Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: moving

  • Relocating Home? Measurements Matters and More You Need to Know

    Relocating home requires attention to detail during one of the busiest times of your life. Staying organized eliminates oversights and provides essential peace of mind during a transition. Discover why measurements matter and more necessary details to remember as you learn how to relocate efficiently.

    Measurements Matter

    Measurements significantly differ from selling to renting and buying a new place. Consider hiring a professional to inspect both premises and take official measures. Use these figures to determine whether to move your current furniture or purchase items that fit better in the new house.

    Set Up Digital and Paper Moving Files

    Moving requires endless paperwork to prove current and future residences, financial status, identification, and more. Set up a digital moving file on a site such as Google Docs, accessible on a smartphone or other Internet-connected device. In addition, have a physical moving file maintained in a safe place in case you’re in transit and can’t get online.

    The Urge to Purge

    Establish a moving date, then plan to use all consumables in the meantime. For example, eating down the food in the freezer helps save money and reduce moving costs or losses. Also, use half-filled toiletries, so you don’t have to pack them. Finally, clean up and clear out any clutter in your path. If it gets in the way or has been unused for over a year, get rid of it, so you don’t pay to move it.

    Get Time Off to Move

    Some people relocate for employment, while others make transitions for other reasons. Remember to get time off to move, so you continue to get paid while packing and relocating home. Packing and moving may take more time than expected, so prepare to take at least one week away from work.

    Prepare to Pack

    Even if you hire professional movers, there are items you want to pack personally. Visit the local liquor store for boxes and purchase a large roll of heavy-duty garbage bags for sorting and packing essentials. Also, get labels and color-coded labels to designate rooms where the items will land.

    Focus on Fragile and Valuable

    Before hiring help, focus on finding all fragile and valuable items to separate them from everything else. These things might be stored in a safety deposit box or locked cabinet until moving, including:

    • China, glassware, and silverware
    • Professional licenses, marriage and birth certificates, and other essential documents
    • Jewelry and furs
    • Coins and collectibles
    • Artwork

    Think About Logistics

    Next, consider the logistics involved in moving from one location to another. Include how to relocate vehicles, furniture, and outdoor equipment. Consider moving certain heavy items ahead of time, so you can focus on collecting the more minor things on your way out of the old house.

    Who is Your Crew?

    It takes a skilled team to relocate successfully, especially when moving out of state. Include your professional crew in the budget to ensure a smooth transition, with experts such as:

    • Real estate agent
    • Mortgage broker
    • Insurance agent
    • Attorney
    • Accountant or financial consultant
    • Moving team – whether professionals or friends, schedule ahead of time
    • Inspector
    • Handyman
    • Cleaning crew
    • Pest control company
    • Babysitting services to take care of little ones during packing and moving

    Backup and Charge Up

    The confusion of moving can lead to more significant challenges, such as a crashed hard drive during the transition. Remember to backup your computer and charge all mobile devices, so you’re always ready to access essential information online.

    Plan for a New Life

    Leaving your old life behind and planning for a new one requires hours of preparation. Make a to-do list to ensure you cover all bases, such as:

    • Applying for new professional licenses and insurance
    • Establishing an office and staff in the new location
    • Transferring medical records and prescriptions to new providers
    • Registering children for school
    • Applying for a dog license, if the state requires one
    • Registering for the new library, community centers, gym, and houses of worship
    • Applying for a driver’s license, insurance, and other personal necessities in the new place
    • Determining the location of critical sites in the new area, such as hospitals and shopping

    Pack a Moving Bag and Cooler

    Moving day is often hectic, and you should be ready to transition to your new home. Pack a moving bag with necessities such as a change of clothes, toiletries, eyeglasses or contact lenses, and food – including goodies for your furry family members! Also, put together a cooler with plenty of cold beverages and fruit to keep everyone hydrated and energized.

    Have Cash On Hand

    From tipping the moving men to ordering pizza at your new house, it helps to have plenty of cash on hand when relocating home. Plus, moving often costs more than expected, as little details arise along the journey. So keep some money and a major credit card handy to cover unanticipated costs.

