Condo Moving Tips

Two Months Before the Cape Cod MA Condo Purchase

Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement storage shed, etc. Use things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
Research your new Cape Cod neighborhood – get the locations of grocery stores, the post office, town offices, banks, library, gyms, etc.
Stay informed about possible updates to your Cape Cod condo complex on our Cape Cod Condo Blog.
Obtain a floor plan of your new condominium and decide what furniture to keep.
Start an inventory of your household items.
Get estimates from at least three moving companies.
Find out from your homeowners insurance agent how much (or if) your move is covered for.
Make a file for all your moving papers and receipts.
Arrange the transfer of your children's school records.

Obtain tax-deductible information from the IRS and/or your CPA.
Review your inventory of household items. Are there items that you can dispose of or donate?
Report your forthcoming address change to friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
Subscribe to the local news in your new neighborhood and learn about the local government, community and social news and activities.
If necessary, start the off-site storage process.
Look for health-care professionals and hospitals in your new condo area.
Send change of address cards (available at the post office) to the following: banks; credit cards; church; doctors/dentist; relatives and friends; income tax bureau/Social Security Administration/union; insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/ stockbroker; magazines; post office; and schools.
Clean out the closets.
Have a yard sale or donate items to charities.
Select a mover and make arrangements for insurance coverage.
If relocating for work, call your new employer to find out if they will cover any of the costs.

Begin the packing process.
Have furniture, drapes and carpets repaired or cleaned if needed.
Collect all important documents such as car license and registration papers, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial records, etc.
Call utilities (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection companies) for service disconnect /connect at your old and new addresses, and to request final readings.
Ask for refunds on unused homeowner's insurance, security deposit with landlord, and prepaid cable/internet service.
Notify service providers such as trash collector, gardener, snow removal service and pool cleaner.
Call insurance companies (auto, homeowner's, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new condo on Cape Cod.

Make detailed directions and a schedule with emergency contact numbers for the movers.
Pay all bills with local shops. Pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and any rented or borrowed items.
Get copies of pets records from their veterinarian.
Drain gas and oil from mowers, chainsaws, etc.
Give away plants not being moved.
Cancel the newspaper.
Refill your prescriptions and have them forwarded to your new pharmacy.

If you're not doing it yourself, have the moving company pack.
Defrost refrigerators and freezers.
Move any valuables to a safe location or ask family/friends to hold them until the move is completed.
Disconnect major appliances.
Pack an overnight bag and put it in a handy place. Items may include: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and flashlight.
Prepare a moving kit with items needed for the move and the movers: scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking and/or duct tape, garbage bags, shelf liner and aspirin or ibuprofen.

Be home to answer your mover’s questions and stay until they are done.
Record gas, electric and water meter readings.
Review the mover’s bill and the inventory sheet carefully before signing it.
Keep copies of the bill and inventory until everything has been delivered, the charges paid and any claims settled.
Take a final look in case you forgot anything.
Give movers the directions to your new condominium on Cape Cod, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.

Unpack overnight bag and moving kit.
Arrive at your new condo before the movers and stay until they are done.
Be prepared to pay the balance due to the mover. For interstate moves, the driver is obligated by law to collect payment upon delivery.
Supervise the unloading and track everything on your inventory sheet. Carefully check for any damaged or missing items.
Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
Go to the post office and collect held mail.

Make sure to also take a look at our Cape Cod Condo Buying Tips.