Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: moving tips

  • How to Research Homes When Relocating

    Relocation offers exciting opportunities for a new lifestyle. But, as the saying goes, location, location, location! Knowing how to research homes effectively saves time and sets you up for success elsewhere. Discover the best ways to find your dream home in another city or state.

    Map It Out

    Get to know the layout of the land before you get there. Research locations on Google Maps to determine everything from the climate to the proximity to necessary places, such as shopping and medical facilities. Also, visit WalkScore.com to find out the walkability of local businesses. Once you know the overall neighborhood better, you can research homes in your preferred areas near schools, parks, or shopping.

    Take a Tour

    A personal tour is the most effective way to learn more about neighborhoods. Walking around the local areas during the day and night tells you a lot about the place – from garbage removal to where everyone likes to unwind. Also, talk to the locals to get their opinions and visit sites such as Nextdoor.com for more info. If you cannot make the trip, try joining local Facebook groups and YouTube to watch videos. Real estate agents often provide video tours so you can shop around from your armchair. 

    Review Property Values and Cost of Living

    Before buying a home, check out the area’s property values and cost of living. Sites such as AreaVibes.com provide recent statistics about the market and how much it costs to live in the neighborhood. Then, ensure the area you choose has homes that fit your budget. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval lets you know your purchasing power.

    Consider the Crime Rate

    Real estate agents cannot discuss crime and neighborhood statistics under the Fair Housing Act. This means buyers must research themselves to ensure they move to safe areas. Visiting sites such as NeighborhoodScout.com can help determine the crime level in the new location.

    Find a Reputable Real Estate Agent

    The best way to research homes when relocating is to find a reputable real estate agent with access to the Multiple Listing Service. Buyers can have agents represent their interests when relocating, as the listing agent typically represents the sellers. Ask your agent to send you listings that meet your criteria, so you can start surfing for homes from your smartphone or laptop.

    Think About Renting First

    Think about renting before you make a final move to a new location. Services such as AirBnb.com provide temporary rentals so you can stay in the area for a week or two. Also, your agent can help you find a rental until you buy a home in your new neighborhood.

    Look Into the Schools

    Buyers with children should find the ratings of the local school districts to find homes in the best areas. The GreatSchools.org website provides ratings and reviews from locals, so buyers get a feel for the schooling in the neighborhood.

    Consider Professional Opportunities

    Some people relocate because of their employment, and others need to secure work in a new location—research job opportunities on sites such as LinkedIn.com and Indeed.com to find out what exists in the area. In addition, licensed professionals may need to obtain licensing if moving to another state, so find out the requirements to be ready to work when you get there. Also, find out where jobs in your profession are to find a home nearby.

    Check Out the Chamber of Commerce

    The local chamber of commerce location or website provides a wealth of information about the neighborhood. Research local events, establishments, recreational facilities, and businesses to discover what the place offers.

    Read the Local News and Traffic Reports

    One of the best ways to research homes when relocating is to read the local news and traffic reports. Consider practicing your commute or studying the routes to find typical traffic patterns. The news reports indicate neighborhoods where issues may exist, or housing values are fluctuating. Also, follow social media accounts to get the latest updates from residents to see what’s happening in the new location. 

    Knowing how to research homes makes relocating faster and easier. Work with a licensed real estate agent to find the best homes in your preferred neighborhoods. With modern technology, you may find your dream house from the comfort of your current one!

  • 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!

  • Tips to Keep Your Life and Financial House in Order During a Relocation and Move

    Keeping up with bills and daily chores is challenging when already settled in one place. In addition, staying ahead of everything during relocation and moving can become increasingly difficult. Learn clever tips to keep your life and financial house in order as your transition to a new home.

    Life is a Switch

    Relocation is a significant life change, and you must be well-prepared for it. For example, taking care of business at your old home prepares you to move to the new one.

