Moving Tips For Buyers and Sellers
Getting ready to move is never fun, but planning ahead can save you some frustration. Below are some easy ideas to help you get ready for your big move.
Pre-Packing - Go through your belongings to determine if anything can be sold at a garage sale or donated to charity. This will save you time and money when you start packing. Eliminating unnecessary items will create fewer boxes to pack, which will also reduce the cost for your move if you are using a moving company.
Additionally this will help in preparing your home for showings. Your goal is to simplify, depersonalize, and de-clutter the home in order for it to show larger and brighter, giving a more spacious feeling to potential buyers.
Strong Containers/Boxes - Use strong containers that can be tightly secured with tape or twine. You can usually purchase these from a moving or shipping company. You may also try asking your local grocery store for boxes. Your local DIY big Box store is a good resource for packign boxes as well.
Labeling – Make sure you clearly label each box and identify its contents. Also, indicate which room each box should go in and if it is fragile. You should keep a notebook with the list of boxes handy as you are packing, as well as during the move: that way, you can make sure all of the boxes were received, and you can quickly check to see what is in each box.
With proper labeling you will find it easy and convenient to place the proper box in the proper room for easy unpacking.
Padding – Cushion contents with packing materials or newspaper to prevent breakage. Towels, blankets and cloth napkins are great for wrapping fragile items.
Weight - Don’t load more than 50 pounds into any one box, and make sure that the weight is evenly distributed. You will also want to ensure that the bottom is taped securely and sufficiently for the amount of weight in the box.
Pets- Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house. Your animals can probably already sense the excitement and the anxiety in the air and this will help them to remain calm. Plus, it keeps the curious animals out from under your feet, thereby eliminating a tripping hazard!
Rugs/Drapes – If you are taking these items with you, have your rugs and drapes cleaned before moving so you can move them in their wrappings for easier handling.
Valuables – Carry all valuables with you. Don’t pack your jewelry, important documents, or anything else that would be difficult to replace, such as family pictures or videos. This really applies when you are using a professional moving company and you don't have constant access to your belongings.
Arrival Kits – Create an Arrival Kit with your commonly used items handy. That way, you can unpack one box and have all of the things you need immediately: items for cleaning, toiletries, kitchen (possibly paper plates and cups for the night of your move), snacks, and miscellaneous items such as trash bags and light bulbs.
Once the move is complete, it's time to settle into the routine and re-establish some normalcy in your life.
Here are 8 great tips from the folks at Moving.com that will help you adjust to the new enviornment.
- People who have kids are usually more fortunate. It's not difficult to strike up a friendship with someone when you're sitting in the stands for three hours during a baseball game or an hour at dance school. This is also important for your children, the sooner they meet kids their own age in activities they like, the faster and easier they’ll make the transition. The first order of business should be to get your kids active in the hobbies or sports they enjoy.
- Subscribe to the local newspaper. Nothing can make you feel at home more than knowing what's going on, where to go and what the big issues are in your community. Plus, the advertising will give you a start in discovering local businesses.
- Join the PTA or volunteer at school. Parents who are involved at school will find many social activities as a bonus, from school functions to play-date partners. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a positive contribution to your new home.
- Visit the library and recreation department. Depending on your interests, all of these can be an excellent way to get connected and meet people with similar interests. Many cities offer recreation or hobby classes. Now is the perfect time to start those beginning tennis lessons or photography classes.
- Stop by the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall. There should be plenty of information on local businesses and services. You’ll also get a chance to discover annual activities and learn more about local organizations.
- Get a map and drive. There's nothing like short family drive on the weekend to help you learn the lay of the land. A map is perfect for learning the community and you can make a stop at a nearby park so the kids can stretch their legs and maybe meet some new friends.
- Groups and clubs. Whether it's the Girls Scouts/Boy Scouts or 4-H for your kids or a group at a church, there are always activities available. Make sure to discard pre-conceived ideas you may have about any group and check them out, you may be pleasantly surprised.
- Of course, don't be hesitant about meeting your neighbors. When you see them out front or know they’re home, just knock on the door and introduce yourself. Remember, many times people are just busy with their day-to-day lives to stop by, even though they may very well have the intention of doing so. So go ahead, make the first move.
Moving is stressful whether you are a buyer or a seller but by following these great suggestions you can manage the stress and even eliminate alot of it making your move a much smoother and successful transition.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in the Phoenix South East Valley I invite you to visit me at www.eastvalleyproperties.net.
John Ferrin, Realtor
HomeSmart Gilbert
480-458-7399
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