Preparing for Your Move

Starting up

Homeowners sell their homes for a variety of reasons. Moves may be prompted by a job switch, a growing family, retirement, or perhaps wanting to be closer to family. While moving to a new home is exciting, preparing for a move can be a daunting task. Moving can be emotional for senior citizens who have lived someplace for a long time. It’s also challenging for those who lack the physical strength to pack and carry furniture. Personal situations aside, it’s essential to prepare for your move to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

You’ve decided to sell your home, and you are preparing for your move. Here are three starting points:

1. Research moving options/review budget. In the initial stages of planning for a move, sellers must decide whether to rent a truck and move things themselves or hire a professional mover. The DIY option is generally optimal for light moves (some boxes, no furniture) or for folks with able-bodied friends and family willing to pack and move boxes and furniture. In consideration of the budget, the DIY option is typically much less expensive when using volunteer helpers. Going the professional route costs more money, but there are benefits. Advantages of hiring professional movers include saving personal time and energy and reducing the stress of moving. Professional movers have experience in packing and transporting goods, so possessions are generally protected.
2. Arrange help/do your homework. Think about the scope and size of your move.This will influence the amount of help you’ll need.Acquiring assistance can ease the process of moving. However, it likely includes asking friends, neighbors, church members, or other volunteer groups to pitch in. One may also hire help, such as employing a professional organizer to organize and declutter or a moving company to pack and move. Ahead of hiring professionals, get referrals from friends/family/neighbors and do your homework by reading company reviews, by narrowing down the services and time you require assistance, and by reviewing costs.
3. Set a date for your move/book it. Moving day is generally influenced by the closing date of the sale. Knowing this date enables sellers to book a moving truck or company in advance. Understand that booking moving services ahead of time is generally essential. It also helps sellers set a schedule for accomplishing goals, such as decluttering ahead of moving, gathering supplies and packing, disassembling furniture, and deep cleaning when you leave. Preplanning offers opportunities to create a detailed moving checklist to stay organized and track tasks. When booking a vehicle or committing to a mover, carefully read contracts in full so that you understand charges, services, insurance coverage and details pertinent to the agreement.

Going forward Now that you’ve 1) researched your moving options and reviewed your budget, 2) arranged help and done your homework and 3) set and booked your moving date, you’re ready for: The next step in preparing for your move.