    Make a List and Check It Twice

    Create a moving checklist of to-do items and keep it handy throughout the move. If you maintain the list digitally, have a paper copy around if you can’t access the Internet while moving. Include everything you need to accomplish for a successful transition, including packing, transferring licenses, and paying bills at the old and new locations.

    Get Organized

    Don’t wait until the last minute to clean out and get organized. Visit the local liquor stores and grocers to get free boxes to gather items together. Organize items by room and colored labels. For example, pack kitchen items in containers with orange labels to show where they belong in your new location.

    Keep Important Documents and Items Safe

    Searching for documentation is time-consuming and frustrating during the confusion of moving. Plus, you will likely need paperwork to make a seamless transition. Keep all necessary documents and items, such as precious jewelry, in a safe place. Consider investing in a safe or locked file cabinet. Another option is to rent a safety deposit box at the bank monthly. If you rent a safety deposit box, find out the hours of access to ensure you can get what you need when you need it.

    man talking on the phone and looking at a computer screen

    Make Moving Plans

    Are you hiring a moving company or renting a truck to do it yourself? Decide how you want to move and schedule the movers and van ahead of time. If you have friends or family helping, budget for soda and snacks to keep them going through the move. Also, remember how you will move vehicles and boats, so you can schedule drivers if necessary.

    Clean Up Last

    Trying to clean as you go is often a waste of time, as everything gets messy during a move. Instead, sweep up the debris and continue packing until the rooms are cleared. It is easier to clean your old house when it’s empty. Also, an unoccupied home is typically less expensive to clean if you hire a professional cleaning service to give you a break.

    Check the Other Side

    Is your new house ready for you? Take time to check out the new place before leaving your old one. Usually, a home is delivered broom-clean and empty so that you can move your stuff in right away. If you cannot visit the new house, ask your real estate agent to check the situation to ensure everything is ready to go.

    Financial House Before Your New Home

    Getting your financial house in order before moving to a new home is crucial to your future success. Know where your money is going so you feel comfortable in your next location.

    Maintain a Financial Planner

    Financing planning is critical to a successful relocation. Work with a team of professionals to get your finances in order, including an accountant, attorney, and mortgage banker. Your real estate agent can often recommend a helpful team if you don’t currently have representation. Make sure you are pre-approved for a mortgage before shopping for your new house. Also, have your financial planning journal to stay on top of money matters. Finally, consider using an app such as Mint.com to track your finances.

    Know Current and Future Expenses

    Remember that your current expenses might not be the same as your future ones. Research the cost of essentials such as insurance, utilities, licenses, and memberships in your new neighborhood, so you are ready to pay them.

    Clear Up Unpaid Bills

    Start paying off outstanding bills a few weeks before moving. Remember there will be utilities and other expenses to cover at the new home. Try clearing up unpaid bills before you leave to avoid paying double costs once you relocate.

    Know Your Credit Score

    After relocation, you may want to apply for memberships and credit in your new neighborhood. Keep track of your credit score to ensure all bills are paid during the hectic moving days and maintain good credit for when you move. Also, it is free to request your credit reports through an app such as CreditKarma.com that can help with credit building, if necessary.

    Keep Track of Installment and Recurring Payments

    From car payments and movie services to gym memberships, most people have several installment and recurring payments to track. Be aware of the dates payments come out of your accounts to ensure you always have enough to cover expenses during the move.

    Save Money

    While saving money during a move might seem impossible, unexpected costs always arise during the journey. Therefore, save as much as possible the months before moving to have a reserve fund for emergencies.

    Job and Professional License Transfers

    Some people relocate for a job, while others must find employment in a new location. Prepare to make job transitions several weeks before moving. If you have professional licenses, find out the rules for establishing your profession in the following place and take the necessary steps, so you have no lapses in employment.

    Research the Cost of Living

    Finally, living costs in one location may not be the same as in another. Always research the general cost of living in your new house to ensure you are well-prepared to cover expenses such as insurance, utilities, and groceries. Also, use a service such as Google Maps to determine the location of important places such as banks, shopping centers, and hospitals.

