WHAT S IN THIS eguide, ANYWAY?

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2 2 WHAT S IN THIS eguide, ANYWAY? WHAT S IN THIS eguide, ANYWAY?... 2 INTRODUCTION... 3 TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE MOVE... 4 SIX WEEKS BEFORE... 8 ONE MONTH BEFORE... 9 TWO WEEKS BEFORE ONE WEEK BEFORE THREE DAYS BEFORE MOVING DAY YOU DID IT! CONTACT US APPENDIX A: BETTY BRIGADE MOVING CHECKLIST... 15

3 3 INTRODUCTION The Betty Brigade is a personal assistance and concierge company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We provide moving coordination, home staging, organizing, event planning virtually anything busy people need done but have no time to do themselves. Since the company s founding in 2003, we ve handled scores of moves and we have the process down to a science. We specialize in senior moves because we understand the amount of time and preparation that often accompanies these types of moves. Here, we share our best tips and strategies, from paring down your belongings to locking up your empty house. You re moving! It s an adventure! Yes, but it s also stressful and overwhelming. There s so much to do, but where do you start?! Take a deep breath! That s where The Betty Brigade can help! We provide a detailed plan and the experience to go along with it. We will outline the entire process so you can sit back, relax and do things in your own time. Join us, and we ll move through this adventure together. Whether we do a little or a lot, we free up valuable time for you to attend to important personal issues like visiting friends or helping your children make this big transition. We ll be with you every step of the way to make this process SIMPLER! Pre-Move Services: Pre- packing and storing occasional- use items Staging home for faster sale Sell, donate or recycle anything you don t want to take to your new home Pack items to be moved Concierge Services (help finding local movers, handymen, etc) New house prep including coordination of cleaning crews, remodelers, landscapers, etc. Post-Move Services: Move day assistance including last- minute packing, perishable and delicate item transport, assistance with pet moves, furniture placement supervision Unpacking of kitchen, bath & bedding so you can be comfortable in your new home right away Next day unpacking and material take away most homes take 1-2 days to completely prep & unpack. Bring in any services you may need (nanny services, snow removal, cleaners, etc.)

4 4 TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE MOVE CREATE A BINDER! Everything we advise in this e- book is about simplifying your move, and creating a binder is no exception. Some people cringe in fear at the mere thought of an organizing system or binder, but A DEDICATED FILE OR BINDER IS SIMPLY A CONVENIENT WAY TO KEEP EVERYTHING TOGETHER. Honest! Maybe you already have one. If not, you can find them at any store that carries office supplies. A one- and- a- half- to two- inch binder should be a good size. You ll need a place to put estimates, receipts and smaller papers, so pick up binder inserts that have pockets or sleeves. Clear plastic binder sleeves are handy for storing odd sized papers. We recommend printing out this e- book and the accompanying checklist and keeping them at the front of your binder for easy reference. This way, you can jot notes down, check off tasks, rearrange things to your liking and really make it your own. SUBTRACT THE UNNECESSARY! Go from room to room and really purge. Start with storage areas like the garage and basement but work your way through every closet and cabinet. You can pre- pack seasonal and occasional use things during this process and then they will be ready to move when the time comes. Remember perspective buyers will want to peek inside of your storage areas including built in drawers, cabinets and closets as this weighs into the purchase decision for most people. Ask: Do I need it? Do I love it? Have I used it in the past year? Do I really want to pay to have it moved? Did you say NO to any or all four of these? Then out it goes. Give it to a friend, arrange for sale through a consignment outlet or donate to a local charity. Get it out the door!

