Moving from your old home to your new one can be a challenging and stressful experience, particularly if you struggle to stay organized during the process. When faced with chaos, it’s common for details to slip through the cracks, leading to unnecessary anxiety.

Many individuals have discovered that enlisting the services of a professional moving company not only keeps them organized but also simplifies the relocation process significantly. However, there are additional strategies you can employ to maintain organization during your move. Here are a few more helpful tips.

Establish Your Schedule

From the moment you start packing to the final farewell to your old place, it’s crucial to establish key dates in your relocation process early on. Depending on the complexity of your move, you may require at least six weeks to plan, pack, arrange transportation, and manage any storage needs.

Creating a comprehensive “master schedule” for your move is highly recommended. This schedule should account for important milestones, set deadlines, and allocate tasks that can be delegated to family members. It’s wise to build in some flexibility to accommodate unexpected delays or challenges that may arise.

Harness the Power of To-Do Lists

Detailed to-do lists are invaluable tools during a move. They not only help keep your relocation organized on a daily and weekly basis but also serve as effective stress management aids. Many people find that maintaining a to-do list has a calming effect on them.

To maximize efficiency, consider breaking down your tasks into smaller, more manageable lists rather than tackling one large list for the entire move. For instance, you might designate a weekly task such as packing your bedroom, and then break it down into daily objectives like packing jewelry, office supplies, clothes, and so on.

Delegate Tasks Among Family Members

Moving should involve the whole family. Ensure each family member understands their role in making the relocation a success. For example, unless there are exceptional circumstances, each person in your household should be responsible for packing items in their own bedroom. You might also delegate cleaning tasks once packing is complete.

When everyone is informed and coordinated, the moving process tends to proceed more smoothly.

Adhere to Your Timelines

Avoid the chaos of last-minute packing and loading by diligently adhering to your established deadlines throughout your move.

For instance, set specific deadlines for completing the packing of each room in your home. Schedule deadlines for booking professional movers or renting a moving truck. Additionally, plan ahead for essential tasks like disconnecting utilities at your old residence and setting them up at your new home.

By consistently meeting these smaller deadlines, you’ll minimize the stress of moving and maintain an organized process from start to finish.

Moving with your pets requires special considerations that differ from moving without them. Ensuring their comfort and safety while managing your relocation tasks is essential. Discover how to successfully move with your beloved furry companions.

Getting Ready for Your Move

Start by obtaining your pet’s medical records, which can usually be transferred electronically by your vet.

Ensure all medications are refilled and packed for the journey.

If you’re traveling long distances, consider bringing bedding such as blankets or towels to provide your pet with a comfortable place to rest in the car, rather than sitting on hard carrier surfaces.

Gathering the Necessities

Ensuring your pets have their essentials packed is crucial for a smooth move, including their food and favorite toys. It’s best to pack these items separately in a clearly labeled box for quick access. Store at least two weeks’ worth of food per pet in an airtight container or sealed box.

Additionally, keep toys, treats, medications, and grooming supplies handy, especially for pets with specific needs. Remember to pack leashes, collars, and other safety gear to ensure their well-being during the move.

Selecting the Suitable Carrier

When moving with your pets, ensuring their safe transport from one home to another is paramount. Using a carrier is one of the most effective methods for this purpose. With various types available, take the time to select one that suits your pet best.

Whichever carrier you opt for, ensure it provides enough space for your pet to avoid them feeling cramped during the journey!

Prioritizing Safety and Comfort

Pets are sensitive to tension and changes, often reacting by attempting to escape through open doors or displaying nervous behavior such as nipping or hiding in unfamiliar surroundings.

Provide a secure retreat for your pet when they feel overwhelmed. During busy times like packing or when movers are loading/unloading, consider placing them in a quiet room with the door closed to prevent escapes.

On moving day, replace their collar tags with new ones displaying your new address and updated contact details. This ensures they can be easily reunited with you if they get lost. Additionally, remember to update their microchip with the new information during this period.

Special Considerations When Moving with Pets

Moving with pets presents unique challenges that aren’t a concern when moving without them. Your pet may not be thrilled about strangers from the moving company entering the house and disrupting their familiar spaces with boxes. However, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety during the move is crucial. Fortunately, there are straightforward measures you can take to keep them content throughout the transition.

Start by leaving your pet’s area untouched until the end of the packing process, minimizing disruption to their bedding, feeding, and bathroom spots. This provides them with familiar spaces to retreat to during the move.

During both the departure from your current home and the arrival at your new one, place your pets in a quiet room with the door closed. This helps them stay calm amidst the hustle and bustle and may be necessary until they acclimate to their new surroundings.

If you’re relocating nearby, introduce your dog to the new neighborhood by taking them on walks or visiting local dog parks. For cats, bring items from your new home to familiarize them with the scent before the move.

Moving can unsettle their routines, so allow ample time for your pets to adjust to their new environment. Introduce them gradually to the new house by walking them on a leash indoors or letting them explore supervised outdoor areas on a long leash.