    Plan for a New Life

    Take a few moments to plan for your new life and bid farewell to the old one—schedule moments to take photos of the old house and say goodbye to the neighbors. Also, tour local hot spots in your new neighborhood and greet your neighbors. Treasuring your old memories and creating new ones makes the transition easier.

    Just Breathe

    Finally, the frenetic pace of moving can take its toll on your overall well-being. Keep the stress to a minimum by taking time to just breathe for an hour each day. Meditation, stretching, reading, or simply laughing at your favorite comedy helps take you away from the fast pace to rejuvenate yourself.

    Relocating home is both exciting and overwhelming. Knowing how to relocate eliminates the stress and ensures a seamless transition to your new home. From taking measurements to making time to unwind, every step matters to start an incredible new life!

  • Seven Ways to Eliminate Stress During a Move

    Relocating is an exciting and busy time, filled with important things to remember. However, even the best-managed homes require attention to detail during a relocation. Discover seven ways to eliminate stress during a move to enjoy your new place.

    Embrace the Changes

    Trying to keep everything as regular and routine as possible during a move is tempting. However, change is inevitable when you leave a familiar place to live in a new one. Embracing the changes helps make moving easier. For example, list the things you want to do when you relocate. Thinking about the fun stuff ahead helps you stay motivated during the tiring moving days. Also, create a small area where you can unwind and relax at the end of the day. Even if the rest of the house is in chaos, you’ll have a sanctuary to escape the stress for a while.

    Remember Self Care

    Often self-care is forgotten for weeks or months during a hectic relocation because people feel guilty taking time out when there’s so much to accomplish. However, all work and no downtime is a sure recipe for stress. Take time to exercise, which releases stress-relieving endorphins and helps you stay limber for the lifting ahead. If you can’t fit exercise into the day, take a few minutes for meditation, stretching, and deep breathing. Allow yourself an hour or two to appreciate your favorite leisure activities, such as reading, fishing, or painting. Taking a break also gives you more energy when you return to your moving responsibilities. Finally, always remember to get enough sleep every night to be rested and ready for action.

    It Takes a Village

    Relocation requires the assistance of several professionals to get through the process successfully. Always ask for help every step of the way, so you can continue to move forward. Also, have a power relocation team on-call to assist you, including an attorney, real estate agent, accountant, cleaning service, handyperson, and moving company. If you rent a moving truck, recruit your friends and family to help you – there’s always more work than you anticipate! Also, keep plenty of water and snacks handy to recharge as everyone works.

    Keep Important Documents Handy and Safe

    Relocating requires documentation to close old accounts and open new ones. Your identification and other crucial paperwork will likely be necessary countless times during relocation. Keep essential documents handy and safe so you have instant access as needed. Consider renting a safety deposit box or creating a quiet corner at home to remain organized throughout the changes.

    Make Sure Time is On Your Side

    When it comes to relocating, keeping track of time helps eliminate stress. Also, most tasks require more time than you might think before getting started. Plus, you need to account for interruptions, struggles, and other unexpected happenings. Always set aside extra time to complete moving projects so you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. If the work takes less time, you’ll gain a few much-needed moments to rejuvenate.

    Plan to Say Goodbye

    Saying goodbye is often difficult, but planning will eliminate stress. Make plans to see friends, family, and neighbors before your moving date. Trying to see everyone in a day or two becomes impossible, especially with countless moving tasks to tackle. Plus, making plans reduces the number of people who stop by unexpectedly and causes a break in your moving routine.

    Be Ready to Say Hello

    Moving into a new home is exciting but can also be stressful. Try to visit your community before relocating to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Use sites such as Google Maps, Yelp, and Facebook social groups to get a feel for the area and find places you want to check out. While moving in is also hectic, slow down to introduce yourself and say hello to your new neighbors. A smile and friendly face go a long way as you assimilate into your new location.

    Relocating can be the start of a wonderful new life in another location. Knowing how to eliminate stress makes the transition easier and gives you enough energy to enjoy your new home!

  • How to Organize Your Closet Fast When You Move into a New Home

    There’s no better time to organize a closet than when you move into a new home, if only because you’ll get a fresh start. While it may be tempting to simply throw things on hangers and put them into your new closet, taking a little time to consider what you own and how it should be arranged will make your life a lot easier. Below are a few tips to quickly and efficiently organize your new closet.

