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Edwin Fishel Tuccio |
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Edwin Fishel Tuccio |
Five Steps for a Sane Move
Stay calm by planning ahead!
A family recently bought a new house only two blocks from their old one. Moving two blocks might sound easy, but think again. Both houses needed cleaning, paint touch ups and EVERYTHING needed to be packed up, transported, carried into the new house and set back up. While they may have saved a little on rental truck mileage, their move was just as strenuous as a New York to California move.
No matter how far you're moving, it's a large project. You can learn a lot from this family's experience.
1. If you don't use it, leave it
Packing is a blessing in disguise. It's the perfect time to get rid of items that have somehow (hey, nobody's blaming anyone) collected in your home. Look at each item and think to yourself: "Do I use this? Do I need this?" be honest. A general rule of thumb is if something hasn't been used in over 12 months, seriously consider selling or donating it. Help from a family member of friend will ensure you remain objective.
Give it away. Check with schools, libraries, & charities to see who will pick up your donations. Be sure to get a receipt.
Sell it. Have a yard sale. Or check into selling items using an online auction.
Throw it away. Start cleaning early if you are limited to a certain amount of trash each week. For volume, take a load to the city dump (usually for a fee).
2. Consider hiring help
Sometimes it's best to leave the job to those who do it best: the professionals.
Think cleaning service. If you can afford it, hire someone for both ends of your move. This will save you several hours' work.
If you don't feel comfortable driving a rental van, hire a moving company. be sure to interview and get estimates from several companies. Your best bet is to get recommendations from friends.
3. Call in friends and family
Stop & count. Over the years, how many friends have you helped move? How many times did you watch your brothers kids for free? how many times did you help your neighbor trim branches that hung over the fence? it's time to call in a few favors:
Ask a few people over one evening to help pack boxes.
Call a few friends to help paint one Saturday.
On the day of the big move, call lots of people to help. The old adage "many hands make light work" is true.
4. Order plenty of packing supplies
Remember not to skimp on packing materials. Be sure to have plenty of boxes, tape guns, tape, marking pens, packing materials, bubble wrap and packing peanuts available. Your volunteers can take what you don't use.
5. Plan ahead for food, drink, & other essentials
Now that you've got your volunteers (and professionals) lined up, keep them happy and well fueled. Plan ahead for provisions:
All-day noshes. Earlier in the week, buy plenty of paper cups & plates, plastic utensils, soft drinks and hearty hand-sized snacks (such as granola bars or oatmeal cookies, cherries or plums, and party mix).
Breakfast. If ten people are showing up at your house first thing in the morning, coordinate with a local bakery or bakery to pick up a tray of food.
Easy lunch or dinner. Think food that is fast, filling and easy to eat when all the tables and tableware are packed away (such as submarine sandwiches, fried chicken, or pizza).
Additional General Moving Tips
Check the calendar
Certain times of the year are busier moving times. It's wise to plan ahead and make sure there is availability on the day you want to move.
It is important to book your moving services well ahead to secure your ideal moving date.
Remember that time is important on moving day. For distance, if you have a waterbed, it is likely to take around two hours to empty the water! So plan ahead and consider doing certain tasks the night before.
Don't Make Avoidable Mistakes
When looking for properties, don't forget to measure the space for the refrigerator and other kitchen or laundry appliances.
Find out if your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers your belongings in transit.
It is important to remember that all pools and spas that can hold water must have appropriate barriers to prevent access by young children.
Don't forget to be environmentally friendly! Flatten all your moving boxes for recycling. Many moving companies will pick them up after your move.
Don't Forget the Bills and Expenses
It is important to arrange finances for quick cash to cover unexpected emergency moving-related expenses.
Make sure that direct debit and billing links to your bank accounts are organized to handle any charges resulting from your move.
Be sure to settle all bills that may be overlooked in the move a few days before moving day.
Take Care of your Food
Be prepared to order take-out food or eat out on the first couple nights in your new home. Chances are you'll feel too tired to cook, but even if you do feel like cooking, most of your kitchen appliances will probably still be packed away.
Make sure you use up your frozen foods or dispose of ones you have not used. Never let them thaw and try to refreeze them again. Not only will be there less to transport, but you will also avoid the risk of food spoilage.
Enjoy your Old Home, New Home, and Even Moving Day!?
You will be able to browse through some memories in years to come by making a video or album of your old home. Don't forget to include neighbors and friends!
You'll have more time to enjoy setting into your new home if you clean your belongings before they are moved.
Fun music will create a positive mood when it's time to start packing and unpacking. Turning the TV on may be too distracting.
How do People come out of Moves: Alive, Happy, and with Most of Their Belongings in Tact?
Use colorful tags to indicate each destination if your furniture and household items are being delivered to different locations.
A couch can usually be moved into your new home more easily by standing it on end and twisting it through the doorway.
a close friend or relative can help out on moving day by acting as a message center for you if you don't have a mobile phone.
Don't despair if you are not totally happy with your new home on the day you move in. Keep in mind that most homes can be adapted over time to suit your lifestyle and tastes.
Hopefully these tips will help you with your move.
For further information call - (631) 727-6644: Edwin Fishel Tuccio/Real Estate
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