5 5 GIVE IT AWAY! If friends or family members want certain items, set a time limit as to when they need to get the things out and the sooner the better (unless you need them for staging). Many charities offer pick up service so the most efficient way is to box smaller items and group everything going together say in the garage for one large pickup. Be sure to check that the charity takes all the items you wish to give (some only take furniture, some mainly clothing, etc.) and be sure to keep lists of the things given. Attach them to the receipts for deductions at tax time. Here are three charities that take donations: 1. Goodwill. For a location near you, call or go to 2. Salvation Army: for pickups, call Go to to find drop- off locations. 3. Vietnam Veterans of America. Go to for info on pickups. We Betties DO NOT recommend having a garage sale. Such sales are usually not financially rewarding enough to compensate you for all the time and effort required. If you have things of higher value look into selling them through a local consignment store or EBay reseller. You can also list things on Craig s List for local pick up. If you truly have a lot of things to sell, consider hiring an estate seller to come in and have an estate sale. It is usually better to have the sale AFTER you move out and they like about 3 weeks of prep time for set up and marketing, so build some occupancy time after closing into your sales agreement. Extra Notes: Set aside any warranty or instruction manuals that you should pass along to the next owners. Designate a shelf or drawer for these things, as you will likely keep coming across more as you work through the house. You should also leave extra tiles, handles and current paint cans (for touch ups) either on a shelf in the basement or garage. Old chemicals and cleaners should be disposed of unless you plan on moving them yourself as moving companies do not like to transport open liquids or flammable items. UNABASHED SALES PITCH remember, The Betty Brigade does this all the time! We sort full households and, guided by the owners decisions, we manage selling, consigning, donating and recycling. We re like the hub of a wheel with spokes to the folks you need, from estate liquidators to handymen. We know what to do, when to do it and how to do it efficiently. We re here if you need us.

6 6 FIX THE PLACE UP With your realtor, make a list of any deferred maintenance items, or easy improvements, which will help your house sell faster. These might be simple tasks you do with a screwdriver or more involved fixes such as replacing a leaking toilet or repainting a banged up stairway wall. Also look over the outside of your house and make sure landscaping is in good shape, plus porches and decks are clean. That curb appeal issue is a real thing. You have lived with things for so long you probably don t even notice them but perspective buyers will. A well- cared for home sells much faster than a well- lived in one. DE-CLUTTER AND MAKE YOUR HOME A STAR STAGE IT Packing away family photos, paperwork, collections and most knick- knacks helps make rooms less busy, enabling buyers to see their own things in your space. Be sure to lock up any small valuables (jewelry, weapons and irreplaceable things). It may also be a good idea to store extra small furniture pieces or rearrange some to make walk- ways more flowing and open up the space. MAKE IT SPARKLE Betty Brigade often recommends sellers have their home professionally deep cleaned before the listing starts. This includes things like the inside and behind appliances, light fixtures, front entrances, de- cobwebbing the basement, and sweeping out the garage. It may also be recommended that the carpets and windows be cleaned. If you have pets, this is a good time to make sure their areas are limited to easy to clean up spots and to minimize their presence (leave out only one toy, bed or litter box. Set up a crate in the garage if you need to for your dog to go into during showings. If the litter box is older and smelly consider replacing it with a new one. SHOWING PHASE Betties like to put families into Camping Mode while homes are being shown. This means things stay as picked up as possible and family activities are minimized. Plan your child s sleepover for after the house sells or when you are in the new house. Decorate for current holidays but with only the key items not putting the Santa toilet seat cover on this year. Also start using up the stockpile of toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Explore the freezer for meal ideas. You will want to stash cleaning supplies and fresh towels near sinks for quick clean up when a showing pops in at the last minute. You probably should pull out any scent makers (Glade plug- ins, etc) since they may give the impression you are trying to cover up odors. Keep piles of returnable bottles & cans and recycling to a minimum.

