Your move is almost a year away, but it’s not too early to start downsizing and taking care of your possessions. But where do you start?
What Goes Where?
A floor plan of your new home will help you make your selections to be moved there. Are you able to comfortably fit all of your choices into your new space? Measure your furniture at the widest points, and include the height of tall items you will take with you. Keep in mind that baseboards may cause furniture to sit away from the wall slightly.
During this process of downsizing and reviewing everything you own, write down who you would like to inherit grandma’s pie plate, the antique dresser, etc. This will take a huge burden off of your family.
To determine where you will need electrical outlets, consider where to place lamps, computer, and other electrical items. You may even choose to use a walk-in closet for a little sewing area. If so, you'll need an outlet there! Be sure that your TV is placed near the cable outlet.
Papers, Papers, Papers!
Now it's time to focus on your paperwork, an area where many of us procrastinate! If you can deal with it now, you won’t have to pay to have it moved or figure out where to store it all until you make time to sort through it later.
Consider going through a small stack a day. Determine what needs to be shredded, saved, or set aside for family members or for your power of attorney, etc. If you are unsure of what paperwork to keep, consult your accountant, CPA, or your bank. Some sources suggest keeping seven years of taxes, supporting paperwork for three years, and tax returns for the last four years. If you have owned a business it is recommended to keep 10-years' worth of taxes. Keep a file for all receipts relating to home improvements to your property that you are selling for tax purposes.
Start a file for any manuals that need to stay with your current home. It’s a good idea to pick a drawer in the kitchen to collect items that belong with the house.
Vital Documents
Now is an excellent time to make sure your affairs are in order. Do you have a power of attorney? Is it current? Do you have a will? Is it current? Is your address book updated? Choose a trusted representative and share with them where to locate your important papers. Decide who would be notified if something would happen to you so they can follow your written wishes.
Designing Moves LLC can help you organize your vital documents into a notebook so you will be ready for any situation that may come your way. This notebook becomes your resource. For example, who provides your homeowners' insurance? Do you know what number to call? Does your homeowners' insurance cover any damage that may happen during your move? Having all of this information in one place puts your mind at ease and can save time and money.
What to Shred?
Shred anything with social security numbers, account numbers, personal information, etc. Using a company that professionally shreds large quantities is the least expensive place to shred your unneeded paperwork. You can even leave staples and paperclips in place – it all gets shredded! Cost is by the pound or you can purchase a tote. Purchased totes full of papers have a $5 charge for shredding. A trunk load of papers by the weight is approximately $20.
Copyright 2013 Christine Smart