Relocation Guide
Every move involves some degree of stress, but there are ways to alleviate even the biggest moves of your life. Some basic planning and research smooths the route to your new home.
Choosing a Moving Company
Price is a major factor when picking a moving company, but you do get what you pay for. Do your research and get several estimates. Ask for referrals and read online reviews. While people are more likely to post complaints than praise, if the same issues keep coming up with a company, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Make arrangements with a moving company at least a month prior to your move. If you’re moving in the peak summer season, you may need to schedule even further in advance. The last thing you want is to find out the good moving companies are booked and you’re stuck with either a second-rate company or have to pay more than planned.
Check Out Your Insurance
Unfortunately, furniture and other items may get lost or broken during a move. When researching moving companies, find out about their liability coverage and to what it applies. Call your insurance company and discuss what your coverage entails during the moving process. The only thing worse than loss or breakage during moving is finding out you’re not insured for it.
Deciding What to Keep and What to Leave Behind
As the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” When it comes to moving, “You shouldn’t take it with you” is more apropos. You likely have numerous possessions that don’t need to make the trip. Keep in mind that taking unnecessary stuff along means you’ll pay more in moving expenses, as well as getting a head start on cluttering your new abode.
If you haven’t used an item in a year or more, sell it or donate it to charity. If something has sentimental value, but you really don’t need it, take a photo as a keepsake.
The Staging Furniture
Realtors know that staging a home correctly helps it sell. Professional home stagers know how to accentuate the positive and tone down any negatives in a dwelling. If you used a home stager for your sale home and absolutely love the look – or know that a stager was used for the house you purchased – you can always negotiate with the stager. Of course, the staging furniture in your former home may not look right in a new setting, but if it’s an improvement on your own furniture, sell your current furniture after making the deal.
Remember the Essentials
There are certain items you don’t want to pack in a moving box. Once you’re in a new home, you’ll need these “essentials,” or you’ll have to go out and purchase things you already have somewhere, but you won’t know where until fully unpacked. Put the essentials in a small suitcase and take it with you. These may include medications, important documents, phone chargers and daily grooming items. If you have kids, they should each have their own essentials bag.
Contact Us
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home or find a rental property, you need a knowledgeable, experienced realtor. We make sure buyers, sellers and renters understand the process every step of the way. Contact Island Realty Group LLC at 808-689-7407 or IslandRealtyGroup@irghi.com.
May 21, 2018