In Atlanta, Georgia, a Tennessee couple faced a shocking reality when their moving expenses doubled upon the actual moving day. Like many others in similar situations, they found themselves with little choice but to proceed.

James McMillian explained, “Our house was sold. Our house was ready to be moved. We had to get out.”

Having sold their rural home in Chapmansboro, Tennessee, James and Judy McMillian were relocating to a 55-and-older apartment complex in Hoschton, Georgia, to be closer to family.

After discovering Precise Moving and Storage online, Judy McMillian sent a detailed list of 57 items via email to a sales associate. Despite a phone review of the list, which estimated their belongings at 521 cubic square feet, no request was made for a video inspection or live video call to assess the couple’s possessions. The quoted price, including additional fees, stood at $2,150.

While legally registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in Doraville, Georgia, Pierce Moving and Storage, the parent company, was found by Atlanta News First Investigates to be operating under a different moving company at the same address.

Speaking with Atlanta News First Investigates, the owner of Precise Moving and Storage confirmed the absence of their Georgia offices, revealing that their operations were now based in Alabama and Florida.

On February 23, the McMillians recounted the arrival of the company’s movers, with a lead mover inspecting their home.

“He went through each room, continually adding to the list,” Judy McMillian recalled.

After this assessment, the lead mover presented a revised quote, noting numerous boxes, an extra 229 cubic square feet, along with packing materials and associated fees. This adjustment resulted in the bill doubling to $4,300.

Despite paying the increased amount and experiencing a smooth relocation process, the McMillians remain puzzled by the discrepancy in pricing. They maintain that the volume of their belongings remained consistent with the initial estimate.

To assist customers in avoiding such situations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operates “Protect My Move,” a website enabling individuals to conduct background checks on moving companies and safeguard themselves against fraudulent practices.

As peak moving season kicks off in Illinois, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is advising residents to conduct thorough research on moving companies before embarking on any relocation plans.
According to ICC’s Chief of Police, Ruben Ramirez, “A simple online search or reaching out to the ICC can significantly shield residents from falling prey to moving scams. Spring marks a busy period for moving, which unfortunately can lead to an increase in deceptive or unscrupulous movers. The ICC stands ready to provide resources to assist Illinoisans in evaluating potential movers, thus averting the financial and emotional hardships of a mishandled move.”

In Illinois, intrastate moving companies are required to be licensed by the ICC (Illinois Commerce Commission). Consumers can verify if an intrastate household goods mover is appropriately licensed to operate in Illinois and check the number of complaints filed against each company on the ICC website or by calling 217-782-6448. For interstate moves, the mover must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The ICC offers Smart Tips for hiring a mover:

• Verify if the moving company is licensed by the ICC for Illinois operations.
• Avoid relying solely on mobile apps for selecting and scheduling movers.
• Invite the mover to visit your home to assess your belongings and discuss expectations for the move.
• Obtain a written estimate to understand the expected costs on moving day.
• Discuss options for loss and damage protection and ensure it is documented.
• Prepare to pay 110 percent of the written estimate on moving day; movers cannot withhold your goods if you pay this amount.
• Clarify any “freebies” offered by the mover to avoid surprises later.
• Initiate your search at least six weeks before the move.

Throughout the year, ICC Police Officers enforce compliance with state laws, issuing administrative citations for violations such as operating without a household goods license or driving with a suspended license. Increased patrols will be conducted in various areas across the state in the coming weeks to ensure movers adhere to state regulations.

The proprietor of an Aurora-based moving company has been sentenced to six years in the Department of Corrections following a jury’s February conviction on two counts of theft.

At 40 years old, Huseyn Nemat-Zoda served as the proprietor of H&M Relocation Services when accusations arose that the company neglected to deliver approximately $151,000 worth of customers’ belongings. Prosecutors alleged that Nemat-Zoda targeted individuals undergoing cross-country moves who lacked the resources or opportunity to resist.

Initially pleading not guilty on January 11, Nemat-Zoda underwent trial from February 20 to 23, as documented in court records.

The two theft charges date back to June 2021 when Nemat-Zoda was contracted to transport belongings from Greeley to another state. According to court records, the items never reached their destination, and Nemat-Zoda ceased communication with the victims.

After the victims filed a report with the Greeley Police Department, authorities discovered the victims’ possessions at a self-storage facility in Englewood.

During the sentencing hearing on May 9, Weld County Deputy District Attorney Daniel Skelton asserted, “He was fully aware of his actions throughout, and nothing deterred him.” Skelton continued, “Individuals who placed their trust in the kindness of others found themselves vulnerable to his exploitation, as he absconded with their funds, leading them on with empty promises. He preyed on the desperation and innocence of others to serve his own gain.”

The Weld County District Attorney’s Office also noted that victims addressed the court during the sentencing hearing.

The owner is also confronting a felony theft charge in Denver.

The victims’ belongings were located by authorities in a self-storage business in Englewood after the victims filed a police report with the Greeley Police Department.

