Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: moving tips

  • 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.

  • Have a Successful Garage Sale Before the Big Move

    Holding a successful garage sale prior to a big move can be a great way to get rid of unnecessary clutter and make your move much easier. A garage sale also offers a great way to earn extra cash to help pay for a moving company, moving truck rental, or other expensive aspects related to your move. Before you start sorting through your belongings and preparing for a garage sale, there are a few things you will want to do to increase your overall chances of success.

    Check Local Laws and Regulations

    Prior to making plans for your garage sale, make sure that your local laws and regulations permit you to hold it on your property. Depending on where you live, you may be required to obtain a permit to hold a garage sale. If you live in a condominium complex, you will want to check with your homeowner’s association regarding any special rules that you should know before having a garage sale.

    Take Advantage of Free Advertising

    Advertising is key to ensuring the largest possible turnout at your garage sale. There are many types of cheap and even free ways to alert the neighborhood about your garage sale including:

    • Post ads on Craigslist and other social media sites such as Craigslist, Facebook and
    • Place fliers or announcements up on local businesses bulletin boards.
    • Place plenty of signs around the neighborhood on the day of the garage sale so people can find your home.

    Keep Pets Inside During the Sale

    You may have the friendliest dog in the world, not everybody is a pet lover. A few of your shoppers may be allergic to your dog or other pets whereas others may be uncomfortable around them. It is best to play it safe by keeping your pets inside during the garage sale.

    Price Items Strategically        

    No matter how well you have taken care of your belongings, understand that they are still going to be purchased second-hand at your garage sale. Keep in mind the following when pricing your sale items:

    • Aim to receive no more than 25 to 30% of the original sale price of each item.
    • When pricing items, make sure the tag is easily visible and clearly labeled.
    • Round to whole dollar amounts to save you some hassle. It will make it a lot easier for you to provide change for an item that sells for $5 as opposed to one that sells for $4.65.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle

    Finally, be prepared for buyers eager to negotiate with you about the sale price of certain items. In most cases, as long as they are not offering a price that is even remotely close to the asking price, it is probably not worth negotiating. After all, the goal of your garage sale is to get rid of unwanted items before the move.

    Follow this advice as you plan for your pre-move garage sale, and you will be ready for the big day. You might even have a little fun in the process!

  • Creating a Floor Plan Before Moving to Your New Home

    If you plan to move shortly, then you have plenty on your agenda to prepare for it. A few of the tasks that are likely to need your attention include finding a moving company, packing, and shopping for furniture for your new place. However, one of the most important tasks may be to create a detailed floor plan of your new home. By allocating time and attention to a floor plan before the move, you will guarantee yourself peace of mind. Not only will your furniture and belongings fit into your new space perfectly, they will provide you the functionality to live there comfortably.

     

    Start With Measurements

    The best way to get started on creating a floor plan of your new space is to take measurements of everything possible that is measurable. You may be able to obtain a copy of your new floor plan to help you with your floor plan, especially if it is a newly constructed home or an apartment. Although measurements of floor plans should be accurate, the scale is not always exact. It is important to take measurements not only of wall space but door and window openings, the distance between electrical outlets and similar areas throughout the house. An accurate measurement allows for a simple process when planning the placement of your furniture. Detailed measurements of your furniture will also ensure it all fits through your doorways.

     

    Utilize Free Online Tools

    If your floor plan is not available, there is the option of creating one yourself. Consider using a free online planning service called FloorPlanner.com. It provides a tool that maps out new spaces easily, accurately and most importantly, quickly. It has a library of tools and objects that allows you to design your floor plans even if you have little or no prior experience.

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    Keep Function in Mind

    As you plan out where your furniture will be placed within your new space, always keep its function in mind. When you are deciding on your furniture placement, try to visualize each room as if it is full of people. The placement of your furniture should allow for a natural flow of movement throughout the room when people are in it. To get the flow of your space right, you may want to collaborate with others and have a brainstorming session.

     

    Plan Time for Changes

    Finally, realize that a digital floor plan is not the same as the real thing. When you move in and set up your new home, expect to make some changes to your floor plan. You may even need to live in your new space for a few days or even weeks before you determine what you are comfortable with and what you are not.

    It is worth taking the time to make a floor plan prior to moving as it will be an immense help in creating less stress, saving time and easing the transition to your new home.

  • Moving to Seattle?

