Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
Whether you are moving across town or across the country, the logistics involved in packing up all of your possessions, relocating them. and then getting settled in a new home can be intimidating.
When you were younger, you may have just thrown a few things in the back of a pickup: a major professional move is an entirely different affair.
Here are some of the best tips and tricks for making your move simpler and more affordable while saving time and ensuring maximum efficiency. The key? Being proactive, organized and flexible.
By the time you have set aside the money to pay for your closing costs, you may not have a great deal of money leftover to pay for the actual move. Here are 10 ways to make your move more affordable – and a few things that are worth the extra cost.
1. Compare rates for at least three movers to determine who offers the best price for your move. Do not be afraid to negotiate, especially on extra charges and fees.
2. Schedule your move during off-peak periods, including the middle of the month and and the middle of the week. In addition, rates are normally lower in the fall and winter rather than the busier spring and summer months.
3. Get rid of things. Whether you are paying by the hour or by the weight of your items, you will save money by getting rid of things you do not like, do not need and do not use. Don’t pay to move clothes that you do not wear or furniture that you want to get rid of anyway. Have a yard sale or give extra items to charity before you pack.
4. DIY it. If you are moving a long distance and you are confident in your driving ability, you may save money with a do-it-yourself move. Hire movers to fill your rental truck at your current home and empty it at your destination. By driving yourself, you will save significantly.
5. Phone a friend. Similarly, if you have an extra vehicle to haul, you may save by asking a friend to drive it to your destination, then buying them a plane ticket home. This can save you hundreds on the cost of shipping an automobile.
6. Take notes. Keep a careful record of shut-off and turn-on dates for your utilities and services, as well as the billing date for monthly insurance premiums. You don’t want to pay for services and coverage in both places if you can avoid it.
7. Local advantage. If you are moving locally, handle easy-to-move fragile, and valuable items yourself. Consider moving clothing, pictures and bedding in your own car so there is less to box up and put on the truck.
8. Take it to the door. If your movers charge by the hour, stack boxed items as close to the door as possible or even in the garage so they can grab them and put them on the truck. This will save time (and money) because they won’t have to haul items throughout the home.
9. Cushion fragile items. Use sheets, blankets, towels, pillows and other soft items as cushioning for fragile pieces in order to save money on packing supplies.
10. Consider insurance. Look into moving insurance policies to protect yourself in the event that something is lost or broken during transport.
Worth the Extra Dollars
Even if you are trying to save money on your move, there are some items that are worth spending a little more on these include:
Heavy-duty boxes for your most fragile items. While supermarket freebies may work for some things, you will want to have high-quality boxes for dishes or valuables.
Specialty inserts like dish-dividers and glass kits to customize your moving boxes, save you time and save money on bubble wrap.
Color-coded labels with bold-type room indicators. These will make it fast and easy to pack your items and to direct your movers once they have arrived.
High-quality packing tape and tape guns to make packing faster, easier and less frustrating.
Plastic mattress covers to ensure that your mattresses stay clean, dust and bug-free during the move.
Saving Time on Your Move
Here are some other ways to save time throughout the process:
Label boxes carefully and completely. Don’t just label packing boxes with the room that they go in. Add as many details as possible so you know exactly what is in a box before you open it. For example, instead of just writing, KITCHEN write:
KITCHEN
White casserole dishes
Stainless steel mixing bowls
Trivets
Cookie sheets
Cutting boards
This will allow you to ensure that everything is exactly where it should be during your unpacking process. It will also help you to prioritize the order in which you unpack.
Allow your mover to pack and unpack. For an added charge, your mover can pack your entire house before the move, and even unpack once you have arrived at your destination. This can save you days or weeks of gathering supplies and packing up your household before your move.
After you arrive at your new home, items will be unpacked in the room where they belong, and your movers will haul away all of the boxes for you. Then, all you have to do is put each of your belongings in their proper places.
Pack a “first day” box. One of the most annoying things that you will encounter when you move is the amount of time you spend looking for things that you need in order to function during the first day and evening in your new home. By packing a box for each family member with essentials for the first 24 hours, you will save time, energy and frustration.
Pack linens, towels, pajamas, a change of clothes, a coffee cup and other must-haves for the first night and the next morning. For children, pack a favorite toy, favorite book, nightlight and any other item that is part of the bedtime routine.
Remember, there is no place like in your own home. Happy moving! With hugs, love, and warm regards…
For real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “Real Estate Godmother,” at 609-703-0432. Learn more at www.TheRealEstateGodmother.com.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