7 7 THE NEW PLACE Hopefully, either before or amidst all the sorting and purging you have made time to find a new home. Once your offer is accepted ask for a walk through during which you can measure the key walls for furniture placement and list any repairs or improvements you want done before you move in. If you can time things right, it is always easier to have rooms painted or other improvements done before the furniture arrives. AGAIN I SAY MEASURE IT! Measure furniture and décor dimensions to make sure they will: fit through the door at your new place, and work well in the room in which you plan to use them. MAKE A LIST & SHOW IT TO MOVERS Once you ve pared it all down, you ll make a room- by- room inventory of, well everything you re moving. Make a list of the furniture that is moving, compare sizes to the new space measurements to be sure things will fit and decide what to do with anything that just won t. Now you are ready to call in movers for estimates. You don t have to set a firm date yet, but it is good to do this in advance so everyone is ready when you do. Local moves are charged based on time, supplies and mileage. Out of State moves are charged on weight, supplies and mileage. Movers offer packing services, which usually means they come in the day or two before to pack all the small things moving and then the last day the truck is loaded. Betty Brigade recommends that at a minimum you have the movers pack all lamps and larger hanging pictures even if you are planning on packing most things yourself. Using standard moving boxes helps the movers load the truck more uniformly and protects your possessions better. Local moves are normally unloaded the same day. Distance moves provide a delivery window and will call when the moving van is close to its destination. Please see the attached information in APPENDIX B were we offer tips on making this important decision. Be sure to let them know your move date as soon as possible ESPECIALLY if you are moving during their busy season (not Winter).

8 8 SIX WEEKS BEFORE USE IT UP! Continue using up cleaning supplies, pantry foods all those products you don t want to pay to move. Also, movers won t move perishable items, so eat up that fresh food, donate it to a food bank or offer it to friends. PACK, PACK, PACK! Once the house is sold or you have an occupancy date for the new place, you should begin packing in earnest. If you re doing your own packing - order or purchase the supplies you will need. Please note: MOST MOVERS WON T INSURE ITEMS THEY DON T PACK. FAMILY MEDICAL, SCHOOL & PET RECORDS If you are moving out of town and don t already have them, ask your doctors and dentists for copies of your most recent test results, refill prescriptions, and restock on medical equipment you need. Arrange for schools to transfer children s records to their new schools and your pet s to their new veterinarian.

9 9 ONE MONTH BEFORE CH CH CH CHANGES Fill out a change of address card at the post office, or do it online at LET EM KNOW Notify banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, creditors, magazines and newspapers you subscribe to of your change of address. Touch base with insurance agents to ask about coverage for your belongings during the move itself and any changes the move might require. Notify your employers - - new and old - - of your new contact information But in case there are stragglers, it s always wise to ask a close neighbor to watch for mail after you ve moved. Check in with him/her two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that. UTILITIES If your home hasn t sold or closed yet, keep the utilities in your name and turned on, so prospective buyers can turn lights and water on and off. If the home has closed, alert utility companies to disconnect services the day after you move and to activate service in your new home a few days before you arrive. If you need info on utility services in your new location, consult the chamber of commerce there. NOTE: cable boxes need to be returned to your local provider so do not pack them and make sure to arrange for this if you cannot do it yourself. There can be a hefty charge for equipment not returned. UNDERFOOT Clean rugs and have them packed for moving. If you are moving locally, you can drop them off closer to the move date and pick them up after the move.

10 10 TWO WEEKS BEFORE TAKE THE DAY OFF! If possible, arrange for the day off work on moving day. Someone should be there with the movers to oversee things. If you can t be there, considering hiring a moving coordinator, such as, well say, The Betty Brigade! We can manage the entire move or help out here and there, as needed. CHECK OUT THAT CAR Take your car in for a check- up before your long drive, especially if you re moving to a different climate. If you are having your car shipped by the moving company, be aware that it will need to be completely empty before they will pick it up. CLOSE THE BOX AND EMPTY THE CARTRIDGES If you have a safe deposit box, empty it and close the account. Place the contents of that box into a safe box or fire box. This should travel with you if possible. You will also need to personally transport any firearms and ammunition. DOUBLE CHECK Confirm arrangements with the moving company. CALL A FRIEND OR TWO Plan to see them before you move and maybe enlist them for pet or child care on the final packing and moving days. Also get back any house keys friends, neighbors or family members may have. These should go to the new owners.