    Start organizing before you move

    The most cluttered places in a home are the last ones a homeowner will pack. Due to leaving these spaces until the last minute, people will simply throw things into a box and they take everything to their new home.

    Rather than wait until the moving truck arrives, plan ahead and pack up your closets and cluttered spaces at least a week before your move. Be strategic. If a pair of shoes is sitting in a dusty heap in the back of your closet, chances are you won’t wear them again. Same goes for your kids’ soccer equipment from 10 years ago, that extra yoga mat you no longer use or the clothes that haven’t seen the light of day in over a year. Set aside two boxes. In one box, put items you no longer use. In the other, put things you know you’ll use in your new home. Challenge yourself by seeing if the objects in each box can take up the same amount of space.

     

    Figure out what you want to keep in your closet

    Figuring out what you want to keep in your closet might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s actually easier said than done. Some closets are used just to store clothing, while others are for coats and sports equipment. Others may need to be more multipurpose. Install shelves in your closet to store various items, making sure to keep seasonal or rarely used belongings to the higher shelves. Once you’ve figured out what should be in your closet, stick with your plan. For example, if your closet is only for clothes, you’ll need to find another home for your linens and extra bedding. All too often, we put things in closets that don’t really belong in them, leading to the space becoming cluttered.

     

  • 5 Tips to Make Your PCS Move Smoother

    About USAA Real Estate Rewards Network:  For over 25 years, the USAA Real Estate Rewards Network offers support in helping USAA Members buy and/or sell a home — and Members can earn cash reward in the process.

    Periodic moves are a defining part of the active duty military lifestyle. However, no matter how enticing your next location may be, the process of getting there can be stressful for even the most seasoned service members and their loved ones.

    These tips can help make for a smooth transition and an arrival with plenty of relieved smiles.

    1. Get a jump on things. Even before you have orders, you can take the first step by visiting move.mil and updating your profile.

    When you find out your destination, do some Internet reconnaissance by visiting the Department of Defense’s military installations website. There, you’ll find a page for each installation that provides information on the cost of living, child development centers, schools, housing, employment and more.

    You can also get ahead of the curve by promptly attending a move briefing at your local personal property processing office, scheduling a move date and getting on wait lists for military housing and child care at your next station. Visit Military OneSource for lots of information about moving and securing housing.

     2. Get organized. You’re going to accumulate a lot move-related material in the run-up to your transition to your next military home. Save time and avoid frustration by using a tablet, three-ring binder, folders or an accordion file to organize and keep track of all those documents, information flyers and personal notes.

    3. Check your weight. You’re entitled to a free move of your possessions, provided you stay within your allowance, which varies depending on your rank, if you have dependents, and whether your move is inside or outside the continental United States.

    If you go over, you’ll have to pay for the difference. To avoid that outcome, first figure out your weight allowance at move.mil, and then use this weight estimator to see if you’re in danger of exceeding it. If so, starting shedding and selling right away. You can also access your weight data from previous moves at move.mil.

    4. Get ready for the big day. You don’t want to be scrambling to get ready while the packers are pulling up outside your house, so start organizing yourself well ahead of the move.

        • Take a photo or video inventory of all your possessions, making sure to capture all sides of things like furniture that could be scratched in the move.
        • While your camera’s out, take a good shot of how all the gizmos in your entertainment center are connected to each other.
        • Have lots of ziplock snack and sandwich bags handy to bundle small, loose items like silverware, curtain rings, toys, and hardware from bedframes and other furniture that’s disassembled for the move. Be sure to label the bags.
        • It’s a bad feeling to realize your car keys and wallet were thrown into a box and taken away with the moving truck, so set aside things you don’t want packed for you, including valuable possessions, medications, and important documents you’ll carry with you. Make sure they’re clearly separated from the rest of your stuff with a prominent “do not pack” sign.
        • You should also separately stage items you’ll want immediately accessible when your stuff arrives at your next home. When packed, label these boxes as “Day One” box and load them with the essentials you’ll need to immediately function at your next home. If you’re traveling by your personally owned vehicle, you may want to take charge of these boxes rather than having them moved for you. Don’t forget about traveling with children and/or pets – have familiar items ready for them too.

    5. Learn your rights. There’s a lot at stake in your move. If anything happens along the way that doesn’t meet your expectations, be ready to speak up and get the quality moving experience you deserve as a military service member. The Department of Defense Personal Property Program’s “bill of rights” spells out everything you should expect, like receiving a phone call from the mover at least three days before the move and having packing materials and other debris removed on delivery day.

     

    DID 252869-0618

    USAA® Real Estate Rewards Network is offered by USAA Residential Real Estate Services, Inc., a licensed real estate broker and subsidiary of USAA Federal Savings Bank. Program may be unavailable for employer-sponsored relocations. Not available for transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Reward offer limited in some states. Reward amount is based on sale price of home sold or purchased and cannot exceed $24,000 per transaction. To receive the maximum amount offered of $24,000, the sale price of the home sold or purchased must be $4 million or more. In 2017, the average member closing in the program received $1,230. Real estate agent fees still apply. The reward is not available in Alaska, Oklahoma or Louisiana. In Kansas and Tennessee, a loyalty card will be issued that is accepted at specific retailers. In Oregon and Mississippi a credit or commission reduction may be available. In New Jersey, a commission reduction or rebate may be available at closing. Please check with the program coordinator for details. You must be enrolled in the program and be represented at closing by an approved agent with a participating real estate firm in order to qualify for the reward. Reward not available to sellers in a short sale transaction. In certain states, buyers may need seller cooperation in order to participate in the reward program. Availability restrictions apply.

    Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Staging Your Home for Potential Buyers

    Living in a home for any period of time will leave a wealth of clutter that can prove challenging when it comes time to stage it for potential buyers. See if this process is the right one to help you keep your treasures.

    Question: We have lived in our home for more than 30 years and have done quite a bit to it. We are planning to finish the remainder of our remodeling and sell. How do I “stage” and edit out 30 years of living?

    -Wanda G.

    Staging is all about creating a blank slate. Many potential buyers simply have a hard time seeing past your treasures, which they may see as clutter!

    Depending on the housing market in your area, it’s also smart to finish any partially completed remodeling projects that may be a distraction. Starting a new project, unless it is to fix a glaring problem, is probably not necessary. As you interview potential agents, see what they have to say.

    The most time-consuming part of staging is going to be the “editing out” or, essentially, massively de-cluttering. As you obviously know, any time we live in a house for a long time, we tend to hang onto things simply because we have the room. Since you’ll be moving anyway, pack up the valuables, art and especially all your personal items including family photos, trophies, unique treasures and mementos, large collections, etc. This may be a great time to encourage your family members to ask for what they want! Or, get a storage unit if you can’t move directly into your new place.

    Try very, very hard to store only items you will use in your new home, and donate the rest. You’ll thank yourself later – trust me on this! Otherwise, you’re paying good money to keep things you don’t really want. Allow plenty of time for this process if you are working or have a busy life – maybe even a couple of months! It’s more than a weekend project. And give yourself a realistic deadline to keep on track.

    -Jennifer Adams

  • 5 Tips to Find New and Exciting Things to Do in Your Community

    Moving into a community is an adventure. Think of all the neighbors you can add to your social circle and areas to explore just for fun. Execute these simple tips to make friends and be part of the community.

    Join social media groups

    Social media can help you find everything there is to know about your new community. From local events to citywide activities, everything can be found by simply logging into your account. Conduct a search for local social media groups and join. Connect to others within the area while also being informed of the various options of entertainment your community has to offer. RSVP for an event and start connecting to other attendees with similar interests. Local company Facebook pages are a great way to find out what’s going on in the area.

    Read mail flyers

    Some of the best things to do in the community can be found right in your mailbox. Local events still rely on traditional flyers and ads in local newspapers to garner interest. Take a look through your mail as it may be the key to filling your upcoming weekend with fun and excitement.

    Chat with your Neighbors

    Neighbors can be amazing resources for things happening in the community. The longer they’ve lived in the area, the more familiar they will be with annual events within the community and much more. Neighbors may also know of some hidden gems that you may not have ever discovered otherwise. Turn neighborly chats into friendships.

