Our Moving Guide

Hamner Real Estate would like to make your move as smooth as possible. We have compiled a list to help you remember everything—even the little things, when making your move.

Hiring A Moving Company

If you plan on hiring a moving company, you might want to do some research first. Please review the sites below for more great information about moving and to find a company whose services fit you best.

Movers.com
American Moving & Storage Association
Movers Directory
Van Lines
U Haul
Two Men in a Truck

What do I look for when hiring a moving company?

The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) offers a Certified Mover Program for moving companies throughout the United States. This program consists of professional movers that have agreed to follow code of conduct, by responding to customers both ethically and in a timely manner. This group of movers offers the following:

Efficient & Reliable Transportation of Goods
Storage of Household Goods
Professional Service
Prompt Customer Service
Arbitration

Moving Yourself

Some home buyers choose to move themselves. It you want to save time and money by taking on this endeavor yourself, be sure that you have ample packing supplies. Please review the sites below for some informative resources about purchasing boxes, bubble wrap, labels and tape.

The Day of the Move

The day has finally arrived! As excited as you may be about your new home, moving can make everything seem uncertain. It’s important to take a deep breath and try not to be stressed. Below is a list of important things you should remember when your moving day arrives:

Designate specific items that you need, that should not be packed with the rest on your belongings.
If you have children, make sure that they have at least two special items to take with them for the trip.
Make sure you remove all trash from your current residence.
If you are using a moving company or friends and family, specify certain unloading areas.
Make sure there are ample walkways for moving large pieces as well as boxes of your belongings.
If you are using a moving company, reiterate those specific items that need special attention and handled-with-care.
Remember to meet the needs of those helping in your move by supplying them with food, beverages and restroom facilities.

Lastly, if you are using a moving company, please remember to read and sign all paperwork, documenting anything that transpired during the moving process.

Moving With Children

Are you trying to break the news to your children about moving the family? Let Hamner Real Estate help you consider the feelings of those in your family that make a HUGE impact—your kids! There is a lot to do when planning a move, but keeping your children involved is key. Below is checklist for parents to follow, so that the children don't get lost in the shuffle.

Telling Your Kids

Generate some conversation about your new home by asking your children what they already know. Parents can provide maps, books, information from the Internet, etc. This is a fun way to get everyone excited about the change.
Provide your kids with an address book so that they can keep track of family members and friends that they may want to keep in contact with.
Throw a going away party and invite all of your children's friends and classmates.
Spend time visiting some of your kids favorite places to go such as the library, park, swimming pool, etc.
Create a blueprint of each child's new room and allow them to design the layout of their furniture and personal belongings.

Packing

Preparing to move is an excellent time to sort through things that could be donated to charity or turned into cash. You may want to have your kids separate their things in four specific categories—things to keep, things, to donate, things to sell and things to throw away.
Create a checklist so that your kids can feel a sense of accomplishment when they have completed a certain task.
Have your kids design a label or sticker that can be used to differentiate their items from the rest of the families. This will give them a sense of importance.
The first night in a house is always a little scary for everyone. It’s important to make sure that there are some familiar things each child has in their possession—a blanket, favorite pajamas or special toy—just to name a few.
Make sure there are plenty of activities, such as travel games, books, CDs and DVDs for the trip.

Settling In

It’s important to go over your new address with your kids. Try to have them memorize it as soon as possible.
Your child's room is their personal haven and should be designed to their specifications with their furniture and belongings. This is where the blueprint of their new room (that they designed) comes in handy!
Get outside and tour the neighborhood or take a drive and visit some new places around the community.
E-mail old friends and neighbors to let them know about your new home and community.
Have your children start a list about what they like about their new friends, neighborhood, church, etc.