Buying a Home: Making a Smooth Move
By Michele Blandino
Moving is never fun. Of course there’s the sense of adventure that comes with moving to a new town. And for those among us who like to shop, moving to a new home usually provides the perfect excuse to go out and buy a few new things.
But even so, moving can be a very stressful experience, particularly if you are moving from a home where you have lived for a number of years. Between having to cull through the mountains of “stuff” you have accumulated over the years, you will have to find a moving company, take care of all sorts of details for your new home, and complete countless other tasks as you prepare to pull up stakes. Indeed, the entire process is enough to make even the most organized person throw their hands up in frustration.
So, how can you navigate through this process without completely losing your mind? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Start Early
Even if you are only contemplating a move, there is no time like the present to begin the sorting process. Start with one room or area of the house – perhaps your closet or the basement – and go through everything. Discard items that you have no use for as well as things you haven’t used in the last year. Having this task completed before you begin packing will not only help that process go more smoothly, because movers typically charge based on total weight, it will reduce your moving costs. And, even if you decide not to move, you will have eliminated some clutter from your home.
Do Your Homework
It is extremely important that you get estimates from several moving companies. It is equally important that you don’t automatically go with the lowest estimate rather you should rely on your own instincts. Remember, the people you select to take care of your move will be responsible for safely transporting your most valued possessions and so you should feel comfortable and confident that they will handle your things with care. If you get the sense that the mover will not be as careful as you would like, choose a different one.
Proper Packing
While most moving companies will pack for you, if you are doing the job yourself, be sure to use the proper materials. The boxes you select should be reinforced so that they don’t break open in transit. Further, as tempting as it may be, you should steer clear of discarded supermarket boxes as these containers may have been weakened by water damage. As an extra precaution, you should consider lining the boxes you use with bubble wrap.
Ask Questions
While movers are usually upfront in telling you about the items they cannot – or will not – move, you should ask about specific items such as paint, aerosols, insecticides, and cleaning supplies. If you have any items that require special handling, be sure to point it out when the mover is preparing their estimate so that you can avoid unplanned additional charges.
For More Information:
To learn more about preparing for your move, you can check out these links:
