Victoria Minella-Sena

About Victoria

Victoria resides in Huntington, Ma and has over 15 years of real estate sales experience. Her current production level is 3.9 million. She has received the Quality Service Producer Award from CENTURY 21. Victoria offers Seller Representation, Buyer Representation and the Seller/Buyer Service Pledge Guarantee. A customized home search and /or aggressive marketing plan will be developed especially for you. Her attention to detail and knowledge of the current market will make your transition more enjoyable. She will be patient while you search for your home and aggressive when you want to sell it.

» Sign up for MLS Property Finder now «

Your Best Choice For Western Mass and Connecticut Real Estate

Are you looking for an experienced real estate professional who knows the Western Mass and Connecticut Real Estate market and can get the results you desire?

Let us put our knowledge, experience, and dedication to work for you. Give us a call today, and We will immediately get to work for you - satisfying your real estate needs.

Thanks for visiting. This web site is designed to be your complete Western Mass and Connecticut Real Estate resource. The links will guide you to information that will help answer your questions concerning available Western Mass and Connecticut Real Estate and community issues. This website is a useful tool but we invite you to contact us for personal, one-on-one help with what some say is the biggest decision you will make in your life. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email us.

• Buying a Home? We'll take the time to listen to your needs and desires, and find your dream home. Your total satisfaction is our number one priority.
• Selling a Home? We will get your home sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Our online and offline marketing programs will give you the edge you need to sell your home. We don't want to just list your home, We want to sell it! Fast!
• Relocating to the Western Mass and Connecticut Area? If you are moving to our area, We can assist you in collecting the information you need, and make your transition as smooth as possible. Feel free to contact us for home finding assistance and area information.

We have built a reputation for client satisfaction, and we are devoted to making your move as easy as possible. You will have the added benefit of working with an agent who understands your needs when buying, selling, or relocating in the Western Mass and Connecticut area. Finding the right home is only the beginning. We will assist you every step of the way to ensure smooth sailing.

Country Living at its Finest

Why do people choose to live in the Hilltowns? Victoria gets it. It is the excitement about the area and her professional experience that helps her to market and sell homes so successfully. She appreciates the area and takes part in the many recreational activities the area has to offer. Victoria can tell you where to find the best of our area's Snowmobile trails, lakes, canoeing, hiking, parks and camping.

» Sign up for MLS Property Finder now «

Profile of Huntington, MA

Courtesy of CityTownInfo.com. Please visit CityTownInfo.com for more information on Huntington, MA

High Points

Where Huntington shines, vs. Peers (similar size US locations) or State (elswhere in Massachusetts):

TopicAward Reasonable Property Taxes
(vs. State) Top 18% Family Income
(vs. Peers) Top 19%

Huntington Demographics (2000)

TopicNumberPct. Total Population 2,174 100% Male 1,079 49.6% Female 1,095 50.4% Under 18 602 27.7% 18 or Older 1,572 72.3% 65 or Older 211 9.7% Median Age 36.9 Family Size 3.1 White 2,121 97.6% African-American 9 0.4% Asian 9 0.4% American Indian & Alaskan 4 0.2% Other 6 0.3% Multiple Races 25 1.1% Hispanic (included above) 40 1.8% Family Income (1999) $52,308 In Poverty 126 5.8%

Huntington Weather

Nearest Weather Stations
Notes:

• Temperature is average daily min to max
• Precipitation is rain (and water equivalent of snow)

Weather
StationKNIGHTVILLE DAM Distance 3.3 miles Jan Temp 10 to 33 F Apr Temp 32 to 56 F Jul Temp 56 to 82 F Oct Temp 34 to 61 F Annual Precip 48 inches Weather
StationCHESTER 2 Distance 7 miles Jan Temp 7 to 31 F Apr Temp 33 to 60 F Jul Temp 57 to 86 F Oct Temp 34 to 64 F Annual Precip 61.6 inches Weather
StationCUMMINGTON HILL Distance 16.2 miles Jan Temp 11 to 29 F Apr Temp 33 to 52 F Jul Temp 58 to 78 F Oct Temp 37 to 57 F Annual Precip 48.7 inches

Huntington High Schools

GATEWAY REG HIGH
12 LITTLEVILLE ROAD
413-685-1100
Has 430 students.
Students/teacher: 16.6

