Chapter 9: I'm Ready to Move – Now What?

Moving Tips

Box Finally, you are close to reaching your goal of moving to a new place where you will be more independent. There are lots of ways to make a household move easier and more organized.

Make a list

Write everything down! It will be worth the trouble. Before packing even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Place a number on EVERY box to be packed and list the contents on the list. Keep the list down in a place you call Packing Central, containing labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies.

Have plenty of supplies

Moving truck LOTS of boxes will probably be needed. Use packing paper and strong packing tape to close up the boxes. Get extra supplies so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed. Unused boxes purchased from a moving company can be returned for a refund.

Color coordinate

Designate a color for each room in your new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number and put a matching sticker on the door to each room in your new place.

Keep things together

Insist on keeping things together when packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well so it can be easily located.

Pack ahead

Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day.

Use your luggage

Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods.

Safeguard valued items

Keep valuable possessions nearby. Find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) might be needed to file a claim in case of loss.

Keep important papers with you

Important papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, and lease.

Moving Checklist

One Month before Moving

Tell your landlord or group home manager when you plan to move and give your 30 day notice.
Tell your landlord your new address so your security deposit can be sent.
Fill out change of address order form for post office.
Fill out an IRS change of address form.
Make arrangements with friends, a moving company or reserve a truck.
If moving far, obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescriptions.
If moving far, set up a checking account in your new location.
Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
Make arrangements for transporting pets.
Start using up food items.

One To Two Weeks before Moving

Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
Arrange for help on moving day.
Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
If moving far, close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
If moving far, take valuables from safe-deposit box and hand carry them. Check with the insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through a homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.

On Moving Day

Double check closets, drawers, and shelves, to be sure they are empty.
Personally carry important documents, currency and jewelry.

After Arriving At Your New Home

If moving out of state, renew driver's license, auto registration and tags.
Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations, etc.

Maintaining Success in Your New Home

You Made It!!! After a great deal of time and achieving many small steps, you have reached your goal of moving into your new apartment or home. In this stage, you will find it helpful to:

Reward yourself for your success while learning from your mistakes.
Stay connected with peers and other supporters in your life.
Learn to deal with set-backs or know what to do if things aren't working out as planned.

How to Enjoy Your New Freedoms

Move In Checklist - Before you sign your lease, look at everything in your new place and write down anything that is not right. These damages will be fixed at no cost to you. When you are ready to move out you will not have to pay.

Repairs - Your landlord is responsible for normal, everyday repairs.

Reporting maintenance problems - You should report new maintenance problems to your landlord as soon as you discover them.

Neighbors - What to do? - Your rights end where the other person's rights begin. You have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your unit and so does your neighbor. The landlord does not need to know about every incident. However, loud parties, fighting, loud music or televisions, and loud parties after 11 p.m. may be reported. Loud fights that result in hitting may be reported to the police.

Your responsibilities as a tenant - You are responsible for the injuries of your guests.

Renter's Insurance - Most landlords require that you have renter's insurance. The landlord's insurance does NOT cover your belongings, pets, or damage to any other dwelling caused by you.

Basic Home Maintenance

Introduction

A home or apartment can provide years of security and comfort if well cared for. The lease should specify who will perform various maintenance and repairs. It is always helpful to understand how the systems in a home or apartment work.

Basic Systems in a Home or Apartment

All modern dwellings have the same 5 basic systems.

Electrical System

A home electrical system can be dangerous. A licensed, insured electrician should be used when work is needed. Electricity arrives at a house from a local utility company by way of a power line or underground conduit.

Electric Meter, monitored by an electric utility company, is generally mounted where the electricity enters a house.
Main Panel - The main electrical panel is inside a house or apartment and should be checked annually. All circuits should be labeled. Check the circuit breaker on the main panel for triggered switches if something does not work
Indoor Wiring: Check for loose connections when viewing the exposed wiring in a basement. Frayed or damaged wire, including extension cords, appliance cords and plugs, should be replaced. Loose outlets and switches should be tightened. Corrections should be made by a qualified electrician.
Making electrical repairs? There are three ways to shut off power to the entire house.
- Push the main breaker handle to the OFF position.
- Flip the main lever switch at the main panel to OFF.
- Pull out the fuse block.

Heating and Cooling System

In Michigan, most heating systems are forced air furnaces that run on gas or propane. Furnaces are the biggest consumer of energy in a home. It is helpful to know the type of furnace in a home in case it breaks down.

All Forced Air Systems: Filters, noisy blowers, humidifier water levels on forced-air systems should be checked monthly.
All Hot Water Systems: Radiators and convectors should be inspected annually for leakage.
Electric Heat: Electric furnaces, boilers, and baseboard heaters should be inspected by a qualified technician every year.
Oil Furnaces and Boilers: Oil systems should be checked by a qualified technician each year.
Gas Furnaces and Boilers: If gas odors can be detected, call the gas company immediately. Do not turn on any electrical equipment or use anything with an open flame. Gas furnaces and boilers should be cleaned and serviced annually.
Air Conditioning: Air conditioners can use a lot of energy. Proper maintenance and service can help reduce the high cost of keeping a house cool. If an air conditioner isn't working, check the circuit breaker. If a compressor won't come back on, check the high-pressure limit switch on the compressor unit. Push a button to return it to operation. If the air conditioner doesn't cool, check a thermostat to make sure it is set to "cool".
The outside air conditioning unit must be kept clear of debris.

Plumbing System

A main pipe supplies water to a house. A supply pipe divides into one system of pipes for cold water and another for hot water. Low water pressure is often caused by older galvanized-steel pipes that have become clogged with mineral deposits. A plumbing contractor should be contacted.

Supply Plumbing (which brings clean water into a house) should be checked annually for leaks. During winter months outdoor faucets should be closed.
Waste Plumbing (which moves waste products out of a house) should be checked for leaks. Basement floor drains should be checked and cleaned. Septic tanks should be checked and cleaned if necessary every year.
Plumbing Fixtures: Check for toilets which run continuously. Check grouting and caulking of all bathroom fixtures. Sump pumps should be tested.
Water Heaters: The on-demand type water heater, which heats water only as required, is commonly used today. Leave the installation and maintenance of on-demand water heaters to professionals.

Interior Structural System

Walls and ceilings should be inspected for cracks, bulges, and water stains.
Door frames which become out of square may indicate structural problems.

Exterior Structural System

Roofs vary in covering materials and design. A roof's surface must be watertight and durable as well as flexible enough to adapt to temperature changes.

Shingle Roofs should be inspected for damaged, loose or missing shingles.
Flat Roofs should be inspected for blisters, bubbles, and flashing details.
Gutters and downspouts should be checked blockage and leakage.
Eaves should be inspected for loose and rotted areas.
Masonry walls should be checked for deteriorated brick and mortar.
Stucco walls should be inspected for cracking and separating.
Wood walls should be checked for rot and loose or damaged boards.
Metal, vinyl, and shingle sidings should be checked for damage.
Foundation walls should be checked for cracking.