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Moving With Less Stress

By
Real Estate Agent with Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage

Moving can be a very stressful experience.  So many things can go wrong.  When I last moved, my husband told me the basement was all packed up.  Silly me, I didn't check.  When the movers arrived they told me everything had to be in boxes in the basement.  Surprise, it hadn't all been packed.  My husband quickly filled boxes.  It took me 3 days to find my makeup and bathroom products.  They were stuffed in a box under computer paper and the box wasn't marked.  Basement

There are some things that you can do to make the experience less of a hassle.

  • Start packing as soon as you can.  Three months ahead gives you plenty of time to go through your items and toss what you no longer use.  A good rule of thumb:  if you haven't used it in a year, get rid of it.  Pack up items that are rarely used or things that you can live without until you are in your new home.
  • Book your mover at least 8 weeks in advance.  Don't be in a panic at the last minute trying to find a mover that is available.
  • Make sure you use a reputable mover.  Check with the Canadian Association of Movers for recommendations or check the "Beware" list with the Better Business Bureau.  Some unscrupulous movers hold your belongings hostage until you pay them more money.
  • Get several quotes.
  • If you are moving in or out of a condo, book the elevator as soon as you can.
  • Check with your insurance company to see if your belongings are covered under your contents insurance policy.
  • Pack properly and confirm your plans.  Double check with the movers to make sure the date and time of your move is correct.  Move your valuables yourself, especially small items like jewellry, expensive ornaments, lamps or plants.

Follow these tips and your move should go smoothly.

Posted by

Gail Fabiani, Sales Representative

 

Gails Picture

Right at Home Realty, Inc., Brokerage, 920 Brant Street, Unit #5 Burlington, ON

905-637-1700

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www.burlingtonhomes4sale.com

Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Gail- you're so right.  I think that much of the stress from moving comes from waiting until the last minute to do the things on your list. 

Jul 15, 2013 06:08 AM
Gail Fabiani
Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage - Burlington, ON

So true Kathy.  It is so much easier to get bridge financing and take a couple of days to pack and you can move the last minute dishes etc. ahead of time.

Jul 15, 2013 06:34 AM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

Great tips Gail! It's never too early to start packing once you start the selling process.

Jul 16, 2013 06:42 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

We stagers often start the packing process by getting clients to prepare their homes for sale. You are so right, don't leave it to the last minute and sort and toss.

Jul 16, 2013 09:08 AM
Gail Fabiani
Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage - Burlington, ON

Janice, it is amazing how many times I have seen a home for sale and there are knickknacks everywhere.  You can't see the house for the collectables.  Just pack them up before listing.

Jul 17, 2013 01:46 AM
Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

Gail,

 

Moving can certainly be quite a nighmare. Best to have a plan and stick to it.

 

Brian

Jul 17, 2013 06:14 AM
Gail Fabiani
Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage - Burlington, ON

It is never easy Brian.  The more stuff you have the worse it is and then add bad weather and it can be a nightmare.

Jul 19, 2013 12:47 AM
Gail Fabiani
Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage - Burlington, ON

Valerie, imagine the panic with the moving truck there and you can't get the elevator.  Yikes!

Aug 31, 2013 12:41 AM
Gail Fabiani
Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage - Burlington, ON

I like your new picture Valerie.

Aug 31, 2013 12:42 AM