    If you’re relocating to Seattle, you’ll soon discover a vibrant city filled with natural beauties along with some of Washington’s most impressive man-made landmarks, but before actually moving to Seattle, you might want to take some time to get to know city. Make note of the major highlights and points of interest that you want to see and plan a visit into the city. Just to get you started, here are some notable points within Seattle every homebuyer should check out:

    The Space Needle. One of the most recognizable structures in the country, the Space Needle is a prominent building in the Seattle skyline, and it was once the tallest building in the western part of the United States. This structure stands more than 600 feet tall and it has an observation deck where visitors can look out over the city.

    Culture. Seattle is home to the Seattle Symphony, which has been playing for more than 100 seasons and has been nominated for two Emmys and multiple Grammys. Seattle has a variety of museums, but one of the most distinct offerings is the Museum of Flight, which is an air and space museum slightly south of downtown Seattle. The museum holds more than 85 aircraft, including planes from World War I and World War II.

    Coffee Shops. This city is a renown coffee haven, in part because the first Starbucks location was opened in Seattle and is still there today. There are many other high-quality coffee shops in the city and many people credit Seattle with starting the espresso craze back in the eighties. If you’re a coffee aficionado you can take a tour of the top coffee shops around the city and discover your favorites.

    Pike Place Market. One of the most iconic areas of Seattle is the Pike Place Market, which is a large, outdoor public market near the waterfront. Relocating to Seattle means you’ll have access to a market filled with vendors who are selling a wide variety of products. The market has a friendly, energetic and eclectic vibe that both tourists and natives frequent.

    Outdoor Activities. Although Seattle is definitely an urban community, there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities near the city. Seattle is surrounded by water, so residents and visitors alike have convenient access to water recreation such as sailing Puget Sound, kayaking around Green Lake, or fishing in Lake Union. What’s more, Seattle residents are surrounded by multiple biking and hiking trails including Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop, which is a beautiful 6-mile trail that winds around Lake Union. Many Seattle residents and visitors also enjoy spending some leisure time along the Seattle shoreline while taking in the scenic views.

    Seattle is a city that brings together a profusion of attractive elements into one vibrant location. If you’re moving to Seattle, there’s a good chance you’ll find plenty of events, activities and locales to fall in love with.

  • How to Cut Down on Moving Costs

    It is no secret that moving can be an expensive endeavor. When you add up the costs of buying packing supplies, hiring a moving company, renting a moving truck and everything in between, the prospect of paying for it all may seem overwhelming. On the bright side, there are some savvy yet relatively simple ways to cut down on your moving costs. Read on to explore a few of the best ways to make your upcoming move more affordable.

     

    Hold a Garage Sale Prior to the Move

    Why pay to move stuff that you no longer use or want? Consider holding a garage sale in the months or weeks prior to your move as a means of removing clutter and earning some extra cash in the process. For the items that do not sell, you can choose to donate them to a local charity or simply throw them away. Upon completing your garage sale, you will have less to move, and you can start off with a “clean slate” in your new place!

     

    Avoid Moving During Peak Season

    The busiest and most expensive time to move is during the months of summer between June and September. That is because many families choose to move during the summer so that their children’s school years will not be disrupted. If possible, try scheduling your move during a non-peak time of the year. Consider a move during the months of October through April or May. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much cheaper moving services are during this time.

     

    Request Moving Quotes from Several Companies

    Regardless of the time when you are moving, make sure you are receiving the best deal from movers by requesting in-home quotes from at least three different companies. Compare what is included with each quote and check out the reviews of each company before making any decisions. And remember, cheaper is not always better. It may be worth spending a little more money with a company that has an outstanding reputation as opposed to one that is a little cheaper but is not very reputable.

     

    Search for Free Packing Supplies

    Rather than spending your hard-earned money on boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies, check with family members and friends who have recently moved to see if they have any leftover boxes or supplies available. You may also want to talk to employees at local businesses to see if they have any extra cardboard boxes to give you for free.

     

    Save Your Receipts for Tax Time

    Finally, your moving costs may be tax-deductible, so make sure to keep your receipts such as those from your moving truck and moving company. You may be delighted by the credits or deductions you receive during tax time. By following these simple tips, you may be surprised at how much money you can save for your upcoming move.

