General Moving Tips
A coat of fresh paint is a cheap and effective way to rejuvenate tired furniture to look fantastic in your new home. After you've moved, it's a good idea to let all your electrical appliances return to room temperature before plugging them in. Don't forget to be environmentally friendly! Flatten all your moving boxes for recycling. Many moving companies will pick them up after your move. Before you begin to unpack, don't forget to wipe out all cupboards and shelves. You can also use shelving paper to line cupboards and drawers. Boiling cinnamon sticks will give your kitchen a clean, fresh scent. It's important to tape your microwave shut and remove the glass plate from your microwave before you move. 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 or friend will ensure you remain objective. You'll have more time to enjoy settling into your new home if you clean your belongings before they are moved.
If you're planning on hiring a mover, but want to keep your costs low, consider doing your own packing. You can also save time and purchase your packing boxes in advance. Remember that time is important on moving day. For instance, 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. It is wise to arrange finance for quick cash to cover unexpected or emergency moving-related expenses. You'll be able to browse through some wonderful memories in years to come by making a video or album of your old home. Don't forget to include neighbors and friends! Make sure that direct debit and billing links to your bank accounts are organized to handle any changes resulting from your move. 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.
Most gas, water and electricity companies require several days of prior notice for disconnecting and reconnecting your services. Contact your individual utility companies for specific details. Be prepared to order take-out food or eat out on the first couple of 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.
Planting a few self-seeding perennials can be a cheap and effective way to add color to your new garden. Your local newspaper can be a great resource for finding out about facilities, services and events in your new neighborhood. Try listing your property on the web. There is a strong real estate presence on the Internet, and this could be a great way of attracting a large number of buyers.
Want to create a homely atmosphere? Try baking a loaf of bread or brewing a pot of coffee just before your home is open for inspection. Don't forget these details when inspecting properties: check out where TV, phone and internet connections are located. Do research when you can…if possible, try to talk to neighbors or visit a close by coffee shop. The more first hand knowledge you have of a new area, the better. When looking for properties, don't forget to measure the space for your refrigerator and other kitchen or laundry appliances Important documents such as wills or deeds, jewelry, photographs, and home videos are impossible to replace. It's wise to consider moving these and other important belongings to a safety deposit box while you move. Find out if your homeowners or renters insurance policy covers your belongings in transit.
Did you know that 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 of moving day by acting as a message center for you if you don't have a mobile phone. It is important to remember that all pools and spas that can hold water must have appropriate barriers to prevent access by young children. You will need to consider your current work situation and whether it's important to live close to work before you decide where to live. It's a good idea to compare measurements of the doorways and hallways in your new home. You may actually need to sell or donate some items. Fun music will create a positive mood when it's time to start packing and unpacking. Turning the TV on may be too distracting.
Garage sales are a great way of getting rid of those unnecessary and unused items. If you are holding a garage sale, decide beforehand whether you will negotiate or fix prices. Regardless of what you decide, it's a good idea to price ticket everything. Use colorful tags to indicate each destination if your furniture and household items are being delivered to different locations. Improving the security in your new home will not only give you peace of mind, but will also lower your insurance premiums. Be sure to settle all bills that may be overlooked in the move a few days before moving day. Remember to contact your local post office and fill our forwarding address forms. Additionally, leaving a small welcome card with your forwarding address for the people moving into your old home is a nice way of asking for any additional pieces of your mail to be redirected.
It is important to make it quite clear to prospective buyers/tenants exactly what is included with the property. Are any appliances included? What about window treatments, rugs, etc.? You should always shut and lock all windows and doors as you leave your old home on moving day. More hands make the workload lighter as long as everyone knows what they're doing. Delegate specific duties to your helpers on moving day. Many movers will be able to make special arrangements for transporting your plants and pets. New wall hangings, cushions, and throw rugs can be an extremely cost effective way to adapt your color scheme to complement your new home. Before the move, start using up most of your food items. Not only will be there be less to transport, but you will also avoid the risk of food spoilage. 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.
It is important to book your moving services well ahead to secure your ideal moving date. Budget wisely for your move. There are always unexpected expenses that pop up as you settle in. You may need a new hose or other forgotten items. Things that you have a hard time parting with, but which will inevitably be stored in a garage, storage facility, or shed after the move should be packed in stackable containers that are rodent and dust proof.