Give Your Move Some Groove

No doubt about it, moving from one home to another is one of life’s most overwhelming experiences.

Fortunately we live in the age of information, and the Internet is loaded with sites devoted to making the experience easier. From evaluating a realtor’s credentials and choosing a professional mover, from packing tips to getting to know your new neighborhood, there are a myriad of sites devoted to helping you enjoy a smooth move.

Here’s a few ideas for making your move as seamless as possible.

Prepare Before You Go
> Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
> Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
> Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online community guides and newspapers.
> Contact your new Chamber of Commerce for their new resident packet.
> Draw out a floor plan of your new home and start deciding which function each room with serve.

Keep or Toss?
Before you pack a single box, you have to clear the clutter. There is no reason to bring anything to your new home that you don’t use in your present home.

If you have an attic or basement to clear out, you might want to hire a professional to sort through your stuff and hold a tag sale.

Supplies
You’ll need a plan for packing. First step, gather your supplies. That means boxes, tape, paper, and colored markers for color-coding your boxes.

Some tips: Avoid using boxes from liquor stores or supermarkets. Many a rogue cockroach has found its way into a pristine new home through used boxes. Better yet, purchase materials from moving supply or storage companies, and grab printer paper boxes from work.

Rather than use printed newspapers to wrap dishes and other breakables, purchase inexpensive blank newsprint from your local art store or local newspaper. This way, you won’t need to scrub your glassware clean of inky residue before you use it.

Pack soft goods such as pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, in clear trash bags so they can be found easily.

Move Easy With Wachovia
When thinking about your financial future in your new home, don’t forget about Wachovia. We can help you locate your new financial center, set up new Online BillPay accounts if applicable, and make sure you rollover your IRA to your new employer.

For information on how to use Wachovia services in your new location, contact us at 866-450-9367 Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Eastern time, and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday.