Top 4 Moving Tips
According to the National Association of Realtors, it takes around 18 days for houses to sell. This means you only have a little time to prepare for the move. Here is some expert advice to help you get packed up and ready to move to a new place!
Book Movers ASAP
It’s essential to book a moving date as soon as possible to secure the right-sized truck and the correct services. Waiting until the last minute can limit your chances of getting the right deal. Before hiring a moving company, ensure they are licensed and insured. Ask questions about timelines and down payments.
Also, consider insurance - a good moving insurance policy will protect you if something goes wrong while moving across the country or around the corner. Although your homeowner's policy might cover damaged items in transit or stored, it won't cover you if a mover accidentally drops an expensive mirror inside a box. Some policies only cover 60 cents a pound. Read the fine print and do the research.
Minimize What You're Taking
When you're already planning on buying new furniture, you could consider selling your home furnished. This will allow you to pack up and move quickly. Depending on the situation, you might have a buyer who will appreciate the various pieces you're not taking with you.
If you’ve lived in your home for a few years, you may have accumulated a lot of stuff. Before you start packing up and selling your possessions, make sure you have a clear plan for the rest of the items - will you plan to sell, trash, or donate any items?
Pack It Up
One day per room is a good rule of thumb when packing up your house. If you have a lot of furniture in certain rooms, such as the kitchen and garage, you might add another day to the packing schedule. You can also save a lot of time and stress by hiring a couple of experienced movers to pack your things. However, you should expect to pay an additional 75% to 100% of the moving costs.
You will also need boxes for various storage areas, such as the garage, basement, laundry room, attic, and wardrobes. You can also pick up heavy-duty boxes at most home improvement stores. Try not to overpack any boxes; if they're too heavy, they are more likely to break.
To keep things organized, label the boxes' contents, so they don't get covered up. You can also keep a notebook handy to keep track of all the details of your inventory. Also, keep a folder of all the essential documents (passport, lease, insurance information, etc.) you need close by - it's much easier to have copies in one folder instead of packed away deep in a box somewhere.
Out of Time?
If you still need more time to move out, you might want to negotiate a rent-back agreement. This allows you to stay in the property for a certain amount of time after the sale. This can be helpful if you need the capital from the purchase to make a down payment on a new home or if you have a construction delay. You might consider a short-term rental to give yourself more time to find a new place. This extra time can help you avoid rushing into buying a new home that doesn't fit your needs just because you're out of time.
What’s your best advice for getting a home packed up quickly? How do you keep your big moves efficient and organized?