Categories Home Inspection

8 Ways to Keep Calm During Your Next Move

moving

The U.S. Census Bureau reported over 36 million Americans moved homes in 2016. Moving homes is usually one of the top most stressful events people go through in their life.

The thought of having to pack up every single thing you own just to unpack it again can be overwhelming.

If you or a loved one is about to take on a move, then stick with us for some hacks to make your move sweeter and stress-free.

Today we’re going to review some of the best tips to make your move easier

1. Take Pictures

The small stuff is what usually makes us the most aggravated, don’t waste a single second trying to remember where all those cords behind the TV go or how you had your bookshelf arranged.

Take photos before packing, and you’ll be able to re-create your home in no time easily.

2. Purge

Separate your clutter into three groups: Sell, Donate and Toss. For big price items take a few pictures and try to sell online, or if time permits host a garage sale.

Donate non-saleable items and toss the junky stuff. When it comes to clutter in the kitchen eat your way through all the small stuff you have lying around the pantry and fridge or host a potluck with friends as a farewell to your old home.

3. Make Time to Pack

Clearing your calendar and allowing yourself large chunks of continuous packing will be more efficient than small spurts of packing time throughout the week.

Ask for a day off and don’t make any plans, devote yourself solely to packing and organizing.

4. Avoid a Tangled Mess

Wind your extension cords and loose cable into old toilet paper rolls to save space and a headache when packing.

5. 20 x 20 Rule

If you find it difficult to “purge” your things, consider the $20 in 20 minutes rule. Is it something that if needed you could find it in 20 minutes for under $20? If so, let it go for now!

6. Stock up on Boxes

I know we just gave you tips on how to get rid of clutter, but accumulation isn’t always a bad thing.

This is true especially when you’re going to need lots of boxes and packing materials. Ask friends or grocery stores for old boxes that you can use during your move.

7. Delegate

Don’t take on too much; it’s okay to ask for help.

For smaller chores look at the app TaskRabbit to get help for things like breaking down furniture or organizing boxes.

8. Home Inspection

If you’re selling your old home, you’ll benefit greatly from a professional home inspection. Let us help you get the most money out of your home!

A pre-listing inspection will give you ammunition in the negotiation process. Before you take even one box into your newly purchased home be sure, you’ve had a buyer’s inspection, save yourself from falling into the money pit by signing a contract without all of the information.

Those were our top tips in preparing for a move, next week we’ll address some commonly forgotten tasks as well as give you some resources to make moving hassle-free.

Are you about to make a big move? Make your life easier by calling in the pros today!

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Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

Don’t Let These Tips Slip Your Mind During a Move

Move

We already know that moving can be a complete disaster in both practice and emotionally speaking if you don’t properly prepare.

Perhaps the easiest way and most important aspect of moving will be getting a full, professional home inspection; whether it’s a seller’s inspection or buyer’s inspection.

Get the most bang for your buck and save yourself from future problems by letting us assess your home!

In our last post we talked you through some important tips to maintain sanity while moving, but today we want to go over some crucial factors and resources that will be key in crafting your stress-free move.

Because moving, especially if you have a large family, can be incredibly taxing it’s no surprise that you will forget a few things, some of which may feel unforgettable. We’re here to help you in planning your big move.

1. Change the Locks

You don’t know who has keys to your new home, don’t take any chances and have the locks changed before moving in.

2. Steam Clean

Give your new home a fresh start by having the carpets steam cleaned before moving in furniture.

This will require a little planning, and you can save money by renting or borrowing a steam cleaner and doing the work yourself.

Again, if you don’t have the time look for a professional service or hire hourly help from TaskRabbit.

3. Fight off Unwanted Guests

No, we don’t mean nosey neighbors! We’re talking about the little critters like termites, ants and or mice. Tackle this issue before moving in to save yourself frustration.

4. Moving Survival Kit

This should be done before packing the major items in your home and should stay with you during the move, aka in your car.

This could be a few bags that have all the things you’ll need right away medications, some clothes, food, new keys, pet supplies, etc.

Some key items to include: Passport and important documents (because you want to keep them close), garbage bags, cleaning supplies, a utility knife, flashlights, and toilet paper will be useful.

5. Remember the Outdoor Items

Often people forget the small stuff in the backyard, like the bird feeder, wind chimes, or the statue you got for Mother’s Day. Bring these things inside when packing, so you don’t leave them behind.

6. Prepare Appliances

Especially the big ones. If you’re taking your refrigerator, you need to make sure it’s ready to go at least 24 hours before the move. It should be completely dry and empty before moving.

7. Let the Post Office Know

Fill out the change of address form at least two weeks before moving to ensure your mail arrives to your new location.

8. Color Code

Assign each room a color then put that color on the outside of the box. For example, say all the kitchen boxes will be yellow then you paint a small, visible area of the box yellow.

Additionally, this can help movers by letting them know which color goes to which space.

What are some other tips you like to use when moving? Have you recently purchased a house or are looking into buying one?

Stay away from the money pit by letting us do your home inspection, call the pros today!

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