Testimonials, Active Listings, Recent Sales & Helpful Tips

Thanks for the Journey, Thalia Cady

My Recently Sold Properties ID Location Sold Price Type Sold Date

---

71038654 Goshen $170,000 Single-Family 6/22/2010 71044458 Chester $108,500 Single-Family 6/21/2010 71058057 Huntington $197,000 Single-Family 6/16/2010 71027849 Westfield $230,000 Single-Family 4/30/2010 71004692 Westfield $390,000 Single-Family 4/16/2010 71004246 Huntington $175,000 Single-Family 4/15/2010 70854990 Westfield $52,000 Multi-Family 12/23/2009 70981340 Huntington $81,000 Single-Family 11/19/2009 70948168 Chester $195,750 Single-Family 11/4/2009 70949113 Chester $33,500 Land 11/4/2009 70929420 Blandford $256,000 Single-Family 10/30/2009 70927481 Chester $89,500 Single-Family 10/23/2009 70898003 West Springfield $226,000 Single-Family 10/12/2009 70837073 Westfield $42,500 Mobile Home 7/24/2009 70870825 Westfield $169,500 Single-Family 7/22/2009

Single Family Listings x8 MLS #: 71085544 Status: ACT DOM: 32 List Price: $89,900 List Date: 5/24/2010 10 Hillside Rd
Peru, MA 01235 Rooms: 5 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 0 / 1 Style: Detached - Bungalow Acres: 0.37 (16117 sq.ft.) Living Area: 1092 Year Built: 1966 Remarks: Here's an Opportinity to get a great get-a-away home close to the Lake just in time for all of your fun summer activities! House can accomodate many guests & has garage under for boat storage. 2 Wonderful enclosed porches. Open Attic. Most furniture & all appliances to stay! Full Kitchen. Living room w/propane stove in case you want to b... Garage: 1 Parking: 2 Tax: $1050 Fy: 2010 Orig. Price: $89,900 List Office: Century 21 Hometown Associates (413) 568-2491 List Agent: Victoria Minella-Sena
x7 MLS #: 71080317 Status: ACT DOM: 43 List Price: $165,000 List Date: 5/13/2010 241 Otis Stage Road
Blandford, MA 01008 Rooms: 4 Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 1 / 0 Style: Detached - Contemporary Acres: 2 (87120 sq.ft.) Living Area: 952 Year Built: 1996 Remarks: Fabulous Location for One of the Best Deals in the Hilltowns! This Contemporary Ranch on a Beautiful 2 Acre lot offers a wonderful open floor plan. Bright Spacious rooms & a large private covered rear deck with hot tub overlooking fenced yard. New maple kitchen. New carpet & flooring thru-out. Updated bathroom, freshly painted interior, ... Garage: 0 Parking: 4 Tax: $3159.86 Fy: 2009 Orig. Price: $169,900 List Office: Century 21 Hometown Associates (413) 568-2491 List Agent: Victoria Minella-Sena
x22 MLS #: 71078365 Status: ACT DOM: 46 List Price: $224,900 List Date: 5/10/2010 9 Pleasant St
Huntington, MA 01050 Rooms: 8 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 1 / 0 Style: Detached - Colonial Acres: 0.25 (10890 sq.ft.) Living Area: 1890 Year Built: 1880 Remarks: Wonderful 1880's Colonial offers great updates, maintaining true charm & character. Lrg fenced Yard w/Cherry/Pear trees, berry bushes/flower beds & shed. Great Old Construction w/wood flrs, clawfoot tub, updated bath & beautiful new eat-in kit w/granite counters, skylight & vaulted ceils. Kit Applcs stay. Formal DR, 1st fl. laund... Garage: 0 Parking: 4 Tax: $2280 Fy: 2010 Orig. Price: $229,900 List Office: Century 21 Hometown Associates (413) 568-2491 List Agent: Victoria Minella-Sena
x13 MLS #: 71050183 Status: ACT DOM: 81 List Price: $231,500 List Date: 3/19/2010 16 Chestnut St
Westfield, MA 01085 Rooms: 8 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 1 / 1 Style: Detached - Colonial Acres: 0.25 (10890 sq.ft.) Living Area: 2324 Year Built: 1900 Remarks: This lovingly cared for colonial is truly a place to call home! Charm, character & unique details every where you turn. You will love the Original Carriage house & Beautifully landscaped yard. Ceramic back splash in the kit.double wall ovens, Jenn Air range, pantry & din area. Formal DR w/french doors leading to a sun filled sitting ... Garage: 2 Parking: 5 Tax: $2965 Fy: 2010 Orig. Price: $235,000 List Office: Century 21 Hometown Associates (413) 568-2491 List Agent: Victoria Minella-Sena
x17 MLS #: 71028670 Status: ACT DOM: 140 List Price: $195,000 List Date: 2/5/2010 12 Park St
Westfield, MA 01085 Rooms: 4 Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 2 / 0 Style: Detached - Bungalow Acres: 0.36 (15872 sq.ft.) Living Area: 1862 Year Built: 1925 Remarks: Beautiful Sun-filled Home w/wonderful open floor plan offering bright & spacious rooms w/possibility of many uses. 1, 862 sq. ft. in total. Hrdwd Flrs. Charm, character & more! Big & functional kitchen space perfect for entertaining. Newer windows, lots of cabinets & storage + 2 cedar closets. 2 full baths, skylights, exposed chi... Garage: 2 Parking: 2 Tax: $2651 Fy: 2009 Orig. Price: $229,900 List Office: Century 21 Hometown Associates (413) 568-2491 List Agent: Victoria Minella-Sena
Single Family Listings: 5 Average List Price: $181,260 Average Market Time: 68.40
Condominium Listings x12 MLS #: 71054930 Status: ACT DOM: 339 List Price: $209,900 List Date: 3/29/2010 94 Beveridge Boulevard U:94
Westfield, MA 01085 Rooms: 8 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 / 1 Style: Condex - Townhouse Living Area: 1192 Year Built: 1991/ Assc. Fee: $0 Remarks: Meticulously maintained condex. Updated Kitchen offers new Corian counters, breakfast bar, ceramic backsplash & new stainless steel applcs! DR w/ sliders to a wonderful private patio. Master BR has great big walk in closet. Beautifully finished bsmnt w/new full bath & 2 extra rms. Nicely landscaped yard w/ privacy fence, pond & gazeb... Garage: 1 Parking: 3 Tax: $2698 Fy: 2010 Orig. Price: $209,900 List Office: Century 21 Hometown Associates (413) 568-2491 List Agent: Victoria Minella-Sena
Condominium Listings: 1 Average List Price: $209,900 Average Market Time: 339.00 Average List Price per Square Foot: $176
Land Listings MLS #: 71078233 Status: ACT DOM: 46 List Price: $99,900 List Date: 5/10/2010 0 Pleasant St. / Railroad
Becket, MA 01223 Land Descr: Wooded, Stream, Other (See Remarks) Zoning: 130resdev Doc: Land Survey, Drawings Type: Residential Acres: 49.9 (2173644 sq.ft.) Water: Other (See Remarks) Sewer: Other (See Remarks) Remarks: Attention all Outdoorsmen & Women! 49 acres abutting the West Branch of the Westfield River, Kushi Institute & Middlefield Line. Great spot for a hunting camp or even a year round home for the right person... Area amenities are endless, all the Wonderful Berkshire Attractions, Jacob's Pillow Theatre, area lakes, state forests, dining, sh... Gas: Other (See Remarks) Electric: Other (See Remarks) Tax: $1041 Fy: 2009 Orig. Price: $99,900 List Office: Century 21 Hometown Associates (413) 568-2491 List Agent: Victoria Minella-Sena