    Starting Your New Life

    Once you relocate, it’s time to start your new life in another place. A few simple activities can help you feel at home in a new location.

    woman taking things out of a box

    Unpack and Donate

    Schedule time to unpack and set up the new house before returning to work. As you unpack, put aside items that no longer fit into your new life. Use a service such as Craiglist.com to sell unwanted things of value. Show you’re a community-minded person by donating the rest, including moving boxes and packing tape. Consider a site such as FreeCycle.com, where you can post free items and meet people in your new community.

    Register for School, Library, and Community Venues

    Before settling in, register for essential services such as school, library, houses of worship, and other community values. Do you work out at the gym or belong to a professional organization? Find out where to do these activities in your new neighborhood so that you can continue uninterrupted.

    Update Licenses and Insurance

    If you move out of state, you will need a new driver and professional licenses. Also, insurance policies and rates differ based on your location. Contact the insurance companies or your insurance agent to make necessary updates.

    Connect with New Services

    One of the best ways to assimilate into a new location is by connecting with service providers. Research landscapers, cleaning services, contractors, and other essential service providers to maintain your comfortable lifestyle.

    Find Local Medical Providers

    If you take medications, verify your medical records and prescriptions are transferred to a pharmacy and doctor in your new neighborhood. Also, confirm your new medical providers accept your health insurance and are taking new patients. Often it helps to visit the doctors’ offices or call them to make an educated decision. Another option is using a site such as HealthGrades.com to learn more about local medical providers.

    Dive Into Your New Community

    Moving is busy, and you can get caught up in the fast pace of relocating. Take time to breathe, meditate, stretch, and appreciate your new surroundings. Join local social media groups and visit popular gathering sites in the neighborhood, so you’re ready to be part of the action!

    A relocation and move are one of your life’s most exciting and important times. Use these tips to keep your life and financial house in order as you prepare to move into your new dream home!

  • How to Make a Relocation Checklist

    Often it feels impossible to keep track of all the details of moving to a new location. The most efficient moves start by learning how to make a relocation checklist. Now that the contracts are signed and you’re ready for a new home, it’s time to prepare. Discover smart tips to create the ultimate checklist for moving comfortably – and eliminate all the stress!

    How do I make a moving checklist?

    Whether you’re moving across town or to the other side of the country, a relocation checklist helps you stay organized. Start your checklist about two months before moving. Keep a copy in Google documents, accessible from any device or location. Also, print a few copies to have them handy during the move when you might not be accessing electronic devices.

    How do you organize relocation?

    To get organized before a big move:

    1. Start with cleaning out.
    2. Get rid of garbage, old items, and things you don’t want to haul around.
    3. Be realistic about your items because often, people purchase new ones once they move.
    4. From soiled bedding to broken lawn furniture, assess the house and yard to eliminate clutter. When everything unnecessary is gone, it’s easier to organize the rest.

    What are the first steps to relocating?

    The first steps to relocating are researching locations and assembling your professional house-hunting team. Your advisors should include a mortgage banker, accountant, real estate agent, lawyer, handyman, insurance agent, inspector, and cleaning service. Keep in mind they cannot tell you demographics or other details about your new neighborhood. So try to visit the area personally or use Google Maps to get a land layout, including hospitals, shopping, schools, libraries, and other important spots.

    How do I plan a relocation?

    Work with your professional team to plan a seamless relocation. Share your relocation plan with everyone, including friends, family, and the workplace, for a smooth transition. Also, will you hire a moving company or do it yourself? Establish a moving date to have a timeline for scheduling movers or ordering moving supplies. If you hire movers, verify the company is licensed and insured to protect yourself along the way.

    What should you not bring when moving?

    Be honest with yourself about old things around the house and yard. Also, the lighter the move, the less it costs in time, money, and labor. Think about whether moving certain items or buying new ones would be more efficient. Finally, if you haven’t used or worn it in over a year, get rid of it! Get a safe deposit box or lockbox to store essential documents, paperwork, and photos during the move.

    What should my relocation checklist look like?

    Keep your relocation checklist simple to follow throughout the process. A checklist helps you keep everything together during a time of change. Here’s an example:

    What should I do two months before moving?

    • Make a list of chores such as cleaning out the house and storage areas, tidying the yard, cleaning out the closets, and donating or selling old items.
    • Consider selling old items online through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist or hosting a garage sale.
    • Start sorting, labeling, and boxes the items to move. This is an excellent time to decide if you want to hire movers or DIY so that you can get quotes.
    • Remember to register the children for the new school and get records sent from the current one, including necessary medical and vaccination records.
    • Consider licensing and vaccination requirements in the new neighborhood if you have pets.
    • Inventory all valuable items and get any necessary moving, homeowners, renters, and automotive insurance coverage.
    • Consider all current prescriptions and healthcare providers to get records transferred to others at your new location.
    • If you have a professional license or business, prepare to transfer your records and get established as quickly as possible in your new place.

    What should I do one month before moving?

    • Packing gets serious, so start getting plenty of packing tape, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes to organize your items. Some moving companies perform most of the work, but you must still separate your things. Consider saving money by getting boxes from local liquor and grocery stores.
    • Establish a moving date to turn utilities, subscriptions, and alarm providers off at your old location and on at the new one. Consider using a free concierge service to save time, such as Moving.com. Also, remember to provide your new address to the post office to forward all mail directly to important companies, including banks and credit cards.
    • Make travel arrangements, whether you’re driving or taking other transportation. Also, consider how all vehicles and boats will be transported to the new location.

    What should I do seven days before moving?

    • Tackle all last-minute packing and keep essentials on hand, including measuring tape, packing tape, a rolling dolly, permanent markers, labels, and cleaning stuff.
    • Return overdue library books and anything else you borrowed in your old neighborhood. Verify memberships were transferred or established at your new place, including the gym and professional organizations.
    • Wash and pack outdoor items, such as garden furniture and lawn mowers. Consider replacing them after moving to minimize your move.
    • Face off with the fridge and clean it out for the new people. Now is a perfect time for gourmet sandwiches and ordering from your favorite local restaurant for the last time!
    • Pack a bag of essentials for each household member that includes two changes of clothes, a phone charger, toiletries, a computer, medications, water, snacks, and eyeglasses or contact lenses. And remember specialty items for little ones and pets, such as a favorite toy or blanket!
    • Clean up, everybody and everywhere! Make sure your old place is immaculate. Also, consider hiring a cleaning service, so your new residence is move-in ready. Additionally, you may need a locksmith to change the locks at your old and new homes.

    When you’re well-prepared with a checklist for moving, all you need to do is follow it for a smooth move. Now that you know how to make a comprehensive relocation checklist, you can look forward to your exciting new home!

  • Ten Important Steps Before Relocating

    Getting ready to relocate and move is both exciting and challenging. With all the details, being well-prepared is crucial for success. Discover the ten important steps before relocating to ensure a smoother transition.

    1. Do the Research

    Are you moving out of town or to another state? Either way, research to get a feel for the location. Request local brochures and maps from the chamber of commerce to learn more about the various neighborhoods. Researching helps you prepare for a new lifestyle in another area.

    Search online and local townships to familiarize yourself with demographics, schools, crime, and real estate. Also, find out the proximity to places such as shopping, medical facilities, and recreation. House hunters need to learn this information firsthand as real estate agents cannot discuss these factors.

    1. Establish a Moving Budget

    How much will it cost to move? Moving is typically more expensive the further you go. First, consider the cost of travel, packing and moving essential items, garbage removal, storage, and other moving expenses. Then, decide how much you can spend on the move to make decisions such as hiring a moving company versus doing it yourself in a rental truck. 

    Plus, consider other costs after moving. For example, will expenses such as auto insurance cost more? Figure these expenses into your new household budget. Also, will you need to pay taxes in two places? Some questions may require assistance from a financial professional. Finally, always try to put away extra money for unexpected expenses.

    1. Map Out the Relocation Site

    Do you know the place you’re moving to? If possible, visit the relocation site to map out the area. Then, visit local venues to feel the neighborhood and decide where you would be comfortable. Also, many home buyers want to live near places of employment to minimize their commute.

    Consider whether you want to be near shopping and schools or natural features, such as parks and lakes. Google Maps can help you figure out the layout, especially if you can’t take a trip to the place. In addition, understanding the layout of the land enables you to search for properties in preferred areas.

    1. Get Organized

    Do you have everything you need together? Getting organized is critical during the hectic days when you relocate and move. Establish a moving file that stays with you through the journey. Include necessary paperwork, such as deeds and recent tax returns. Consider storing personal documents in a safe deposit box, such as birth certificates and marriage licenses. Remember to take them with you when moving.

    Then clean out your home and storage unit to streamline the moving process. Most people have more unnecessary items around than they think. If this is the case, get a dumpster to quickly and efficiently dispose of junk. Plus, your house shows better when it is tidy and uncluttered. 

    1. Assemble Your Professional Team

    Are you ready for some help relocating? A successful move requires assistance from a professional team. First, find your preferred mortgage broker, real estate agent, accountant, lawyer, moving company, and handyman. Verify their credentials and discuss the terms to ensure everything goes smoothly. Also, choose professionals who communicate effectively and make you feel at ease.

    Then ask the critical questions about relocating so you are well-prepared. For example, a mortgage pre-approval helps you know how much you can spend on a new house. A dedicated team provides valuable information to help you make the best decisions.

    1. Find a New Home

    Are you prepared to relocate and move? Once everything is in order, it’s time to find your new home! Enlist the assistance of your professional team to find the right house. Also, your real estate agent can offer resources to help you search online to find potential properties. Finally, remember to include house hunting time in your busy schedule.

    If your employer is paying for relocation, get the financials in order. Are you unable to travel to see the homes? Fortunately, video tours and 3D visuals help house hunters shop remotely. Ask your agent about live tours on social media so that you can ask questions along the way. Once you find the right house, work with your team to prepare the paperwork and review the terms to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

    1. Plan Out Packing

    What do you need to be comfortable in your new house? Many people relocating decide to buy new furniture and essentials. If so, make sure to have accurate measurements for everything to fit correctly in the rooms. However, you will still need to move clothing, photos, and other personal items.

    Start by packing a suitcase of necessities for each household member if the move is delayed or items are lost. Everyone will be more comfortable with a change of clothes and underwear, pajamas, and toiletries. Are you hiring a mover or doing it yourself? Either way, get the essential supplies and mark everything so unpacking is easier.

    1. Monitor Memberships and Licenses

    Are you a professional, drive a car, or have pets? Relocating out of state usually means getting new licenses. Find out the requirements to get to work, drive, and have the dogs when you move. Plus, keep in mind items such as a library card that you’ll need in a new neighborhood.

    Other considerations are club memberships and utilities. If you belong to a community organization, you may need to join another chapter or club when you move. Additionally, you may need utilities in two locations to move smoothly. Simplify the process using a free moving concierge service, such as Moved.com.

    1. Pick the Moving Date

    Are the contracts signed and a closing date set? Now it’s time to choose the moving date! 

    Keep in mind factors such as work and school schedules, weather, and availability of movers to pick a date. Also, moving during the holidays or weekends often means paying higher service rates. 

    Ideally, start packing about a month before the moving date. Give yourself plenty of time sorting, organizing, ordering moving supplies, and packing. Take advantage of services such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill that pick up donations for free, such as furniture or bedding in good condition.

    1. Be Ready for Your New Neighborhood

    Are you ready for your new neighborhood? From joining a new gym to establishing a primary care physician, start preparing for the move. Cancel old memberships and create new ones. Also, ask for essential records to register for school and new medical providers. For example, many schools request evidence of immunization.