  • Taking Inventory of Your Belongings before the Move

    You may feel, adding yet another step to the moving process is the last thing you want to do, but moving is the perfect time to take inventory of your home. This is the time when you are most likely to get rid of unwanted and unused items. Having all your household items categorized and documented is a smart idea for insurance purposes too in case of fire, theft or natural disaster. Not only providing a useful record overall, creating a home inventory checklist offers one of the most thorough and efficient ways to catalog your household items before a move. A home inventory checklist is also useful as it can also complement your moving checklist, helping to keep you organized.

    Categorize by Room

    Begin your home inventory by documenting each room. A home inventory also serves as a mini checklist for each room of your house. Whether it’s a nifty moving app from your smartphone or “old school” with a written inventory, you will want to list your home’s contents, descriptions of each item, dates and approximate values. Avoid making this process time-consuming by providing more detail than necessary. Instead, use general categories and descriptions. You will find templates for home inventory checklists online if you need help categorizing items. If you have any high-value items, take photos of these individually, as well as the entire room.

    Fun with Color-Coded Stickers

    Have fun with color-coded stickers to keep track of boxes and the rooms that they were packed. Rather than writing all over the boxes in felt-tip marker, you can assign a color to each room and keep track of your color-codes on your home inventory spreadsheet. Your home inventory can come in handy by also assigning a color code for each room. You will easily know which boxes go where, once they arrive in your new home.

    You may want to grab some graph paper and sketch some room layouts. That will help you to visualize your possessions in your new home. It may also alert you to items that you should consider selling or give to charity.

    Enlist the Help of Others

    Even if you are the sole party responsible for keeping the master household inventory list, you can enlist the help of others in your household. Larger areas, like dining rooms or family rooms, can be split up among family members. The process can be sped up by taking inventory of one area while another takes stock of other areas. It is also helpful to have a color-coded folder for each room and to place within each folder any related inventory lists. Later these can be combined into the overall household inventory.

     

    After the Move

    Once all those boxes have arrived safely in your new home, you will be grateful to have an inventory of your entire home. You will avoid any uneasy feeling that items are missing because you lack a record, and it also ensures you that nothing was lost or stolen on its journey to your new home.

  • Quick Tips for Unpacking

    After you have finished the exhausting process of packing your belongings and transporting them from your previous home to your new home, now comes the daunting task of unpacking. It may seem like an overwhelming project, especially as you are reasonably exhausted from the move. Unpacking immediately after the move will help you feel settled into your new residence more quickly. Here are a few tips that will have you unpacked and feeling “at home” in no time.

     

    Unpacking the Essentials

    You will want to unpack your “essentials bag” immediately, assuming that you packed one for your new home. The essentials bag should include enough clothes and toiletries to enable you to get by until the rest of your boxes are unloaded and unpacked. The clothes and toiletries that you have available from this bag should be put away in your bedroom and bathroom.

     

    Set up Your Kitchen

    The first room you will want to start unpacking is the kitchen. Begin with the boxes labeled for the kitchen. To protect your dishes, install the protective cabinet and drawer liner down to place your dishes on before you unpack them. Make sure to have a ruler handy to measure the sizes of your draws and cabinets.  You may want to wash your utensils or dishes before placing them back as they may have become dirty or full of dust in the packing and transporting process. Also, be sure to plug in and set up any small kitchen appliances that you plan to use right away, such as your coffee maker or toaster.

     

    Make the Beds

    Next, it is time to ensure that everyone in your new household has a comfy place to sleep on their first night. You may want to enlist help when setting up beds and their frames as they tend to be difficult to re-assemble. Unless you have packed your bedding and linens in an airtight bag, you will want to want to wash these too before you make the bed.

     

    Delegating Tasks

    If there are multiple people in your household, delegate tasks to each member, to speed up the process of unpacking the boxes. For instance, if your kids are old enough, allow them to unpack the boxes for their bedrooms. Ask others to help you unpack boxes in more challenging areas such as the garage and basement.

     

    Have Patience

    Finally, accept the reality that you are most likely not going to complete all of your unpacking on the first day of your move. In fact, it may take days or even weeks until you are completely settled in. Do not stress yourself about the pace of your move. Give yourself walking or TV breaks between unpacking rooms or between unpacking individual boxes. Consider leaving the home with the entire family to take a break and to have a mini celebration such as by going for ice cream. Pacing the process of unpacking guarantees a much more enjoyable move-in process and a happy new home.

     

     

  • Tips for Moving out of State with a Pet

    Even if you’re confident about moving and you know all the best relocation tips, you may not know what it takes to move a pet into a different state. Relocating a pet can provide special challenges because you are transporting a living animal and different states have different rules and regulations surrounding pet ownership. The following steps can help you avoid violations of state laws and help make your move as simple as possible.

