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Why do you think moving is so dreadful?

By Rita Fong

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590

October 05, 2010 01:07 AM

You don't seem too excited to move in your new home from your old one, why is that? You have been looking for a new place to moving buy since forever ago, and you finally found it, I thought you would be tickled to death.

Ahh, okay, I got it, you have too much to pack, you don't know where to start, what to pack first and when should you start packing? I am with you, they can be overwhelming when you only have a few days to pack the 10 years collections. Well, I have a few pointers may be able to help you out a little bit.

First thing first, you are moving to a new home, it is a great time to throw/give away the stuffs that you have not used for years or already broken but you never did throw away. Yes, I know, those stuffs you have hidden way back in the closet so you won't see them. But they are still there, it is time to pull them out.

Let's break it down step by step for you:

When do you start packing? It is not that much about when you start packing, it is about getting it organized. It should start as soon as you have a contract on your current or future house. Get it down to different categories like MOVE, GARAGE SALES(if you plan to do one), THROW AWAY, CHARITY
Where to start? Separate the stuffs in different boxes and label them THROW AWAY and CHARITY first. You will be amazed how much stuffs are gone after these are get rid of first. After that, get the things you want to sell in the garage sale together. Price them and pick a date for the sale. After the sale, some more stuffs are gone, you can donate the rest or give them away to friends and other family members. Obviously you don't want them, that's why they are in the garage sale, so don't bring them back in the house. Get rid of them!
What to pack? I suggest to start this process about a week to 10 days before the closing, it depends on how much stuffs you have left on hand. Put away those personal belongings like pictures on the wall, floral arrangements, any home decor in boxes and label them first. Next, dishes. I know all of us have too many dishes we don't use after we bought them. Pack them up with bubble wrap, you can buy them in store like Office Depot, so you won't break them during moving. Clothes out of the season, pack them now. All the extra kitchen ware, silver ware, pack them. Only leave enough things to use for that week and 10 days.

The key is to label all the boxes as you pack them, in case you need it later before moving. Next, you need to decide if you are doing the move yourself or pay a moving company to move them for you.

Most of my clients do the moving themselves. Some of them rent a U-haul truck, some of them do it like the picture above says, they have lots of friends to help them move. Regardless how you move, getting your belongings organized before packing will make your life a little less hectic.

Happy moving!!

photo courtesy : flickr

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Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Rita.....good post....moving is always a challenge.....filtering out those items that you really don't need is a very big project to most people.....when I moved, I had my close friends from the office and my children take furniture that I did not need or want....most of it was new....I was sizing down, so somethings had to go....I'd rather give it to people I know and let them enjoy it than sell it cheaply....but it was a big undertaking.

Oct 05, 2010 01:12 AM

Ellen Mantel Pfann

McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty - Pinehurst, NC

Moving is the worst! That is why when you shop for a house, it should be one you want to STAY!

Oct 05, 2010 01:24 AM

Rita Fong

RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR

Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Barbara, we in general like to hold on to things even we don't use them much. The longer you live in the same place, the more things build up, there is no urgency to do anything. Downsizing is more work to do, but it is still a matter of decision to choose what to keep and what not to keep. Some people have hard time to make decision though, ;)

Ellen, I am not a big fan of moving every 2 years. I can't imagine the constant packing and unpacking living like that, unless it is a job related move.

Oct 05, 2010 02:12 AM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Rita...I wold hate to move...My wife has lived in this house 45+ years. Untold amount of junk around that just can't be gotten rid of.

I tell my clients if they are seriou about moving, then they shouyld start right away. Most need to de-clutter anyway, so It is a good time to pack, throw or sell. Everybody has stuff they don't need and should be disposed of. everyone has possesions that you don't use all the time and would not miss for a few months if packed away.

Starting at the listing time makes it a lot easier.

Oct 05, 2010 02:37 AM

Bill, I hear you! haha. I remember seeing all the snowman collections on your blog that Mrs. Feela has. That will be a job just to wrap those up! I suggest my seller the same thing, declutter and get rid of the things that have been sitting in the house since day 1 when they moved in the house.

Oct 05, 2010 03:12 AM

Marilyn Boudreaux

Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

been there done that, if you read my hurricane posts you can probably imagine the trashing and packing! My down sizing was unplanned. You are so right that the key is labeling everything and its funny how those boxes get filled up quickly too!

Oct 05, 2010 05:29 AM

Marilyn, I can only imagine you had to leave and pack so quickly and moved to another state!! In most cases, early plan and get it organized will help the move a little bit better.

Oct 05, 2010 05:58 AM

Charles Edwards Bentonville

Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR

AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Rita, Nice positive post...I admit I hate to move. M and I have been in the same house for 19 years.

Oct 05, 2010 02:58 PM

Charles, I am not a big fan of moving either. But I do go through my things for donation, give away a few times an year, so I won't have to find a place to store them.

Oct 05, 2010 03:10 PM

Why do you think moving is so dreadful?

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