Whether you’re moving within the state, from the other side of town or across the country, moving can be a daunting task. Proper planning and preparation is important of course, yet life circumstances — such as a job relocation or a quicker-than-expected sale of your home — may not give you as much time as you’d like to get ready. Moving is viewed by many people as one of life’s most stressful events, but it doesn’t have to be. With these helpful tips, your next move may just be a little easier.
Tip one: Set a realistic moving budget
Moving can become quite costly and many often underestimate the cost of moving. After calculating your moving costs, (boxes, movers, repairs, deposits, utilities, travel, renovations, etc.) add an extra 15-20% to your budget for any unexpected costs. Moving can be stressful enough so there’s no use adding extra financial strain. Begin saving for your moving costs as soon as possible.
Tip two: It’s time to get rid of any extra baggage
And by baggage, we mean junk. Moving is the perfect time to purge unwanted items that have been cluttering your home. The more things you have, the more you have to move. So if you have some things that have seen better days or items that are rarely used, it may be time to let them go. Items that are still in good condition can be donated to charity or sold to help with moving costs.
Tip three: Organize, organize, organize
Moving, and then later unpacking, will feel like less of a chore if your things are properly organized. Make a to-do list so nothing gets missed. When packing, make sure to mark your boxes and items correctly. Marking boxes by room will allow you to find what you need and make unpacking more timely.
Tip four: Keep your essentials and valuable items close
When moving a whole house, it’s easy for small things to get misplaced. Place all sensitive items such as passports, birth certificates, family jewelry and other important items in a small box that would be easy for you to locate. Also, pack a separate box or two with the items you will need right away, the night you move in. That way, you’re not searching through piles of boxes for items such as your toothbrush, PJs and medications.
Tip five: Plan for necessary repairs, renovation and cleaning
If possible, make any necessary repairs before moving into your new home. Renovations such as painting, new flooring, or renovations to the kitchen are easiest to do before moving in. If you’re moving out of a rental property, it’s important to plan for ample time to clean your former home and leave it in the same condition as when you moved in.
If you’re moving over a great distance, it may be wise to look into moving insurance. And if you have pets, it’s important to make a moving plan for your furry family members to ensure their safe travel. Also, become familiar with your new neighborhood ahead of time and take note of the location of grocery stores, gas stations and home improvement stores. You may be making a few trips to these places during the first week in your new home.
Whether you’re buying, selling or renting, our agents at Showcase Properties of Central Florida can help you with any of your real estate needs. Contact us for more information!