Home Selling Tips

If you're thinking of selling your home, keep in mind that buyers appreciate a clean look in the homes they view. You can increase the value of your home and decrease the time it takes to sell by making a few simple improvements.

Aroma is the first thing prospective buyers notice when they step inside a home. To eliminate odors, steam clean your carpet and wash walls and floors with household cleaners and disinfectants. Keep your home smelling fresh by burning candles or potpourri, boiling a pot of cinnamon sticks or putting a dab of vanilla on cold light bulbs before turning them on.

Nothing makes a home look newer faster than painting. Painting your walls and removing outdated wallpaper may be the best interior improvements you can make. For broader appeal, paint in neutral colors such as beige, white, off-white, or gray. These colors suggest newness and cleanliness and can brighten a dull or outdated room. If your carpet is badly worn, outdated or stained, consider replacing it. If your carpet is heavily soiled, you may want to have it professionally cleaned. Brighten the interior of your home by cleaning your windows and opening your curtains to let light in. Clean hanging light fixtures and add the highest-wattage bulbs allowed. Below are 20 suggestions to help you sell your home.

Make the Most of that First Impression:

A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends:

Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look, "with a little work."

Check Faucets and Bulbs:

Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.

Don't Shut Out a Sale:

If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

Think Safety:

Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.

Make Room for Space:

Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

Consider Your Closets:

The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle:

Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

Create Dream Bedrooms:

Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

Open up in the Daytime:

Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

Lighten up at Night:

Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

Avoid Crowd Scenes:

Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.

