Let's face it, Moving is Stressful! 

But you can make it a lot less stressful by avoiding these common mistakes.

1.  Start with a Plan.  If you don't have a plan, you don't know what needs to be done by when.  Some things need to be done before others to ensure a smooth move.

2.  Create a Budget.  Hiring a moving company can be expensive, but you need to know how much you are willing to spend and how much a mover will cost.  Only by having a budget in mind can you decide how much of the move you are willing to take on yourself.

3.  Get Estimates from Several Companies.  Prices can vary by quite a bit, so make sure you obtain several estimates.  For interstate moves, pay attention to the discount rate - it can really impact how much you pay in the end.  Also, pay attention to the costs for packing special items.  Even if you plan to pack most of your belongings yourself, mirrors, grandfather clocks, etc. need to be packed by the pros to make sure they arrive in one piece.

4.  Ask for a Binding Estimate.  NEVER, EVER accept a quote other than a binding estimate.  If you get a binding estimate, the movers cannot charge you more for the move - even if they underestimate the weight of the shipment.  If you don't obtain a binding estimate, what you pay when your goods arrive could be a very bad surprise.

5.  Move your Valuables Yourself.  Always take your valuables with you - jewelry, important documents, computers, coin collections, etc.   

6.  Check the Moving Inventory carefully.  This is your only proof that your items are in the hands of the moving company.  And also important, its your only proof of the condition of the item when you placed it in the hands of the mover.  The mover should note any existing damages on your goods, but sometimes they get a bit carried away and mark everything as damaged - maybe even that new coffee table that you bought last week!  If an item is damaged by the movers, but they already nmarked it as damaged when they put it on the truck, you will have a tougher time getting compensation for the item.  Review this Inventory page by page as the items are going on the truck and item by item as they are being unloaded.

Follow these simple steps and your move should be a smooth one.  For more moving tips and a Checklist of What to do When, please visit our Website at www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com 

Are you considering a Move to the Raleigh Area?  Be sure to order our FREE Relocation Package packed with everything you need to know about the Triangle Area. 

Order it exclusively at www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

Call us at (919) 314-7797 or visit our website www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com for more information.
__________________________
Marc Iafrate , MBA
Coldwell Banker HPW Broker, Trusted Advisor
(919) 314-7797
www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

We hope you enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. We welcome your comments. If you are planning on buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, we have you covered. We have all the resources and knowledge to make your real estate transaction worry free!