Coco Isle Realty Relocation Services
Mrs. Gladfine's
Hawaii Moving Checklist
by
Sally Gladfine
(As Told To InstantAgent)
Courtesy Coco Isle Realty
Let's learn from Mr. & Mrs. Gladfine in "More Than One Way To Buy A House."
Mrs. Gladfine made a checklist she could follow to smooth the transition for her family. She and her husband Herb sold their Denver property first, rented it back short-term from their buyer, flew to Hawaii on Spring Break, and purchased a home (they bought the old Hapsail property on Hula Circle, left it vacant a month, and had renovations & repairs done in the interim). They returned to Colorado in the escrow period with ample time for finalizing their affairs for the summer move until school got out for Melly and Mike. Herb & Sally are expecting their third child, and plan that Polly will be born in Honolulu in the Fall.
0 Today-Before We Make The Decision
___Don't think about moving. Think about what we want to be doing and where we will be in 5 years.
___Take out a pen or pencil and write it down on a piece of paper and mail it to myself. I won't open it. I'll put the letter in a safe place for keeping.
5 Weeks Before The Move
___Weeks Before The Move
___Coordinate moving dates with natural cycles & weather patterns -- at both ends.
___Be careful to avoid certain moving, appointment, & purchasing activities on weekends and holidays -- at both ends (obtain Hawaii holiday list from HREO).
___Make an inventory of everything to be moved.
___For everything not to be moved: give things away and plan a garage sale or get a booth at a flea market or swap meet; donate to charity (consider any tax advantages).
___Get estimates from several moving companies and select the mover.
___Send items in two stages -- non-essentials now; essentials later. Plan to duplicate some essentials on arrival in Honolulu.
___Contact our insurance agents to transfer or cancel coverage, as appropriate.
___Check with Herb's employer to find out which moving expenses they pay.
___Everyone in the family gets a simple physical exam; I will confirm travel procedures and special needs with my obstetrician.
___Go through the Relocation Package sent by HREO -- e-mail or call James Patton with questions.
___Review update of quarantine procedure for Puddles sent by HREO.
___Start packing today!
3 Weeks Before
___Notify all subscriptions of our change of address or cancel, as appropriate.
___Get records of our pet's medical history from the veterinarian.
___Contact utility companies for refunds of our deposits and set turn-off dates.
___Check with our doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions.
___Get our kids' school records.
___Prevent loss of our valuables by moving them to a safe deposit box now.
___Give away houseplants.
___Make any needed reservations or appointments at destination end -- hotel, medical, transportation, real estate, religious, educational, financial, employment, recreational, home improvement, etc.
1 Week Before
___Transfer or close our checking and savings accounts, as appropriate.
___Finalize sale of one car and ship the other; rent a car until departure.
___Fill out Post Office "change of address" forms and give to the postmaster.
___Empty & defrost freezer, plan use of foods; prepare property for new occupant.
___Set aside any manuals pertaining to the old home for new owner.
___Arrange for sufficient cash or traveler checks to cover expenses while traveling.
___Wash and dry clean clothing, etc.
___Separate out boxes & luggage we need available while traveling & on arrival.
___Arrange to have utilities turned on at new address, including telephone.
___Fill prescriptions to take along, including pre-natal vitamins.
___Confirm travel arrangements for Puddles.
___Pay all bills one month early.
___Don't forget to remove valuables from the safe deposit box before leaving.
___Confirm arrival time with contact person in Honolulu (James at HREO).
1 Day Before
___ Make sure key people know how and where to reach us, today and in Hawaii (give them our new Oahu telephone number). Make sure they know who our contact person is in Hawaii.
___Save today for last minute things that should be done last. Make sure errands which could be done early were done early but definitely before today.
___Save today for good-byes, emergencies, last minute details, and some relaxation.
___Take Puddles to a kennel for the night.
___Go out to dinner tonight.
M-Day = Moving Day!
___Plan to spend the entire day at the home.
___Be sure the telephone is not turned off until tomorrow.
___Pack the computer last.
___Hand carry valuable documents and small valuables not already sent by insured mail.
___Stay with the moving van driver to oversee the inventory.
___Be sure to tell packers and/or drivers about fragile or precious items.
___Double-check that moving company records show the correct delivery address and date of delivery. Give driver telephone numbers. Be sure payments at both ends are guaranteed.
___Lock doors and windows of house.
___Leave keys with new owner or Realtor.
___Let close friends and relatives know our route, including stops.
___Don't forget to carry and not accidentally pack travelers checks & cash (and certain other essentials).
___Take a final tour of the entire house.
___Arrive at the airport 2 hours early.
On Arriving At Our New Oahu Home
___Pick up pre-arranged rental car.
___Put on leis, compliments of Coco Isle Realty.
___Visit Puddles at the quarantine center.
___Take leisurely drive to hotel or new home. Stay first night in hotel.
___Check on service of utilities and telephone at new address.
___Turn on hot water heater.
___Set up computer and online service.
___Call or e-mail James Patton.
___Walk through property and double check that appliances and plumbing & electrical fixtures, repaired/remodeled items, and grounds are satisfactory.
___Ask mail carrier for any mail he may be holding for us.
___Confirm telephone numbers for emergencies, such as fire/police.
___Call mainland to assure friends and relatives.
1 Day After
Day After
___Check with local vendor on status of items shipped.
___Drive around, find our where things are.
___Visit Maternity at Kapiolani Women and Children's Hospital.
___Meet furniture store delivery truck for new furnishings.
___Order newspaper home delivery.
___Begin moving in.
2 Days After
___Take Melly to the Ice Palace and sign up for lessons.
___Take Mike to Duke Kahanamoku's statue.
___Visit grounds of kids' new schools.
___Register to vote.
___Purchase Hawaii theme postcards to send to friends back home.
___Attend welcoming luncheon at Herb's work.
___Plan to obtain new driver's licenses', register car, register to vote, etc.
___Drive to the new golf course Herb is interested in.
___Visit Puddles.
___Go to beach.
5 Years After
___Open and read the letter I sent to myself 5 years ago.
___Are we living our dream?
5 Years and 1 Day After
___Take out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.
___Don't think about moving. Think about what we want to be doing and where we will be in 5 years.
___Write it down; mail it to myself. Don't open it when it arrives. Tear it up.
___Take a stand; make a great life, right where we are. That's it! -- S.G.
The Gladfines of Windward Oahu
Welcome You To Hawaii!
