Realty World Tri-Shasta

1. Have your refrigerator and other appliances serviced before the trip.
2. Write the utility company in the city to which you are moving. Ask them about the necessary fees or deposits required for installation of service.
3. Remit the utility deposits required with information as to when and where you will want the following services: gas, electric, water and telephone.
4. Send your forwarding address to your local post office and send change of address cards to magazines, banks, insurance companies, book clubs, friends, and stores.
5. Transfer your fire insurance on household goods or other insurance on personal possessions so that they will be covered while en route and at your new home.
6. Notify the principal of your children’s school about your intended move. Get a letter from him/her covering the status of your children in school.
7. Make sure you have birth certificates of all the children. (You will need them for their new schools.)
8. Get medical records of shots, prescriptions, etc. for all family members and pets.
9. If car or other possessions are not paid for, get permission to move them.
10. Close your bank account(s), if necessary.
11. Arrange for sufficient cash or travelers checks to cover the cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in the city to which you are moving. Cash or a certified check is generally required by moving companies is generally required by moving companies for delivery of household goods.
12. If you are moving to another state verify that you, or your moving company’s driver, have all necessary paperwork prepared to transport your belongings into your new state.

Have The Following Services Discontinued:

1. Rubbish and garbage service (in Shasta County it is Waste Management)
2. Mail delivery
3. Gas and electricity (it is dependent upon where you live in Shasta County)
4. Fuel or oil company
5. Pool or spa service
6. Diaper Service
7. Telephone (in Shasta County it is AT&T)
8. Locker at athletic club
9. Water softener service
10. Water (depends where you live in Shasta County)
11. Newspaper delivery (in Shasta County it is the Record Searchlight)
12. Charge accounts
13. Cable television service (in Shasta County it is Charter Communications unless you have a dish)
14. Lawn service

At Your New Address:

1. Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water, fuel for furnace.
2. Have the stove serviced – check pilot light.
3. Check pilot lights on water heater and furnace.
4. Have refrigerator, automatic washer/dryer, television set checked.
5. Ask mail carrier for mail that they may be holding for your arrival.
6. Have new address recorded on new driver’s license.
7. Visit city offices and register to vote.
8. Register car after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
9. Register children in school.

It’s an unfortunate fact the some things are just too dangerous to move, despite all your precautions or careful planning. Ask your neighbors if they can use it, otherwise dispose of it properly with assistance from your recycling company or the EPA, find out the regulations for Shasta County and what would be the best way to dispose of them. These hazardous materials should be left behind. After all, they can be replaced – you can’t.

• Flammable, corrosive or explosive goods
• Aerosols
• Ammonia
• Car batteries
• Charcoal
• Charcoal lighter fluid
• Cleaning solvents
• Fertilizer
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Lamp oil
• Motor oil
• Paint thinner
• Paints
• Pesticides
• Poisons
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks
• Sterno
• Weed killer

If you’re taking your appliances with you, make sure they get to your new home safely. The best way to avoid any damage is through careful preparation and property planning.

• Refrigerators: Dry out refrigerators and freezers, especially those with ice makers. The water reservoir should also be emptied. If your refrigerator is an older model, you may have to have the compressor or motor bolted down.
• Dishwashers should be clean and dry. Disconnect and drain hoses. Wrap dry hoses in towels and packing paper and place inside the washer. Draining is important as it protects appliances from freezing when moving during the winter months.
• Washing Machines should be clean and dry. Disconnect and drain hoses. Wrap metal connector ends of the hose in a towel and place inside washer. IMPORTANT: Secure the tub/drum following manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent swaying and possible cracking of tub or drum. If you don’t have the manufacturer’s guidelines, you can purchase a washer kit with a manual that provides instructions on how to secure the tub by tightening down the tub/drum using screws. If you prefer not to do it yourself, a third party service provider can be arranged for you.
• Clothes Dryers: If you are moving a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off by a qualified technician. Here in Shasta County you would call PG&E.
• Stove Tops/Ranges/Ovens: If you are moving a gas range, it must be disconnected prior to moving by a qualified service technician and the gas line must be properly secured as well. The microwave can be placed in its original box, if available and still be in good shape, or in a well-cushioned carton. If your microwave is large, ask your moving professional if it van be pad-wrapped on moving day. Do not place cardboard in the door opening because it can spring the door during transit. Take care not to black the exhaust vent when installing it at your new home.
• Microwave Ovens: Glass trays should be removed, wrapped, and securely packed in a carton.

Moving can be tough on pets, so you need to prepare them for it. By working with them prior to the move and doing the right things during the move itself, you can avoid much of the confusion and stress a move could bring on.

BEFORE THE MOVE

• Before the move, schedule the pet for an examination by your veterinarian to update health records and obtain rabies vaccinations. Have your Vet prepare a packet with all your pet’s records so you can take these documents to your new home. There are plenty of vets available here in Shasta County, use the one you trust the most.
• Order new identification tags with the pet’s name and new address.
• Maintain your pet’s routine as the moving date approaches. Try not to experiment with new food or a new schedule.

MOVING BY CAR

• Acquaint your pet with riding in a car before the trip begins by taking a few short trips around the neighborhood.
• Pack containers of fresh food and cool water. Include treats and toys to keep your pet occupied.
• If you plan to stay overnight in a hotel, call in advance to find out if the hotel allows pets. Auto clubs can provide a list o these hotels.
• Stop for drinks and walks frequently and never leave your pet in an enclosed, locked car. Always keep your pet on a leash when stopping for a break. This ensures the safety of your pet on unfamiliar grounds and adheres to most rest stop regulations.
• Some pets feel safer and more secure in a portable kennel. Select a portable kennel that is large enough for your pet to stand and move around and fits easily into the car. Portable kennels can be used after the move to help secure your pet when meters need to be read or carpet cleaners arrive.

Most things are easy to pack. Other things, like grills, tools and outdoor power equipment, require a little more care and preparation. Take the time to get them ready for a safe, worry-free move.

• Power tools and mowers: All power tools and mowers must be completely drained of oil and gas before moving.
• Grill: Dispose of any unused charcoal. If you have a gas grill, remove the tank. Gas tanks cannot be transported in any moving van.
• Tools: Long-handled garden tools should be bundled together. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately. Use towels to wrap and tape any sharp-edged tools.

Be sure to double check on Shasta County regulations for disposal of some of the chemicals and other items being cleaned from your outdoor equipment and tools.

I have personally looked for professional movers here in Shasta County and have not really found any, maybe I just keep missing them. Most of the packing will have to be done by you, here are some helpful tips for packing up and moving your belongings.

1. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical.
2. Sort and get rid of the things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.
3. Don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it.
4. Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.
5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move yourself. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you.
6. Use the right box for the item. Loose items encourage breakage.
7. Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep weight under 50 lbs. if possible.
8. Don’t over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.
9. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
10. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
11. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for you new house to help movers.
12. Keep your moving documents together, including phone numbers, driver’s name and van number. Also keep your address book handy.
13. Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
14. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
15. Remember, most movers won’t take plants.