Lots and lots of closings this fall and so many people moving out and/or into a home the process can be a stressful and hectic time. Most of you know that moving is tough, not only physically but emotionally. Stress levels are high, nerves are frayed, and the kids want to “help”. It is a lot of work and not a lot of fun. Here are some suggestions for buyers and sellers that hopefully provide some help:
Start by talking to the children about the move. Depending on where you are moving to it can be traumatic for younger children. Prep them in advance so they can prepare mentally.
When trying to find a mover talk with friends, neighbors and even your REALTOR® for a referral or referrals. The mover should come to your home well in advance and give you a quote in writing. Give the mover all your numbers as well as getting theirs. Confirm a few days before the move. While shopping for a mover, check out insurance and call your homeowner’s insurance agent to see if you are already covered.
Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and from the sides of the carton. Be sure to point out or mark the boxes in which you’ve packed fragile items. Label your boxes, especially the one containing sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need the first night in your new home.
The more you can put in boxes yourself the less it will cost you in moving charges. Movers charge by volume and time. If they are there putting your spoons, knives and forks into boxes you are going to run up a big bill.
Create two “open me first” boxes containing snacks, coffee and toiletry items, flashlight, bedding, paper plates, cups and utensils, paper towels, and any other items your family can’t do without. Ask your mover to load one of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first. Why the second box? In case the movers are delayed getting to your house on the day of the move.
Start to clean out things well in advance. Plan a yard sale to sell your items. You are being charged by the mover for everything trip they make from your house to the truck, so if you don’t need it, get rid of it.
Save your bills, any mortgage info, documents related to your sale or purchase and medical records. Put them in a place where they won’t get packed away.
If you are buying and selling a home in the same day make sure that your mover can store your items for short periods of time in case something unforeseen takes place.
Don’t spend the first day or night attempting to unpack anything but the bare necessities. You may be too tired to do anything more than put sheets on the bed but try to put something up that the whole family can relate to; maybe a picture or two, an item from a family trip or some decoration that you bring out every year near a holiday.
Moving into a new home should be a happy time. We all know how nerve-racking moving can be but by following some of these tips you can relieve the hassle and anxiety and get you that much closer to enjoying your new home
If you have any questions about this article, real estate in general or are looking to buy or sell a home please contact me, John McCarthy at Rowley Realty, 165 Main St., Rowley, MA 01969, Phone: 978 948-2758, Cell 978 835-2573 or via email at john@rowleyrealestate.com
