.

For your electricity and gas providers, it’s recommended you schedule disconnection a day or two after your move. You may not want to be without heat and power the day of your move.

Pay Outstanding Bills Before the Move

Make sure your utility bills are paid up before scheduling disconnection. Any overdue bills should be settled to keep your credit in good standing.

You may want your current providers to contact readings on your gas, water, and electricity meters, so there are no surprise bills once you settle into your new home.

Inquire About New Customer Discounts

When switching to a different utility provider, ask if you’re eligible for a new customer discount. Set aside available money in case the new company requires a safety deposit. This is often needed when transferring to a new state until your credit check clears.

Contact Your Town or City for Water and Other Services

Most towns and cities provide water, garbage pickup, recycling, sewer, and other basic resident and curbside services. Contact your new town’s offices ahead of your move to arrange for water connection.

Now You Know How to Set Up Your Utilities

By planning and setting aside time to deal with all of your utility providers, the process of setting up your utility services at your new address will be much less stressful.

We know that there’s a lot to do and take care of when you’re relocating to a new home. If you need reliable, professional movers to safely move your belongings in the Virginia Beach area, contact us. We’ll be happy to help you with your next move!

Tips That’ll Help You Prepare for a Long Distance Move and Avoid Mishaps

Congratulations! You have made the final decision to move across the state (or across the country).

Before you engage in a little daydreaming about what life will be like in your new digs, there are some things you need to begin working on to make sure your long distance move is a success.

Set Your Moving Dates

Whether you have three weeks or three months until your planned move date, today is the day you need to start looking into your moving company options.  The closer you are to your desired moving date, the harder it will be to find a company that can accommodate your move out date.

Long distance haulers usually quote a “delivery window,” and not a specific delivery date that you’ll need to take into account when making your final moving company selection.

Develop a Moving Schedule

Now is your opportunity to create your own moving schedule and checklist. This checklist will be vital to keeping you on track during the moving process.

Create your own personalized list and assign completion dates for each task.

Set Your Long Distance Moving Budget

In the spring of 2016, the American Moving and Storage Association reported that the average cost of a traditional interstate, cross-country move of about 1,225 miles was about $4,300. The average cost of an in-state move was about $2,300 which covered four movers at $200 per hour.

Both of those were based on 7,400-pound average weight of the items to be moved. That’s right; it’s the weight, not the number of items moved that’s going to determine the cost of your move unless you pay for additional insurance.  

There are three types of cost estimates you can get from long distance movers; binding, non-binding and “not to exceed.” It’s important to understand what each of these is so you can correctly compare estimates.

Reputation Matters

Ranking right up there in importance to cost is choosing a reputable mover.  A quick online search of a prospective company’s name is bound to turn up some reviews from previous customers. For a long distance move, however, you’ll also need to make sure the company you’re considering can handle your move.

Even if you’re moving in-state from Roanoke, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, for example, not all local movers can handle your job. Your best option is a mover that has experience in your destination area and is also or is affiliated with, an interstate carrier.

Determine What You Want To Move

Now is the time to purge.

Take a serious look around your current home. If you see things that you no longer need or use, it is time to let others enjoy them.

Sell items at a garage sale or online at sites like Letgo or Craigslist. Or, perhaps donate them to places like Goodwill or Salvation Army. Pruning your move inventory is going to be the best way to prune your costs as well.

Pack Effectively

As you pack your belongings make sure that you use sturdy boxes. Also, be certain that the contents of each box are wrapped and appropriately secured with adequate cushion. Nothing should be able to shift around inside the box.

Make sure that each box is securely closed with tape and labeled clearly with contents and room destination.

Separate Valuables

Items like social security cards, passports, birth certificates, and other personal records should be packed in a box that stays with you during the move. Consider including other documents you might need to have on hand and not want to dig for when you reach your new home.

Decide if you want to also separate valuables like jewelry, photos, and sentimental items and keep those with you too. Take care when traveling with them in your personal vehicle as well. Make sure you keep valuables out of sight and locked up.

On the Move

Every move is challenging, but long distance moves have an added layer of complication.

Make sure you have a plan and a timeline and contact us for additional help with your move!

Moving? How to Transfer Schools Mid-Year for Your Kids

For kids, moving schools can be difficult enough as it is. But if you’re moving during the school year, things can become even more challenging. However, with a little bit of planning, you can cut the impact on your kids.

Let’s look at how to transfer schools mid-year without grief.

How To Transfer Schools Mid-Year

Wondering how to transfer schools in the middle of the school year? Here are some valuable tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Plan Ahead

Your new community is in a specific school district’s boundary. It’s a good idea to find out what it is before you get there. Don’t wait till the last minute.

Call the school district for specific advice on moving your children into their new schools. The district will provide you with paperwork as well as the requirements for enrollment.

Here are some ways to make the process easier.

• Notify the current school and the new about your move date
• Complete necessary paperwork before the move
• Email it to the new school
• Get records from current school
• Make sure immunizations are up to date
• Have important documents with you, not packed away

Being a little prepared up front can make moving mid-year much less stressful, and it can also make your children feel more secure.

2. Get Your Kids Involved

Try to take some of the mystery out of going to a new school. Tell your children as much as you know about the school and staff. If you know the date they will go back to school, tell them.

If you can’t visit the new school before the move, let them look up their schools online. Show them the list of teachers they could have. Make it as exciting as you can but not stressful.

Empathize with their feelings. It’s natural for children to feel unhappy or afraid to leave behind a life they love. Make sure they know you understand and are there to listen and support them.

Another essential thing to do is keep them involved in their studies during the move. Ask current teachers for advice on keeping your kid’s skills sharp. At the least, they should have a good book to read in their downtime.