Watch Your Pets:

Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.

Think Volume:

Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

Relax:

Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

Don't Apologize:

No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let an experienced Real Estate Agent handle the situation.

Keep a Low Profile:

Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But a Real Estate Agent know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your Real Estate Agent will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store:

When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

Defer to Experience:

When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your Real Estate Agent.

Help Your Agent:

Your Real Estate Agent will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through his or her office. Offer to keep an eye on the brochure box attached to your sign and make sure it is always filled with flyers. Try to accommodate prospective buyers when they want to see your home.

You'll appreciate the results!

» Sign up for MLS Property Finder now «

Tips on Buying a Home

If you're thinking about buying a home, you'll want to carefully choose the real estate professional you work with during the process.

You should commit yourself to working with one sales associate who can learn your likes and dislikes in homes to make your home-buying process easier. Choose a professional who specializes in residential real estate and who has specific knowledge of the local real estate and mortgage markets.

The person you choose should listen to you and be interested enough in you to find out about your housing needs and preferences. Service first should be the motto of the professional you choose with services going above and beyond what you expect and need. Doing some preliminary planning before you begin your home search will make the entire process more manageable and less overwhelming. As part of your initial game plan, you should:

Check your credit rating

Even if you're sure you have excellent credit, it's wise to double-check at the outset. Straightening out any errors or disputed items now will avoid troublesome holdups down the road when you're waiting for mortgage approval.

You may see disputed items, in addition to errors caused by a faulty social security number, a name similar to yours, or a court ordered judgment paid off that hasn't been cleared from the public records. If such items appear, write a letter to the appropriate credit bureau. Credit bureaus are required to help you straighten things out in a reasonable time (usually 30 days).

• TIP: Make sure that any outdated derogatory entries are deleted from your credit file. Adverse credit information is not supposed to be reported or included on your credit report after seven years (except bankruptcy information, which can be reported up to 10 years).
• TIP: Officially cancel inactive credit cards. If you have an inactive credit card with a $5,000 limit, even though you owe nothing on it, some mortgage lenders will consider that a potential future debt. Too many inactive credit cards with significant credit limits could keep you from obtaining a mortgage loan. Don't just cut up your extra cards; officially cancel them, and do it now so there will be time for the news to reach the credit bureaus.
• TIP: Hold off on making any major credit card or car purchases while you're waiting to apply for a mortgage. Monthly payments you're obligated to pay will be counted against you, and reduce the amount of the mortgage loan you'll be offered. Even if you've been pre-approved for a mortgage, that approval is subject to last-minute evaluation of your financial situation, and a spending spree for appliances, furniture and other goodies intended for your new home may wreck your chances for buying it.

Pre-qualification and pre-approval on a mortgage

A real estate professional can help "pre-qualify" you for a mortgage before you start house-hunting. This process includes analyzing your income, assets and present debt to estimate what you may be able to afford on a house purchase. Mortgage brokers, or a lender's own mortgage counselors can also calculate the same sort of informal estimate for you.

Obtaining mortgage "pre-approval" is another thing entirely. It means that you have in hand a lender's written commitment to put together a loan for you (subject only to the particular house you want to buy passing the lender's appraisal).

Pre-approval makes you a strong buyer, welcomed by sellers. With most other purchasers, sellers must tie the house up on a contract while waiting to see if the would-be buyer can really obtain financing.

The down side is that you may pay application fees to cover the lender's paperwork in verifying your employment, income, assets, debts and credit rating. If you later decide not to use that particular lender, you'd have to start all over again elsewhere - with no rebate.

Pre-approval will also speed up the entire mortgage procedure once you've found the house you want. The only remaining question will be whether the house will "appraise" for enough to warrant the loan.

Become an educated buyer:

• The web is one of the best ways to search for homes today. With this website, you can receive daily emails with new and updated listings from the towns and price range of your choice.
• Search the entire MLS for all homes, condos, land, multi family, commercial properties, and past solds at your convenience.
• View full listing sheets showing amenities, taxes, lot sizes, beds, baths, rooms, siding, fireplaces, garages, room sizes and much more.
• Get property address and see where the properties are located on MapQuest.
• Check schools and community profiles of your preferred towns.
• Save preferred listings in your own file to view anytime.
• Calculate approximate mortgage payments for specific properties.
• Click here to sign up now

Home Inspection

Once you have made an offer on a home, you will need to schedule a home inspection, conducted by an independent authorized inspector. It is extremely important to hire a reputable inspector so that you know exactly what you are buying. Do not hesitate to ask friends, family, and co-workers for advice. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then you can proceed to the Purchase and Sales agreement. If the inspector finds problems with the property, you may want to negotiate with the seller to lower the price, or to pay for certain repairs.

