Maintain your beautiful home:

Check smoke detectors every month and change batteries when needed.

About every three months, check your sump-pump to ensure that it is operating effectively.

Clean gutters and downspouts during the warm seasons.

Every six months, inspect the caulking around your bathtub and shower and reapply when necessary.

Change your furnace filter on a monthly basis.

In the springtime, inspect your air conditioning unit to ensure that it is operating correctly and efficiently.

Inspect the interior of your home once a year to make sure the caulking around the windows and the exterior paint is in satisfactory condition.

Just before winter, have your sprinkler system “winterized” to prevent damage.

Once every six months, check the dryer vent for any lint build up.

Toward the end of spring, inspect the condition of your deck (if applicable) and reapply sealant when necessary.

Make your move easier with these helpful tips:

Two months prior to move:

• Make a list of organizations and individuals you need to notify about your move (i.e. subscriptions, employers, creditors, etc.).
• Make appointments to see your dentist, doctors and other medical professionals in order to avoid having to make these visits immediately after you move.

Five to six weeks prior to move:

• Take photos of all items that hold extraordinary value to document their condition. In the event of damage during the move, these pictures will help you to verify their original condition.
• Ask your doctors, dentists and other medical professionals for copies of your medical records.
• Order new checks for your new home.
• Dispose of items which cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids or toxic products.
• Set a date for planning your moving/garage sale.

Three to four weeks prior to move:

• Hold your moving/garage sale.
• Rent a moving truck.
• Arrange special transportation for plants and/or any fragile, valuable items.
• Get a copy of the IRS publication relevant to moving. Obtain an “IRS Moving Expense Form” from your local library, post office or IRS office.
• Arrange for the disconnection of your gas and electric utilities at your current residence. Arrange for the connection of your gas and electric utilities at your new home. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive.

Two weeks prior to move:

• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Have your car fully serviced.
• Arrange for Internet access in your new home (if applicable).
• Transfer prescriptions from your current pharmacist to a local pharmacist near your new home.
• Find local cable providers and sign-up for service.
• Schedule all items, which you were not able to sell at your garage sale, to be picked up by local charities (NOTE: Be sure to acquire a donation receipt for tax purposes).

One-week prior to move:

• Transfer your bank accounts and establish an account in your new location, if needed.
• Set up long-distance service for your new home.
• Confirm any travel reservations.
• Check the attic or other storage areas where you may have left something behind.
• If you are renting your current residence, arrange a move-out inspection with your landlord.
• Do final cleaning.

Moving day:

• Take one last walk around your residence to make sure everything has been packed.
• Make sure all lights and electrical appliances are turned off.
• Leave a telephone number and an address with a neighbor in case of an emergency.
• Take all remaining trash out and ask a neighbor to make sure it is picked up.