Moving? Don't forget to pack your insurance

(NC) Moving doesn't happen every day and this makes it a stressful experience when trying to remember all of the requirements, big and small. Protecting one's belongings with insurance, for example, is often overlooked and it could lead to unforeseen costs if any of our valuables are lost or damaged.

“Insurance may be the last thing on your mind during a move,” says Ryan Michel, spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “But you need to make sure your items are protected both in transit, and when you arrive.”

It's important to consider whether your insurance will protect you at both your current residence and new residence, and whether your policy covers your items while they're on the move. If you're considering moving some items to temporary storage for a period of time, remember that coverage provided by these facilities is limited and your items may only be protected for 30 days. It's best to ask your personal insurance provider about what to do in specific circumstances.

If you're moving in the near future, consider these tips from Allstate Canada:

• Set up your home insurance in advance so that you are protected as soon as you take possession of your new home. You might also need to consider insuring your home during the final stages of construction.

• Make a checklist of all your belongings. Note both the condition and value of each item and even take photos if you can.

• If you are using professional movers, confirm the company has insurance in case your belongings are damaged during the move.

• As you're unpacking, check that items have not been lost or damaged. If they have, contact your insurance company right away.

Additional advice is available at www.allstate.ca/learningcentre.

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What you need to know to prepare for a move

I found a great article about moving that you just might enjoy. 

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9 Tips for Making Your Move Stress-Free

Buying a new home is exciting – and a big deal. If you’re searching for the perfect place, or you’ve already found it and are under contract, the next step in the process can feel more tedious: moving.

Moving can be stressful, a bit expensive and plenty chaotic. But with some planning, help from friends and a little organization, it doesn’t have to be as hectic as you imagine. Here are some tips to take the stress out of your move:

1. Make a plan of attack – Whether you're moving across town or across the state lines, you’ll probably want to rent a truck. Do you have willing helpers to assist in the move, or will you need to hire some help? If you’re moving farther away, you’ll probably want professional help. Figure out what your moving needs are, and ask friends or your real estate agent for references to a trusted mover. Also, stock up on boxes, packing tape, permanent markers and packing peanuts/bubble wrap.

2. Prioritize your packing – As you start packing your current home up, designate a few boxes for each room that you’ll need quick access to. For example, you’ll want to keep personal toiletries, shower curtains and liners, a first-aid kit and other necessities easily accessible for the bathroom. Label these boxes “Open Now” so you know which boxes are filled with the essentials – and which ones can wait until later.

3. Don’t go it alone – Packing is a monumental task. Invite some friends or relatives over, buy some pizza and make it a packing party! Delegate the tasks you feel most comfortable entrusting others with, like packing up DVDs, books and other non-fragile items. A little help goes a long way to saving you some time – and sanity.

4. Don’t take it all – If you realize you have 10 boxes of clothes and you haven’t worn half of them in a few years, it’s time to part ways. Create three piles: a “keep” pile, a “sell” pile and a “donate” pile. If time permits, hold a moving sale to unload some of the items you don’t want anymore. Bonus: Selling items before you move gives you extra money that you can put toward moving expenses. Added bonus: You reduce the clutter.

5. Forward your mail – Believe it or not, people forget to do this all the time! It’s easy to change your address with the U.S. Postal Service. Simply visit the USPS website, and in a few steps you’re done!

6. Turn off your utilities – Check with your local utility providers, as well as other services (trash pickup, newspaper delivery, cable/Internet, phone), to inform them that you’re moving. They’ll need to know an exact date for your move so they can transition or cut off service. You don’t want to be billed for charges after you move!

7. Change your address everywhere else – Contact your bank, credit card companies, healthcare providers, schools, etc. to give them your new address. Although your mail will be forwarded, you still want to update your contact information as soon as possible to avoid missing important bills or letters.

8. Be flexible – Closing day can be unpredictable, and sometimes there are delays. If you’re scheduling movers or arranging for help, you might want to pick a day or two after closing to avoid a moving-day headache.

9. Consider hiring a professional housecleaner – Sellers don’t necessarily leave their homes in sparkling condition when they leave. If time and budget permit, hire a housecleaner to make your new home move-in ready. It’s one less thing for you to worry about!

Ready to search for a new home? I'm ready to help you find your perfect fit.

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Checklist For The Smoothest Move

Excellent tips can be found here!

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Moving Tips

Moving is a wonderful adventure.  Easy does it with these moving tips:

21 Tips for an easy move

TLC Moving Tips

Canadian Living 10 Steps to an easy move


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Susan

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33 Moving Tips That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier

Now that we have sold your home and/or found you a new home - what next. These 33 Tips will help!

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Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!


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