11 11 ONE WEEK BEFORE RX Pick up those refills of your prescriptions you requested last week, making sure you have enough for at least several weeks. DRY CLEANERS, LIBRARY, BANK, ETC. Do any errands you may have been putting off well before final packing and move day. Also verify if anyone needs to meet with you yet like realtors, estate sellers, etc. The fewer things you have to worry about when the movers are actually on site, the better. PACK YOUR SUITCASE Imagine you re going on a short trip, and pack your suitcases with enough clothing for several days. Keep last minute items, such as toothpaste, shampoo and cosmetics at the ready for final day packing or pack duplicates. JUST THE BASICS Pack a box with hand soap, kitchen towels, toilet tissue, dish soap, paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, bath towels, a saucepan, salt and pepper, a can opener, some canned food, shower curtain liner and a bath mat. Also include bedding for each bed. Label this box, ESSENTIALS or OPEN FIRST so you ll recognize it at the other end. SAFE BOX Remember the safe box? Add to it any fine jewelry and important financial records and documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.) you ve unearthed while sorting your household. This box will go with YOU not the movers on moving day. Go ahead and lock it in your car if you are staying close to home the next couple of days.

12 12 THREE DAYS BEFORE TRIPLE CHECK Reconfirm again with the moving company. Make sure they have your contact information and the address of (and directions to) your current home, as well as your new home. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Plan to pay the movers, and make sure your method of payment will be accepted credit card, check, cashier s check, etc. Tipping the movers is appreciated If the staff has done a good job, 10 percent to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult due to heat, multiple flights of stairs, extra heavy furniture, etc., you might consider tipping a little extra. Movers appreciate refreshments. While movers often bring their own water, consider keeping some cold drinks in the fridge or cooler for them. If you can t afford to tip what you d like, it s always nice to offer snacks to express your appreciation, so plan accordingly for moving day. THE WARM-UP Defrost the freezer if you re moving the fridge with you. Make sure it s empty and clean. You ll be eating take out for a few days! If you are leaving any fridges or freezers, DO NOT un- plug them. They get stinky and moldy very quickly when unplugged and closed up.

13 13 MOVING DAY THEY RE HEEEERE! When the moving truck arrives, greet the crew and give them a full walk through of your house pointing out things that are moving and anything that needs special handling. LAST ON, FIRST OFF The last box on the moving truck should be your ESSENTIALS box with all the bedding (mattress pads, sheets, blankets, pillows). As soon as the beds are set up at the other end, make them. You ll be glad for a decent night s sleep at the end of that day! ON THE DOTTED LINE Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy in your move binder. Be sure to check off each box as you open it when you are unpacking, to ensure nothing has been misplaced. LEST WE FORGET After the movers finish, take a final walk- through to make sure nothing was left behind. Check every cabinet, drawer and closet plus the dishwasher, oven and laundry equipment. Shut the windows, turn down the heat, turn off lights, leave the remotes and extra keys, and lock the doors. SAYING GOOD-BYE Leaving this home may bring up unexpected emotions. Even if you re looking forward to your next home, you may feel a sense of loss, especially if you ve lived here many years or have special memories here. We hope you allow yourself time to experience these natural emotions, as they are part of the process of moving forward. But when you re ready

14 14 YOU DID IT! Congratulate yourself! You have accomplished a Herculean task. Your hard work has paid off, and your belongings are on their way to your new home. The next adventure begins! Don t forget to check out the Appendices for a detailed moving checklist & tips on how to choose a mover. CONTACT US The Betty Brigade 2008 Hogback Rd. Suite 2 Ann Arbor, MI service@bettybrigade.com FOLLOW US:

