MOVING DAY

Tips for preparing for your move

Congratulations on selling your house and getting ready for your new home! After the excitement has worn off , reality sets in; THE MOVE. Is it only 2 months left to pack all that you have collected after the last move?

Not to worry. A little planning and your move should go without a hitch.

First tip is to start interviewing and getting quotes from moving companies. Friends and your real estate agent are the best place to start to source names of reputable movers. Make sure the movers are available on your closing date. Movers can charge by the hour or quote you a flat rate for your move. Either of these options have advantages, but be sure to discuss both with your short list of movers during the quoting process.

Are you going to have the movers pack or are you going to pack up the house for the move? Again, both options have advantages. Having a mover pack your things,takes that burden off of you and anything they pack will be insured in case of breakage or damage, but this will add to your moving costs. Doing it yourself will save you dollars, but the risk for damage is on you. If you don’t have experience with packing, it may be best to hire the professional to do it.  If you are familiar with bubble pack and tissue, the best and cheapest source for boxes and packing material could be your mover. Big box hardware stores do have this available, but it is expensive. Again your real estate agent is a good source for this information.

Second tip; TIME. Use it wisely. Do not wait until 1 month to closing to try to hire a mover and start your packing. You will put unnecessary stress on yourself and quite possibly not be ready to move out on closing. Contact all of your utility companies, inclusive of your gas, water,electric, telephone, and cable companies. All of these companies have a department dedicated to assist with your move and quite often can arrange the closing of accounts at your old home and opening of accounts at your new home. All with possibly one phone call. Leave yourself plenty of breathing room for the unforeseen. There will be things that will come up to surprise you.

Third Tip; PURGE. If you are downsizing or moving into a bigger dream home, get rid of stuff! You will be amazed at the amount of things a family can accumulate and used once and then get filed in the basement back room for future use. Consider renting a refuse bin to dump and haul unwanted things away. Have a garage sale and earn some cash to help pay with the move. Whatever is left over from the garage sale, donate to charity. Remember what you get rid of, you don't have to pay to be moved!  

Buying and selling a home can be one of life’s more stressful experiences, but with a little planning and organization it can run smoothly and let you arrive relaxed and ready to begin building memories in your new home.