    Frequent Businesses in the Area

    Skip the drive-thru next time you’re ordering something from a local business. Try to go patronize establishments within the area; many have bulletins pinned with various advertisements of local events and activities. This is an excellent way to meet new people within your community. Focus on frequenting these businesses to help you learn about your new community.

     

    New areas can be intimidating. Put these tips into place and by the end of the week, you’ll have plenty of new and exciting things to do on the weekend.

     

     

  • 5 Tips for a Hassle-free Home Purchase

    You will often hear how exciting it is to buy a home, but it’s rarely discussed that the entire experience can sometimes feel overwhelming; you’re making a large investment up front for the down payment, with a lifetime commitment attached. However, buying a home is a fantastic step, and when you’re prepared, it can be exciting and fruitful. The good news is that an experienced real estate agent will inform and advise you as you go through the process. There are also many additional tips you can take in advance to further ensure a hassle-free home purchase.

    5 Tips for a Hassle-free Home Purchase - bhgrelife.com1. Determine Your Wants and Needs

    Before you start looking at homes for sale, you need to determine your wants and needs. Start a list and carefully assess the kind of home you’re interested in, features it must have, and additional amenities that you could live without if the budget calls for cutting. Be as specific as you can so you can find homes for sale that meet your particular requirements.

  • 10 Tips to Know When Moving into Your New Home

    It’s no secret that moving is a difficult, time-consuming task. You pack everything you own into a moving van, only to unpack everything into a new house. What may surprise you is that moving doesn’t actually have to be a daunting experience. There are some excellent tips that can make the entire process easy, effective, and enjoyable. If you are able to hire movers, all the better. In any case, these 10 tips are all you need to know when moving into your new home.

    10 Tips to Know When Moving into Your New Home - bhgrelife.com1. Connect your Internet

    This is one thing that many people forget. If you want to have Internet access as soon as you move into your new home, you need to plan for it ahead of time. Depending on your location and service provider, set-up and wiring can take several weeks to book. So, schedule this prior to the move.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: How to Find a Rent-to-Own Home

    Some people are renters, some people are buyers, and some fall right in between! On this week’s installment of Ask A Pro, our Real Estate pro Karlton Utter, Senior Director of Learning Technologies and Solutions at Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, explains how to begin the process of finding a rent-to-own home!

    Ask a Pro Q&A: How to Find a Rent-to-Own Home - bhgrelife.com

     

    Q: My husband and I are looking for a rent to own home. How do we get started with the process?

    -Nija H.

    A: Great question Nija.  Your first step should be to contact a local real estate professional in the area that can help guide you to locally listed rent to own opportunities.  There are typically not a lot of them available since most investors would like to hold their investment and most folks looking to sell want to cash out and move on. You will also want to contact a financial representative to provide a credit check and walk you through the pre­qualification and mortgage process for this type of purchase.  Each rent to own situation is different.  Before renting a rent to own property, you will definitely want to know what percentage, if any, of the rent is going towards the purchase price.

    -Karlton U.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: How To Landscape a Round, Fiberglass Home

    This week on Ask a Pro, Dream Team member and Outdoor Design expert Carson Arthur shares the landscaping possibilities for a round lake home!

    Ask a Pro Q&A: How To Landscape a Round, Fiberglass Home - bhgrelife.com

    Q: I’m in the process of purchasing a round, fiberglass lake home that was built in 1974. I have some safety concerns about the fiberglass. Also, some landscaping ideas would be welcome. There are double doors in front with a circular driveway. Thanks for the help!

    -Carol D.

    A: The Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate team has researched their archives.  While they couldn’t find anything specifically about fiberglass homes, they did find information about using fiberglass materials. Fiberglass is durable and flexible enough to be installed in any climate and is known to be a fantastic insulator. It will not warp or rot and never needs to be painted. It is a low­ maintenance material.

    Round homes are a great inspiration for any outdoor space. I always try to pull form and shape from the house when planning my gardens. As you are at the beginning stages, I’d start doing my research incorporating round forms into design. My personal favorite spot to start is Houzz.com.

    -Carson A.