15 15 APPENDIX A: BETTY BRIGADE MOVING CHECKLIST Check off the items as you complete them to help you stay on track for your upcoming move! As Soon As You decide to Move: o Sort and pre- pack storage areas: o Basement o Garage o Sheds o Spare rooms o Closets o Donate or consign excess items not moving o Do deferred maintenance: o fix loose & broken things o spruce up landscaping o clean porches & decks o follow realtor recommendations for painting, etc. o Start a pile of info for new homeowner: o warranties & manual for appliances staying with house o neighborhood association by- laws o Stage house for showings: o Declutter (pack family photos & most knick- knacks) o Take magnets off fridge o Deep clean the house o appliances o light fixtures o windows o floors Once you find your new space: o Measure walls for furniture placement o List improvements you want done pre- move in o Line up consignment or donation of any items that won't fit (if not used for staging) o Get mover estimates (at a minimum have them pack lamps & large fremed art) Showing Period (sell your old house): o Go into "camping mode" o keep countertops clear o put things away as soon as done using them o have quick clean up things in each bath & kitchen o keep returnables and trash to bare minimums Two weeks pre-move: o Continue using up food stuffs and freezer items o Pack remaining everyday use items except for a bare minimum

16 16 o Empty safe deposit box if switching banks o Retrieve/return keys neighbors or local friends may have o Turn in change of address to post office with move date listed o Pack Hand Carry boxes: o jewelry o legal documents o irreplaceable items (family heirlooms, fragile items, etc) o Pack Key Items box: o Things for immediate use at new home (toilet paper, shower curtain, etc.) o Move paperwork Week of move: o Pack suitcases: o necessary toiletries o necessary medications & equipment o spare tech chargers o change of clothes for at least 2 nights (longer if an out of town move) o Pack pet supplies and meds o Arrange for pets and young children to be cared for on move day. o Get some cash on hand to tip moving crew o Have a few water bottles or sports drinks on hand for workers Moving Day: o Load personal vehicle and move out of the way (suitcase, Key Item Box) o Take pets and children to caregivers. o Pack last minute things: o bedding o coffee- maker, toaster, etc o remaining kitchen necessities o remaining food in coolers o tech equipment - not cable boxes or routers o Movers pack lamps & framed art (bring them to packing area they set up) o Double check: o dishwasher o washer & dryer o freezers o Leave with house: o garage remotes o entry keys o paperwork on appliances & warrenties o Return cable boxes At or just prior to closing: o return/obtain final set of keys o transfer/shut off utilities

17 17 APPENDIX B: BETTY S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A MOVER The Betty Brigade offers these tips to make this seemingly overwhelming task quite doable: The phone book lists all kinds of movers: relocation services, local movers, interstate moving companies, trucking services and pack- and- store services. Focus on the kind of mover you need, it will help shorten your list. Ask your realtor, your friends, neighbors and colleagues for personal recommendations and just as important, ask them for warnings. Realtors sometimes offer coupons for certain moving companies. If you re moving within Michigan, make sure the company has a license from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). If you re moving out of state, check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces federal consumer protection regulations. Schedule at least three in- home estimates. The salesman will walk through your home and make note of large furniture and look into all areas, including attic, basement and garage. If the mover insists on giving you a quote over the phone, cross him off your list. While the company can often give a ballpark over the phone, you want your quote to be specific and accurate. The mover should do an in- home quote. During the in- home estimate, ask to see proof of the local or interstate moving license and insurance. Never choose an unlicensed company. Too many things can go wrong. Ask for the owner s name, company s official name and mailing address. This information should match the licensing information. Ask to see a certificate of insurance for workers compensation. If a company doesn t have this insurance, you could be liable, should one of their employees or contract workers be injured on your property. Make sure to ask whether the mover will insure contents of boxes they didn t pack themselves. Most do not. Ask about recent references from former customers, and follow up by calling two or three. Get an estimate in writing from each company, and make sure each has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it. After you get your estimates, read them thoroughly and feel free to call and ask questions. The mover should be able to explain the estimate in detail, including why it s higher or lower than a competitor s quote. Once you choose a favorite, if the estimate is high, ask if the company will reduce it to complete with the others. Many moving companies will do this if the other companies are comparable in size and quality. You ve done all the work, and now you can make an educated choice among the movers. Pat yourself on the back!

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