3. Ease the Transition

Knowing how to transfer schools mid-year can ease the transition.

Don’t plan to send your kids back to school the very day you get to your destination. Especially if you’re traveling any distance to your new home. Your kids will need time to transition and settle in.

If you can plan to move during a school holiday, do it. Allow your children to move into their new rooms, meet neighbors and check out local parks. Let your children adjust to their new surroundings before starting school.

On the first day back, plan to spend most of the morning at your kid’s new school. You’ll want to meet the teacher and administration. Make sure your kids are comfortable and secure before you leave.

Get Ready, Let’s Move

Moving mid-year is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be terrible. Learn how to transfer schools mid-year with confidence and ease. A little planning goes a long way!

Need more advice about moving? Check out our blog for more articles.

Looking for a mover in the Hampton Roads area? We can help! Contact us today

 

7 Essential Things to Know When Working with Moving Companies

Over 35 million Americans move each year. If you’re going to be one of them, it’s a smart idea to contact moving companies and get some help. After all, moving is considered one of the top stressors, right behind divorce or a death in the family. So it makes sense to get as much help as possible!

Once you’ve set a move-in date and signed your moving contract, there are still a few things that moving professionals want you to know.

7 Things Moving Companies Want You To Know

Take these words to heart, so that your move can go as smoothly, quickly, and efficiently as possible!

1. Finish Packing Before They Arrive

Unless you have selected the additional option to have movers pack for you, make sure that the packing is complete before they arrive.

Have your belongings packed, labeled, and ready to go by the time the movers enter. Remember that if they have to wait around for you to finish packing, you’ll end up paying for that wait time.

2. Label Thoroughly

If you have fragile items, label the boxes as such. You can even buy special packing tape that functions as a fragile label.

Also, label each side of every box and make sure the destination room at the new home is evident on each label.

3. Give Them Space

It’s understandable that you want your belongings treated with care. Any concerns you have about particular items should be brought up with your movers ahead of time. On moving day, step back and stand aside.

The professionals know the ins and outs on how to lift and carry furniture, as well as navigate stairs and tight hallways. Let the pros do their job with efficiency.

4. They Won’t Move Certain Items

Moving companies have certain items that they just don’t transport. These are called non-allowable items. Hazardous items like chemicals, fireworks, and propane tanks to name a few should not be packed in with your belongings.

Other items that are irreplaceable and expensive articles need to be transported by you, or you need to arrange another way for their transport.

5. They Can’t Move Your Plant

Movers will not relocate your houseplants. They can’t take responsibility for safely moving plants because the plants may suffer from a lack of light and water as well as temperature changes during the move. You will need to transport your houseplants yourself.

If you are moving to another state, check the regulations of the state to which you’re moving. Some states ban the entry of all plants. Others will admit plants under specific conditions.

6. They Provide Peace of Mind

Working with a professional moving company provides the assurance that things will get done right, quickly and efficiently.

You can count on your team of movers for their reliability. Relax and trust that your moving company’s experience and know-how are being put to good use.

7. Consider a Gratuity

While it is not required, workers in the service industry appreciate a customary tip. If pleased with your service, check on the internet to see what the proper gratuity etiquette is in your area.

Final Thoughts

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be downright fun!

If you need an estimate for your next Virginia Beach, VA move, contact us.

A Quick Guide on How to Transfer Utilities When You Move

Are you planning on moving soon?

There are a lot of small details to remember as you settle into a new place, but one of the major things is transferring your utilities. No one wants to get to their new home or apartment, only to find out it doesn’t have heat, running water or electricity.

If you’re confused on how to transfer utilities to a new place, keep reading for more details.

How to Transfer Utilities When You Move

Transferring your utilities might sound like a complicated process, but it’s actually quite easy. Here is a quick guide to help you understand the ins and outs of how to transfer services so you can move through the process seamlessly.

Step 1: Do Your Research

What utility companies are in your new area? If you’re moving locally, you might assume that your utility company will stay the same, but this isn’t necessarily true.

Some states have energy provider options. Use this “energy choice” database to determine if you have an energy choice in your area and which is the most cost-effective.

Do your research and make sure that all of your utilities can transfer. This is especially true with services such as cable or internet, as your current provider might not offer service in your new area. You might also find that you can save money with a different provider, so it’s worth it for you to switch.

Step 2: Plan Ahead

Once you know that you’re able to transfer utilities, don’t wait until the last minute to do so. Call a few weeks ahead of time to let your companies know that you’re moving.

Some transfers can take longer to process, so you don’t want to be without utilities in your new place.

Step 3: Update Your Address

When you’re calling to set up your new utilities, try and have your exact moving address ready for them. If you don’t have it yet, make sure it’s correctly updated before you move.

This is to provide your new service address, but it’s also to make sure any of your old bills get forwarded to your new address. You can also request to do this through the US Postal Service.

Step 4: Pay Any Outstanding Bills

Before you leave your current place, make sure you settle any outstanding balances. Even though you move your service address, it doesn’t mean your billing information will transfer over. This could mean that you’ll rack up late fees if you don’t settle old balances.

Step 5: Do an Energy Audit

If you notice your utility bills are higher than they should be, it’s probably a good time to conduct an energy audit. Most utility companies will send a professional out for free to test your systems and find out what could be costing you money.

It’s a good idea to do this as soon as you move, and address the problems right away.

Want to Learn More?

Moving is a multi-step process, and it’s best to be prepared and to do as much research as possible each step of the way. Now that you know how to transfer utilities, check out the rest of our blog for more helpful moving and storage tips.

Need assistance moving? Contact us for a quote.