I HAVE TO MOVE.
WHAT NOW?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TEMPORARY RELOCATION
What is the Uniform Relocation Act (URA)?
The Uniform Act, passed by Congress in 1970, establishes minimum standards for federally funded programs and projects that require the acquisition of real property (real estate) or displace persons from their homes, businesses, or farms.
What are the main objectives of the URA?
· To provide uniform, fair and equitable treatment of persons whose real property is acquired or who are displaced in connection with federally-funded projects.
· To ensure relocation assistance is provided to displaced persons to lessen the emotional and financial impact of displacement.
· To ensure that no individual or family is displaced unless Decent, Safe and Sanitary (DSS) housing is available within the displaced person's financial means.
· To help improve the housing conditions of displaced persons living in substandard housing.
· To encourage and expedite acquisition by agreement and without coercion.
Where am I going?
If you are moving temporarily, your Relocation Specialist will arrange temporary accommodations for you. This may be another apartment onsite, an apartment in another community, or a hotel.
Will I still have to pay my rent?
Yes, you will continue to pay the same amount and on the same schedule you currently pay. You will also continue to pay utilities for your unit. In exchange, all eligible costs of your relocation will be covered. This includes the cost of your temporary housing, and any utilities. This program is designed to minimize any change in your monthly expenses.
What if the cost of my utilities increases while I’m in temporary housing?
In some cases, the use of power tools in a unit may increase the monthly utility bill. While not common, if this occurs you will be reimbursed for the difference in the current month as compared to the same month in the previous year. Please keep copies of your utility bills to submit for reimbursement. Historical data (from the previous year) is usually found on a current bill.
· For example, if your electric bill was $60 in June of 2019, but only $50 in June of 2018, you would be reimbursed the $10 difference.
Will my belongings go to storage?
Storage will be arranged for households that require it, and your belongings will be moved to storage for you. You will have to schedule access to your belongings while they are in storage, so please bring any required items with you to your temporary accommodations.
Will my belongings be stored with my neighbor’s?
Each household will get its own storage unit. We are careful to not combine the belongings of one household with another household.
Will my belongings be on a truck with my neighbors?
The belongings of multiple households will not be combined in moving trucks.
Preparing for Moving Day
1. Spring cleaning
Packing all your possessions into boxes, bags, and more can be overwhelming. Make it a little bit easier on yourself by cutting back on clutter as much as possible. Before you pack a single box, do a purge of unused or unnecessary items. You'll have less to pack, less to move, and less to unpack—and you'll start life in your renovated space with a clean slate
2. Start early
You will know about your move (even if you're not sure of the final destination) weeks in advance. Start by packing off-season items and the items you won't miss. If you're moving in summer, you can pack winter coats in advance—and likely books and other once-in-a-while items. When it's finally time to move, many items will already be ready to go, giving you less to stress about.
3. Keep the essentials with you
On the night before the move, tuck everyday essentials—medications, important paperwork, cell phones, chargers, toothbrushes, must-have items for the kids, etc - into a box or bag you'll keep with you in the car. If catastrophe strikes, at least you'll have some essentials until things settle down.
You may also want to transport your own jewelry, furs, personal documents, prescription medication, coin/stamp collections, and other small valuables.
4. Use the right sized boxes
When you pack books for moving, pack them or other heavy items in small boxes; light items, like linens and pillows, can be packed in bigger ones. (Large boxes packed with heavy items are a common complaint of movers. They not only make the job harder but also have a better chance of breaking.)
5. Use suitcases and totes
Any suitcases and totes you own can (and should!) be put to work. Wheeled luggage can hold heavier items, while weekend bags and carry-ons can be stuffed with pillows, blankets, linens, or clothes. Totes with lids can be used for small loose items. Your hampers and laundry baskets can be filled too.
6. Put heavier items in the bottom of boxes, lighter items on top
Balance is key! This can help keep your items from being damaged.
7. Tape your moving boxes well
Use a couple of pieces of tape to close the bottom and top seams, then use one of the movers' techniques―making a couple of wraps all the way around the box's top and bottom edges, where stress is concentrated.
8. Pay special attention to the kitchen
Packing the kitchen involves a lot of different types of items. Put packing paper around each dish. Pack dishes on their sides, never flat. And use plenty of bunched-up paper as padding above and below. Cups and bowls can be packed inside one another, with paper in between, and wrapped three or four in a bundle.
9. Label your boxes
Label when boxes are fragile and add room labels. This will help you and your movers know where every box belongs in your new place. Numbering each box and keeping an inventory list in a small notebook is also good way to keep track of what you've packed and to make sure you still have everything when you unpack.