    Also, are you driving to the new house? If not, you may need to schedule a car transfer service. Remember to forward your mail, register to vote, and let everyone know you are relocating. Finally, consider hiring a cleaning service and handyman so you can move in with peace of mind. And make sure you have keys to your new house – and you leave keys for the new owners of your old one!

    Are you concerned about deciding to relocate and move? That’s okay because everyone feels that way. However, following these ten important steps before relocating helps ensure a smooth move!

  • How to Get Organized and Find Your Zen Before a Move

    Some studies indicate moving and the associated organization in the home is more stressful than divorce, and certainly the sheer volume of detail involved in separating from either a person or a place can be overwhelming.

    If you’ve ever used professional movers you may have noticed they are, for the most part, calm, quiet people who don’t seem to get ruffled by much. You have to think movers, like first responders, have in many ways seen it all. If you want to find your zen before a move so you can be as calm as your movers on your actual moving day, here are a few tips to help you get organized and make things a whole lot less stressful.

    Make a Master List

    An investment in a small divided notebook is a good idea when planning your move. Create different sections for utilities, schools, packing materials, mover research, cleaners (indoor, outdoor, and carpet), and another for furniture, clothing, and electronic disposal. Include emergency numbers for not only doctors and immediate family, but also for babysitters and food delivery.

    In fact, write down the numbers of everyone you might need to contact and don’t rely on your cell phone without a back-up plan. If you can’t find your phone or someone has helpfully packed it for you in the craziness of moving day, having utility account numbers and phone numbers will make life a lot less stressful.

    Purge Early and Often

    Part of what makes moving stressful is the packing process. It forces us to confront the material objects of our lives. Just throwing things in boxes subverts this process. Painful though it may be to go through clothes, bills, toys, bank statements, and electronic equipment, just throwing it into boxes and concluding you’ll deal with it at the unpacking end is inefficient, expensive, and ultimately depressing. 

    Think in terms of, “Do I want you in my new life?” and “Do I need you in my new life?” Depending on how much notice you have that you’re going to be moving, you might want to start digitizing paper records and old family photos, saving to cloud or removable storage devices as additional backup.

    Make Time for Packing

    The only time packing is truly enjoyable is when it isn’t rushed. Because packing can be an emotionally as well as a physically taxing experience, we tend to put it off. If you find you’re procrastinating about starting to pack, ask a friend to come over to keep you company while you’re doing it. 

    They don’t have to do anything physical (although take them up on the offer if they say they want to start by assembling some boxes for you). They’re there for moral support and to gently suggest that perhaps a photo of a once-cherished, now decrepit object would be enough of a memento.

    At the very least, your boxes will need to be labelled. Since they’re going to be stacked, label them on the sides and on at least one long and one short side so you can read the labels no matter which way the movers pile them on top of each other. Professional movers number and tag each and every box. You don’t necessarily have to go that far. But a color coding system so kitchen boxes end up in the kitchen rather than the bedroom is a pretty easy system to set up and can save you hassles on moving day.

    Create a Go Bag

    In the same way you want a go bag if you have to travel frequently or unexpectedly for work, or you’re about to have a child and want to prepare for your hospital stay in advance, creating a moving “go bag” is a good idea.

    Use a large tote and stock it with a few things like a spare T-shirt or two, some wipes, a comb, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Leave most of the bag empty, because this is where you’re going to stash things like an Exacto knife to open up boxes, rolls of tape you’ve used to seal the last box, your computer modem or router, and perhaps even your laptop.

    This is also where you should start collecting things like phone chargers. Having your life stored in your phone is great until the battery is dead and you can’t find a charger or you’re in a dead zone and can’t get cell service.

    Leave the go bag out on the counter and don’t try to stock it with much of anything. It will be your last-minute savior when you spot things you don’t want to leave behind but want to pack.

