Did you know that May is National Moving Month?? Could be because it kicks off the busiest moving season of the year, when home sales begin to rise throughout the summer months.

We’ve never heard of a person who actually enjoyed moving house … but moving is nevertheless a fact of life. Sooner or later, each of us is going to pack up our stuff and transport it to a new home. It can be an overwhelming proposition – but the good news is, there are plenty of resources out there to help you organize your packing and unpacking processes. So we’re just going to focus on some of the persnickety – yet incredibly important – aspects of moving that you may not hear as much about.

• Make a checklist of each utility and service you need to shut down and/ or transfer to your new address – it will make setting up your new home that much smoother.
• Remember to share your new address with everyone who matters most: family, friends, work (don’t forget to update your address on your tax documents!), and the post office.
• Professional movers may provide some protection for your possessions as they transport them – but be sure to ask for the moving company’s specific policy terms in writing, and review them with your insurance agent. You’ll need to understand what kind – and how much – coverage the company provides against loss or damage, the maximum value of the insurance in the event your possessions are damaged, and whether the company’s policy includes damage done to the premises, as well as the possessions they’re transporting.
• Also consult your insurance agent about your current homeowners or renters insurance policy. Make sure your current coverage is sufficient for your move, and get a grip on your options:
• Are you shipping a vehicle? Ask the auto shipping company for their insurance certificate (which, by law, they’re required to have). Confirm with your insurance agent whether your current auto policy protects your car during shipping, or if there are any extra steps you need to take to ensure that it does.

• Trip transit insurance, which covers your personal property in the event of theft, disappearance, or fire during transit or while in storage.
• Special perils contents coverage, which covers breakage of all but fragile items.
• A floater, which can protect high-value items (think jewelry, fine art, collectibles, etc.).
• Storage insurance, if you’ll need temporary or permanent storage for some of your items.

Moving can be incredibly frustrating – but with a little forethought and appropriate information gathering, you can definitely make it easier on yourself and your family.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With California offices in Redlands and Newport Beach, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.