CENTURY 21® Vista
The Gold Standard in Minnesota Real Estate

Relocation and Utility Information

• Moving Tips and Checklist
• USPS Change of Address
• Utility Information
• Mapquest 
• Internal Revenue Service Articles and Rules on Selling Your Home:
  • Selling Your Home
  • Tax Info for First-time Buyers
  • Frequently Asked Tax Q&A
  • Publication 521 (2005), Moving Expenses

MOVING TIPS AND CHECKLIST:

Do-It-Yourself:

• Reserve a truck, van or trailer well in advance. Remember to order dollies, loading ramps, boxes, tape, padding,etc.
• Ask about one-way vs. local charges. You might save by returning the rental to its place of origin.
• Inventory and measure your furniture to be sure you have ordered the correct size truck.
• Verify insurance coverage.

Moving Company:

• Get competitive bids and be selective in choosing a moving company. Read all policies and contract carefully. Check for any complaints and confirm the reliability and integrity of the moving company with the Better Business Bureau.
• Be cautious of unrealistically low estimates.
• When the moving company representative arrives at your home to prepare the estimate, show him/her everything, including items to be moved from attics, basements and garages. Be precise about the type of service you require – packing, cartons, boxes, tape, etc.
• Discuss items which require special attention and concern you the most.
• Be sure to get a written estimate, setting forth the conditions and terms under which the mover is doing the job. If you haven’t withheld necessary information, your estimate should contain your approximate cost, a listing of what is to be moved, and the basis for determining the rate. Never pay in full at the beginning of the move.
• Investigate the company’s policy on damaged and broken items.
• If applicable, ask to tour your mover’s warehouse for interim storage. Note the security, organization, cleanliness, etc.
• Consider packing your belongings yourself. This is usually the most expensive part of a professional move, so you may be able to cut costs considerably.
• If possible, move during the off-season (October through March) when rates are usually lower.
• Consider a weekday move, which is usually less expensive than a weekend move.
• Have a yard sale, donate or discard items you don’t want or need because most movers charge based on weight.
• Keep your shipment registration number in your wallet or purse, in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment.
• Give the moving foreman a phone number (and an alternate contact) where you can be reached.

Packing:

• Use boxes which are in good condition and make sure they are properly sealed. Whenever possible, keep individual box weight under 50 pounds.
• Mark all boxes with your name, address, phone, contents, room, priority of unpacking and whether the contents are fragile.
• Try not to combine items from different rooms into one box.
• Leave clothes on hangers and pack in a wardrobe box.
• Place picture frames between towels, sheets or blankets to give them added protection.
• Pad all delicate items.
• Remove breakable items and liquids from drawers and pack in boxes.
• Plates, China and CD’s should be packed vertically on end, instead of stacked.
• Prior to packing aerosols and bathroom items, make sure that the caps and lids are tightly secured.
• Do not overload furniture drawers, or put liquids or breakables in drawers.
• Remove light bulbs prior to packing lamps and lighting fixtures.
• Disassemble what you can.
• Pack your local phone book—you may need it.
• Take valuables and one-of-a-kind items with you.
• If you have hired packers, try to be home yourself when packing is done or arrange to have a trusted friend present.
• Load the items last that you will need first so they will be the first to be unloaded. Load heavy furniture first.

To Help Facilitate Your Move:

• Discontinue all utility and other regular services.
• Provide a change of address to all applicable parties.
• Obtain transcripts from your children’s schools and complete necessary withdrawal paperwork. Register your children in their new schools.
• Take your family’s medical and dental records, birth certificates, and other important documentation with you.
• Arrange for sufficient cash or traveler’s checks to cover immediate moving expenses.
• Use up food and beverages in refrigerator and freezer.

UTILITY INFORMATION:

ASHBY:

BARRETT:

BATTLE LAKE:

BRANDON:

BRECKENRIDGE:

DALTON:

ELBOW LAKE:

FERGUS FALLS:

PELICAN RAPIDS:

PERHAM:

ROTHSAY:

UNDERWOOD:

WAHPETON:

WENDELL:

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