    Learn Your New State Laws
    If you’ve only owned pets in your current state you may not be aware of what the regulations are in another state. You could suddenly be faced with the requirement of obtaining a license for your cat, or you may need to show proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination for your dog. Find out exactly what you need in order to transport your pet across state lines. Keep these records within reach, as authorities may ask to view them.

    Make Your Pet Easily Identifiable
    Plenty of things can go wrong when you’re moving across state lines, including losing your pet during the rush of packing, driving, and unpacking all your stuff.  You and your pet will be doing a lot of traveling, especially if you are driving. It can be devastating if your pet runs off while traveling through unfamiliar places and ends up unable to find your new home, so prepare for the worst in advance by making your sure your dog or cat is provided with a collar that clearly states your contact information. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip – which is an identifying chip placed under the animal’s skin – consider getting one before you move.

    Visit the Vet
    Even if your animal has recently had a veterinary check-up, it’s wise to schedule a vet appointment close to your move date to ensure that your pet receives the proper vaccinations and treatments before you leave. Your vet can help you determine exactly what treatments your pet needs and what methods of travel he or she recommends. Your vet may also be able to offer relocation tips if your pet has special traveling considerations. For example, if your cat becomes extremely anxious during long trips in a car, some vets may prescribe a light sedative to calm him or her down.

    Determine How Your Pet Will Travel
    While you may be able to book a ticket on a plane, if your dog is over a certain size, he or she won’t necessarily be able to come with you. Similarly, if you’re moving to a new state and you’re planning on taking a long road trip to get there, your cat may be miserable during a long drive. If this is your first time moving with a pet then you need to start preparing in advance so you can keep your animal safe and happy and make any alternate arrangements if necessary. You may also want to look into pet relocation services, which will take care of the logistics of your pet’s move while making sure he or she is completely comfortable.

    Moving with a pet doesn’t have to be complicated or frustrating. If you take the time to prepare in advance, the move can be a relatively stress-free experience for you and your animal.

  • Tips to Consider When Forced to Move During the Winter

    For most people, spring is the ideal time to move, but life does not always follow ideal patterns. If the circumstances in your life make a winter move a necessity, here are some tips to take some of the stress out of the process.

    Keep Winter Gear Accessible

    Make sure to pack your winter gear such as your ice pick, snow shovel, salt and other winter home care items in a designated box or storage container to enable you to access easily them. Keeping salt on hand to melt the ice is essential to keeping your moving crew safe as they head up the sidewalk and into your home.

     

    Send Your Pets Somewhere Else

    Consider having your pets boarded with a kennel or a trusted relative to protect them from the cold temperature of winter. Pets are often lost during a move, simply because they become confused with all the commotion taking place during the move. Owners tend to leave doors open while they are moving their belongings into the home, allowing pets to wander off. A pet that is lost in the winter could easily die if the temperatures are low.

     

    Dress in Layers

    You may find that your heavy, winter coat is too hot once you start the strenuous work of moving. Instead of packing on your heavy coat, dress in layers. When the work of climbing stairs and lifting furniture warms you up, you can shed layers easily while packing yet put them back on when heading back out in the cold.

     

    Watch the Weather

    Become a Weather Channel fan during the week before your move. Know what to expect from the weather before you start the process. Remember, a snowstorm on moving day could result in changes to your planned move. Be flexible with your moving schedule if the weather forecast is ominous.

     

    Have an Alternate Route

    The last thing you want is to slide off the road in your moving truck in bad weather. If you were to encounter foul weather, it would alter any moving plans entirely. If you are forced to move when roads are slick with snow or ice, know an alternate route to take. If traffic gets bad or a particular road has not been cleared well, choose your alternate route to avoid problems.

     

    Set Up Utilities Early

    In the winter, you will crave heat and lights the moment you move in. Make sure you do not forget to call the utility company. You will need to ensure that your utilities are in place and fully functioning, prior to the day of your move.

     

    Protect the Floors

    Finally, be sure to put down some protection for your floors to protect them from any salt, road grime or snow that is tracked into the house during the move. Plastic sheeting or heavy cardboard on major walkways, paths and stairs leading into the house is important.

    Moving in the winter is not convenient, but it can be completed safely and with minimal stress by following these simple tips. Before you know it, you will be warm and cozy in your new home.