Planning Your Move
Whether you are moving across the country or across the
street, moving is a stressful event. There are so many things
to get done before you can put your feet up and relax in
your new home. Here are some things to think about as you
prepare for your big move:
Use a Checklist. A checklist is a helpful way to make sure that
you do not miss any important steps. Most moving companies
and Realtors have checklists for you to use as you go through
the process. Plenty of helpful checklists can be found online.
Hire Movers/DIY. Look at your budget and how much you
have to move. Then decide if you will hire movers or if you will
move yourself. Remember that even a do-it-yourself move will
require some thoughtful planning. Most likely you will need
to rent a truck and of course, you will need to convince your
family and friends to help you. If you need storage, you will
also need to research your options. Most movers will store your
belongings for a fee. Renting a portable storage container will
allow you to pack the containers yourself and have the mover
deliver the containers to your new home or storage unit.
Start Purging. Sort through every closet, drawer and cupboard
to decide what you are going to move and what you can sell,
donate or throw away. If you find you have many items that just
need to be tossed, it may be a good idea to rent a dumpster.
Average costs of a dumpster (or large bag) with pickup range
from $150 to $600. Items you do not want but are in good
shape may sell on sites like Ebay or Craigslist. You may find
that you even have enough to stage a garage sale. Selling
your unused items will help you downsize for the move and will
Proud to offer VA Loans to
American Heroes
• No down payment required
• Low closing costs
• Competitive low rates
• No private mortgage insurance
• Other loan programs available
put a few dollars in your pocket. If selling your stuff seems like
too much work or time does not allow for it, consider making
a donation to a charity. Many charities accept donations of
clothes, household items or furniture and many of them will pick
up donations at no charge. Here are just a few Milwaukee area
charities to consider:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
svdpmilw.org
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity Restore
milwaukeehabitat.org
Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative
mkehomelessvets.org
The Salvation Army
milwaukee.satruck.org
Start Packing. If you are packing yourself (rather than having
the movers do it), the sooner you start, the better. Be sure to
choose sturdy boxes and make sure each box is packed solid
and fragile items are properly wrapped to prevent breaking.
Labeling each box with the room name will help make sure
that everything gets to the correct rooms in the new house.
Numbering your boxes and keeping a list of each box and its
contents will help if you suspect a box is missing.
Change Your Address. Prior to your move make sure to notify
the different offices or service you use, including: bank, school,
work, newspaper/magazines, doctor/dentist, cell phone
provider, cable/satellite, internet provider and utilities. Be sure
to contact the post office (www.usps.com) approximately two
week prior to your move, to change your address and set up
mail forwarding or holding.
There are lots of resources available to make your move a little
easier. The more time you spend preparing for moving day, the
less stress you will have during and after the move.
Suits for Soldiers
June 22 - July1
Collecting Professional Business
Attire for Men and Women at all
The Equitable Bank locations.
Donations must be new or gently
worn, recently cleaned and on
hangers. Collected items will be
donated to DryHootch.
7 Financial Tips for Military Families
Servicemembers and their families make many sacrifices to protect our nation.
The American Bankers Association has highlighted seven financial tips to help
make the lives of military families a little easier.
Thrift Savings Program, which offers the lowest-cost retirement-savings plan available.
•
Plan for deployment. Before deploying, have a conversation with your family about
budget. Military personnel receive additional funds while deployed. Decide on the
best use of those funds, whether it be paying off debt or additional savings.
•
Consider housing options. The length of your assignment will likely determine which
makes the most sense, buying or renting a home.
•
Consult a financial advisor and banker. Schedule a visit with your financial advisor to
map out a financial plan for your family. Also meet with your banker prior to active duty,
to discuss the Servicemember Civil Relief Act key provisions and how they can help you.
•
Budget for a single-income household. The frequent moves associated with military life can make it difficult for spouses to establish stable careers. Plan to operate on a
single-income household budget as a precaution.
•
Set up automatic bill pay. Whether you’re stationed state-side or overseas, automatic
bill pay will give you and your family one less thing to worry about each month.
TheEquitableBank.com
Whatever your home
financing needs are,
we would be happy to
discuss your situation
and find a solution.
414.777.4411
TheEquitableBank.com
Member FDIC
D E L A F IE L D |
• Contribute to a Thrift Savings Plan. Military members have access to the Federal WHITEFISH B A Y | HA LES CORN ERS | WA TERF ORD | WAU WATOS A | W E S T ALLI S
414.476.6434 | TheEquitableBank.com
2290 North Mayfair Road | Wauwatosa, WI 53226
PERMIT NO. 4421
MILWAUKEE, WI
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE
PRSRT STD