Moving After Selling Your Home
November 15th, 2008As banks fall into the abyss all around us, it can be hard to remember that homes are still selling. If you are one of the luck sellers, you will go through escrow. Should you just kick back during this time? Nope. You have to get ready to move.
Escrow is stressful enough in a market like this. The last thing you need is more aggravation. Unfortunately, moving is not known for being a peaceful time. Frankly, it is a good way to test the bonds of your family!
The key to moving after living in a home for years is to pretty simple. Get organized. I cannot emphasize this enough. Have a plan and things will go much better. To this end, here is some advice on minimizing the aggravation of a move.
As a parent, you probably will take on the move yourself. Do not do this. Get kids involved. It will get them immersed in the idea of the move and make them more comfortable. Moving can be hard for kids, so packing is a good distraction.
Turning to actual packing, the first thing to do is build your boxes. To avoid problems, make sure to tape the bottom in both directions so there is plenty of support. Then pack heavy stuff on the bottom followed by lighter items on top.
Remember out plan? Here is a key element of it. Create a map of the new residence. Give each area a number. When packing, mark each box with the appropriate number. Things only have to be moved once with this approach.
The next rule is to modulate. What? Modulate refers to isolating an area of the home. Pack up one room at a time. If you do this, the move will be easier and things will seem to go faster.
Do not pack towels together with the bathroom or linen stuff. Towels are good for cushioning delicate things that are being moved. Use them when appropriate and you can move two things at once.
Towels are not the only packing material you have in your home. Socks are great for smaller items. Many people put stemware in them. The little bit of cushion provided could be the difference between breaking and remaining whole.
George Carlin had it right when he talked about our stuff. We collect a ton of it through the years. Well, it is time to get rid of some of it. If you have not used something in the last nine months, it goes in the trash and not the moving truck.
Obviously, there are exceptions to every rule. Your wedding cake is an exception. Your sweet bell bottom pants from long ago are not. This can be a hard rule to follow, so think of it this way. If it goes in the trash, you do not have to move it.
Look, everyone realizes moving is no fun. The key is to get it done as quickly as possible and with the least amount of fuss. Following these tips will help you do just that.