    A couple more tips to help you find and maintain your zen before a move: get more boxes, packing material, and tape than you think you will need. Having too much is not the tragedy being two boxes and one roll of tape short on moving day can be. Also, consider hiring professional cleaners so you can remove that stress from the whole moving equation. They aren’t all that expensive, and an empty house is so much easier to clean than an occupied one.

  • Moving Tips and Tricks to Save Time and Your Sanity

    No one enjoys packing for a big move, but that doesn’t mean moving needs to make you lose your sanity. With a little preparation before moving day, the actual move will go smoothly and you’ll feel a lot less stressed. To get started, take a deep breath, read the following packing tips and then get to work.

    Don’t procrastinate

    The time to start packing isn’t a week before you move, or even a month. You’ll want to start packing many months before your move so you can be as thoughtful as possible about what to unload, what to take with you and how to make it all happen.

    To begin, start packing areas of your home and yard that don’t get a lot of traffic. Clean out your garage and storage spaces. Empty the shed of everything except the essentials. If you tackle at least one room or yard space per week, you’ll be in good shape.

    Create a to-do list

    Moving takes a lot of coordination and it’s easy to forget something. Therefore, make a list and write down everything you need to do that is associated with your move. Do you need to repaint your home before moving out? Write it down. Also write down things such as forwarding your mail at the post office and giving out your new address.

     

     

    Contact movers many weeks in advance

    Once you have an idea of when you’d like to move, the next thing to do is call movers three or four weeks in advance. You’ll want to read reviews of movers on Yelp and Google to ensure plenty of other people have had a good moving experience.

    If you decide to forego hiring professionals, make sure to schedule a rental truck and make sure you have people to help on the day of the move.

    Purchase packing tape, bubble wrap and other packing materials

    A common moving mistake is to use boxes from the liquor store or whatever other packing materials you have sitting around. A big professional packing tip to remember is that moving companies will only move well-constructed boxes and furniture, not bags or other items. If possible, use the original boxes that came with your electronics and other delicate items.

    More than anything, it’s important to pack things in an orderly fashion using boxes can easily be stacked into the moving van or truck. Make sure to add enough tape to the bottom of your boxes to ensure they won’t break open during your move.

    Also, while you may be tempted to simply wrap precious items in newspaper, an affordable packing material to use is bubble wrap, which can be purchased by the roll.

    Purge, donate, and sell

    Look around your kitchen. You’ll probably notice that you have more pots and pans than you need, an extra cheese grater, or a basting pan that you haven’t used for many years. Now look around your living room, bedrooms and bathroom. Chances are there are things in each room that you can and should unload. Have a large library? Donate some of it to your nearest public library or look online to find out which nonprofits in your area accept books. The more you purge and donate, the less you have to move.

    You’ll also want to sell some of your gently used things- that wedding gift that’s been sitting for ten years in a closet, for example, and furniture that might not fit the style of your new home.

    Although moving often feels stressful, you can take a load off by carefully following the packing tips listed above. Make sure to relax. If things start to feel overwhelming, take a break, sit back with a cool drink and remember that because you’ve planned so far in advance, your sanity will be kept intact.

  • 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.

  • How to Downsize Your Home

    It’s not unusual to downsize to a smaller home at one point or another; a smaller home is something that many people look forward to and take advantage of as they get older.

    You may be wondering if it’s time for you to start downsizing and start a new chapter in a smaller space. Whether you’re an empty nester looking for fewer maintenance requirements or simply interested in a smaller space, there is one thing that is inevitable: You will have to get rid of some of your stuff. This is somewhat bittersweet, but you get a chance to go through all of your belongings and determine what truly needs to make the trip to your new destination in life. Follow these tips to make the downsizing process significantly easier.

    How to Downsize Your Home - bhgrelife.comList it or Leave it

    The first step to downsizing is to make a list of the things you absolutely need. Items that don’t make the cut shouldn’t come to your new house. It’s important to do this at least three months prior to the move to ensure you have an ample amount of time to go through your items and think about whether or not you need them.