Helpful Tips When Living in Your For Sale Home

What Are Some Essential Items I Should Have in My First Apartment?

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone. To ensure a smooth transition, there are a few first apartment essentials you shouldn't overlook. Start with basic kitchenware like utensils, pots, and pans. Don't forget about bedding, towels, and essential cleaning supplies. A toolbox with basic tools and a first aid kit are also handy. Lastly, invest in a good Wi-Fi router for uninterrupted internet access.

Helpful Tips When Living in Your For Sale Home

It’s very common to live in your current home while it’s on the market to be sold. To create simplicity and be prepared for potential buyers, yet maintain the feeling of home, we provide some tips to make living in your for sale home a comfortable experience. Packing early is priority. As soon as it’s been decided to sell your home, start packing and clearing out the space. Leave only what you and your family need. Property buyers are more likely to be interested if they can imagine their belongings in the space. Once you have packed your belongings, keeping your home clean and presentable is very important, it will also be easier with less stuff.

Staying safe

Make sure that you do not leave any valuable items lying around. These include: jewelry, medications, laptops, wallets, credit cards, checks, keys, documents, mail, etc. These items should be kept somewhere secure, such as a safe, or a drawer that can be locked. If you have pets, it’s advised that they are not in the house for scheduled showings. Their bedding, feeding, and other equipment should be kept clean and out of the way. It’s also a good idea, especially if they’re furry, that no fur is left around the house. Having a “to do” list available will ensure everything is ready and in place should you need to leave the house at short notice, due to a requested viewing.

Prepare Your Belongings For Storage

How to protect it

If your items are going into storage for any period of time, knowing how to protect them is an important part of the preparation process. Whether they’ll be in storage for a short period of time, or for a longer amount of time, you’ll be at ease knowing that while your belongings are in storage, they’ll be protected against potential damage, moisture, dust and dirt.

You will need to have all the right packing supplies and tools. Each item needs to be prepared separately, and might require different packing materials. One thing is common: make sure each item is clean and thoroughly dried prior to being packed and put in storage.

Furniture – remember, each piece of furniture is different. For example, antiques will require a higher level of care. For long-term storage, covering furniture is recommended. Moving blankets, or specialized fabric covers can be used.

Mattresses – It is very important before packing a mattress into a specialized bag or box, that it is checked thoroughly for bug infestation.

Appliances –large appliances must be clean and dry before being stored. A fridge and freezer must be defrosted prior to being stored.

Clothing – Packing an insect repellent, such as mothballs with your clothing is recommended.

Books – Ensure books are dry and dusted before being packed.

Important Questions to Ask Your Estimator

Once you have made the decision to hire a moving company to transport your belongings, chances are that you will have a lot of questions. It’s always advised to receive at least three estimates from different moving companies. Asking the same important questions to each of the potential companies will help you to find the best movers for your relocation.

Do you provide in home estimates? Depending on what you’ll be moving, most reputable moving companies will provide an in home estimate, also referred to as an on-site.

What kinds of estimates do you provide? Depending if you have an in home estimate, or a phone estimate, the type of quote you receive will be different. There are three types of estimates

Non-Binding, Binding, Binding Not to Exceed. Make sure you know what estimate you are receiving.

Have your doc handy

Do you provide insurance? Having insurance for your move depends on what is being moved. However, having insurance is highly recommended

How long does the move take? Delivery time frames between moving companies can differ. A standard long distance move takes between 1-2 weeks. Be cautious of any company that promises to deliver in an unrealistic time.

What is your payment method? Common methods of payment are credit cards and wire transfer. Some moving companies accept cash, however, be careful of movers that only accept cash payments.

When is the Best Time of Year to Move to College or University?

Deciding on the best time to move to college or university can alleviate unnecessary stress. Typically, it's advisable to plan the move during the summer months when academic institutions have breaks. This ensures a smoother transition and allows students to settle in before classes begin. By carefully considering the best time to move, students can make their college or university experience more enjoyable and successful.

Making the Move to College or University

Is moving to college or university your next step? If you have already been accepted and know where you’ll be living, you can determine what items to move, and how to transport them. If you have a small load with only a handful of items, you might consider packing up your car and driving all your belongings. Alternatively, you could hire a professional moving company to transport your items. Most moving companies have a minimum fee. If you will be moving less than the minimum, consider finding a moving company that specializes in moving small loads. There is also the option of renting a truck and doing a DIY move. Before scheduling your move date, it’s recommended to visit the campus, familiarize yourself with the surroundings and find out where trucks and cars can be parked for unloading. If you’re moving into a dorm room on campus, visiting prior to moving day will give you an opportunity to see the size of residential lodgings, ensuring that you will only move what can fit.

Pack properly

During the packing process, remember to allow plenty of time to go through your belongings. If you’re moving out of your family home, you might experience some of the common emotions that occur when moving. If you feel that you need any help during this time, be sure to connect with friends, or others who might be going through the same experience.

- How can the internet help in planning a stress-free move?

Planning a stress-free move? Plan your move online! The internet offers a plethora of resources to streamline your relocation process. From researching moving companies to booking services, you can compare prices, read reviews, and even schedule appointments online. Additionally, you can find tips, checklists, and helpful articles to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Embrace the convenience and efficiency of planning your move online.

What Questions Should I Ask My Landlord Before Signing a Lease?

Before signing a lease, it's crucial to ask your landlord several essential lease signing questions. Seek clarity on lease duration, terms for rent increase, penalties for breaking the lease, and maintenance responsibilities. Inquire about utility costs, pet policies, and rules regarding subletting or roommates. Understanding these details will ensure a smooth renting experience.

Plan right

Having a stressless move can be accomplished using some simple tips. Moving means change, and being relaxed and organized is key to a successful and stressless moving experience. Allow yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare for the lead up to moving day, and moving into your new home. Another great tool is to have a moving checklist, which provides a clear list of tasks to be completed. If your move will take place in a short period of time, having a checklist is sure to keep you on track. Decluttering is a great way to lighten your load and move only what is necessary. It can also lower the cost of your move as many moving companies charge for what is being moved. Start arranging your belongings as early as you can. If you will be getting rid of any items, decide whether they will be kept, discarded, or donated. As you sort through your stuff, you can begin packing things that are not used regularly. This will also speed up the packing process and continue to keep you organized.

Hire the pros

If you plan to hire a professional moving company to transport your belongings, it’s important to spend time doing some research and reading reviews. Once you have narrowed your search, start contacting and collecting estimates from at least three reputable moving companies. A very important thing to remember, if at any time you feel you need help, ask for it!