Nemat-Zoda is also facing a felony theft charge in Denver District Court, accused of utilizing his company to allegedly steal from another Colorado resident relocating out of state. The victim claims she contracted with H&M Relocation Services in June 2022, agreeing to pay approximately $3,383 to Nemat-Zoda in three installments.

However, she alleges that upon Nemat-Zoda’s arrival for the move, he initially stated that she had not disclosed several items during the estimation process, demanding full payment because the truck was already packed. According to the victim, when she returned with the funds, Nemat-Zoda demanded thousands more in payment.

The victim alleges that her belongings were held for around three months, with the moving company owner reportedly threatening to donate the items to charity unless additional payment was provided. She filed a complaint in Denver, accusing Nemat-Zoda of stealing over $100,000 worth of her property.

Although Nemat-Zoda initially entered a plea in the Denver case, he withdrew it on October 19, 2023. His legal representation is scheduled to appear for the case on May 31, according to Colorado Court records.

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Investigators with the Denver DA’s Office have said they do not believe this was an isolated incident with the suspect’s company, H&M Relocation Services. In 2022, the investigators asked anyone who believed they might have been a victim of Nemat-Zoda to call the Economic Crimes Unit at 720- 913-9179.

According to Colorado court records, Nemat-Zoda was facing four counts of theft for the Weld County case, but the district attorney’s office dismissed two of the charges. According to the Department of Corrections inmate locater, Nemat-Zoda is currently being held in Denver. He will be eligible for a parole hearing in December 2026, according to the DOC.

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A victim reportedly expressed, “Every week, we clung to hope that our belongings would arrive at our new home, but they never did. It was a devastating ordeal, both financially and emotionally. He has inflicted wounds upon us that have left us shattered.”

Prior to Moving Day

Planning each aspect of your move well in advance, ideally weeks ahead, is essential.

With numerous tasks to complete, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. However, this comprehensive checklist can serve as your guide to regain control if things seem to spiral out of hand.

Starting early will significantly alleviate the stress associated with the moving process.

Two months prior to moving day

Preparations can commence as early as 8 weeks prior to your scheduled move date.

1. Establish a digital folder dedicated to moving day

To maintain organization and accessibility, consolidate all documents related to your move into a single folder. While the folder can be stored locally, it’s advisable to create a backup online using platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar file hosting services.

As you proceed with your preparations, populate this folder with photos of quotes, receipts, and other relevant documents.

2. Obtain a quotation from a moving company

Research and obtain estimates from a minimum of three moving companies. Evaluate their services to ensure they align with your budgetary constraints. Additionally, verify their licensing and insurance status for added peace of mind.

For those considering a DIY approach, commence research into the rental costs of moving vans and other associated expenses.

3. Establish a budget for moving costs

Compile a comprehensive list of all anticipated expenses and allocate funds accordingly as early as possible. Having cash readily available will alleviate one aspect of stress when the time comes for your relocation. If you are moving due to work-related reasons, inquire whether your company will provide financial assistance, either partially or in full, for the expenses incurred.

4. Examine documents provided by the moving company

Seize the chance to examine the documents provided by the moving company, detailing the terms and conditions of their services. Allocate sufficient time to carefully evaluate these documents before proceeding with the signing and return process. This proactive approach serves to preempt any unexpected occurrences or misinterpretations on the day of your move.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the process, now is an ideal time to address them.

5. Evaluate your new residence

Once you’ve confirmed arrangements with a moving company, take the opportunity to visit your new residence and strategize the logistical aspects of the move.

Map out the preferred route for the movers and pinpoint appropriate parking locations for their arrival. Evaluate the local traffic conditions that could affect the moving process. Check for the availability of a service elevator, particularly if you’re moving into a multi-story apartment or condominium. Familiarize yourself with any specific moving guidelines or regulations provided by your new residence.

Addressing these crucial factors beforehand will help ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to commence the move.

6. Ask for time off from work

Submit a request for time off on the day of the move if it falls on a weekday. If needed, consider requesting time off for the day before or after the move. Filing your request as early as possible increases the likelihood of it being approved.

7. Locate a school for your children

If you have children, begin researching schools in the local area. Utilize resources such as Great Schools to identify suitable educational institutions in the vicinity.

Additionally, take this opportunity to request transcripts for your children from their current school. Submitting all necessary documentation to the new school ensures that everything is settled well in advance of the children’s first day.

8. Dispose of items you will not be taking with you

When you declutter before moving, it becomes simpler to gauge the amount of belongings you’ll need to pack and their designated locations in the new residence.

Consider giving away or selling items that will not be accompanying you on the move. Alternatively, opt to donate them to a nearby charity or shelter.

9. Segregate items that the movers will not be responsible for handling.

You may prefer not to entrust valuable, delicate, or sensitive items to the moving company. Separate belongings such as firearms, fine art, safes, and similar items to ensure they are not grouped with your other possessions.

At the very least, mentally note which items you will personally transport to your new residence.

10. Communicate with your landlord

Renters should communicate with their landlord. Typically, tenants are required to provide notice before relocating to a new residence. Ensure any outstanding debts are settled to avoid complications.