Appraisal

Your lender may require you to get an appraisal of the house you want to buy, to make sure it is worth the money that you are borrowing. You may select your own appraiser, or you may ask your real estate broker to help you with this task.

Homeowner's Insurance

Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance, to protect both your interests and theirs. Like everything else, be sure to shop around for insurance that fits your needs.

Settlement or Closing

Finally, you are ready for the closing. Be sure to read everything before you sign! You should have both your real estate broker and an attorney present at the closing to ensure that all is in order.

Finally make sure before you buy

Making sure you end up with the right home involves figuring out exactly what features you need, want and don't want in a home. Before starting your search, you should make a "wish list" to decide which features are absolutely essential, which are nice "extras" if you happen to find them, and which are completely undesirable.

The more specific you can be about what you're looking for from the outset, the more effective your home search will be. Also keep in mind, that in the end, every home purchase is a compromise.

Create your own personalized "wish list" and when you're finished filling it out, share it with your real estate agent.

To contact me, click here

Moving tips - before you leave your present address:

Eight weeks before

• Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement,storage shed, etc. Use things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
• Obtain information about your new community.
• Secure a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.
• Start a possessions inventory.
• Solicit estimates from at least three moving companies.
• Call your homeowners insurance agent to find out to what degree your move is covered.
• Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts.
• Arrange to transfer your children's school records.

Six weeks before

• Contact the IRS and/or your CPA for tax-deductible information.
• Evaluate your possessions inventory. Can you donate anything? Do you need it all?
• Notify your friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
• Subscribe to a local paper in your new community and familiarize yourself with local government, community and social news and activities.
• Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable).
• Locate high-quality health-care professionals and hospitals in your new location.
• Complete post-office change of address cards for the following: banks; charge cards; religious organizations; doctors/dentist; relatives and friends; income tax bureau/Social Security Administration/union; insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/ stockbroker; magazines; post office; and schools.
• Clean your closets.
• Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
• Choose a mover. Contact your mover to make arrangements and inquire about insurance coverage.
• If relocating due to a job, contact your employer to see what costs, if any, they will cover.

Four weeks before

• Start packing!
• Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair/cleaning as needed.
• Gather auto licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation, etc.
• Contact gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection companies for service disconnect /connect at your old and new addresses. Also ask for and ask for final readings.
• Request refunds on unused homeowner's insurance, security deposit with landlord, and prepaid cable service.
• Notify your gardener, snow removal service and pool service (if applicable).
• Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

Three weeks before

• Make your travel plans.
• Arrange to close current bank accounts and open accounts in your new locale (if necessary).
• Notify your state's motor vehicle bureau of your new address.
• Arrange for childcare on moving day.

Two weeks before

• Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.
• Service your car for the trip.
• Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move.

One week before

• Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary with emergency numbers for your moving company.
• Settle outstanding bills with local retailers. Pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and rented videotapes.
• Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records.
• Drain gas and oil from power equipment.
• Give away plants not being moved.
• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Buy two-weeks worth of medication and have your prescriptions forwarded to your new pharmacy.
• Buy traveler's checks.
• Make arrangements to pay for your move.

Two to three days before

• If you're not doing it yourself, have your mover pack.
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers.
• Consider gathering all valuables and giving them to family or friends to hold until the move is completed.
• Disconnect all major appliances.
• Contact your moving company for any updates.
• Pack first-night items and a survival kit. Keep them in separate boxes in your car. First night items may include: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and flashlight.
• Mover's survival kit may include: scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking and/or duct tape, trash bags, shelf liner and aspirin or ibuprofen.

Moving day

• Be home to answer any questions your mover may have.
• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric and water).
• Stay until your movers are finished.
• Complete information on the bill and carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it.
• Keep your copies of the bill and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid and any claims are settled.
• Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.
• Give movers the directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.

At destination

• Unpack first-night items and mover's survival kit.
• Be at the destination to welcome the movers and be on hand to answer any questions.
• After the job is completed, pay what is owed. The driver is obligated by law (a federal requirement for interstate moves) to collect payment upon delivery.
• Scrutinize the unloading of your items and account for each one on your inventory sheet. Check promptly and carefully for any damaged or missing items.
• Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
• Go to the post office and collect held mail.