12 Tips to Make Moving Easier

Let’s face it, moving is stressful and the last thing you probably want to do, so here are tips to make moving easier. Preparation is the key to reducing the stress of moving to your new dream home for you, your family and your pets.

MAKE MOVING EASIER BEFORE YOU PACK

1. Plan Your Move Well in Advance

First, planning ahead will help you avoid a last-minute frenzy. Try using this timeline and checklist to plan your move.

2. Protect Critical Photos and Files

Store copies on a portable hard drive you carry with you, or upload them to a free cloud server such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

3. Photograph Your Cords

Shoot images of the connections on your television, sound system, modem and computer so they’re easier to reconnect in your new home.

4. Make Plans for Pets

Reduce your pets’ moving stress by boarding them at a kennel or at a friends home.

5. Get a Movers Guide From The Post Office

This will help you notify service providers of your new address. It also includes $750 in coupons for businesses and service you might need. Your post office has printed copies or you can fill out a digital version.

6. Color Code and Mark Your Packing Boxes

This will make it easy to match them to the right rooms in your new home.

7. Mark Essential Boxes Separately

Anything you’ll need immediately after move-in should be marked in red. And make sure the important boxes get loaded last so they come off the truck first.

8. Create a First-Night Box of Essentials

Include medications, tooth brushes, changes of clothing and anything else you’ll need immediately. You should put this in your own car instead of a moving van.

DURING THE MOVE

9. Don’t Box Valuables or Important Documents

Put jewelry, passports, birth certificates etc. in a special Move File and hand-carry them in your own car.

10. Pack a First-Day Cleaning Kit

Include a vacuum and cleaning supplies so you can freshen cabinets, closets and counters before you move your possessions in.

11. Make a Furniture Map

Plot where all the large furniture pieces will go to simplify set-up. You can use graph paper or a free layout tool like homediary.com.

AFTER THE MOVE

12. Save All Receipts

Finally, if your move is associated with a new job or a transfer, you may be able to deduct some of the costs.

Thus, follow this checklist when you get ready to move and you will eliminate a lot of the stress that normally goes along with moving.

Finally, when you are ready to buy a home in Naples, Bonita Springs or Estero, let me be your guide! Contact me and I can help you find the home that will match your lifestyle.

Bottom Line:

Moving is often listed as one of the top five most stressful events in an individuals life. To eliminate stress for you, your family and your pets follow the above steps to make moving easier. Additionally, if you are working with an experienced agent, they will be able to provide you with additional tips such as recommendations for local vendors such as movers which will further reduce your stress level.

Haven’t Bought a Home Yet? Begin Your Own Property Search:

So, if you’re ready to begin your search for your dream home or condo, I encourage you to explore my website to find information about communities in Southwest Florida. If golf is your game, I specialize in golf community real estate and would be happy to help you navigate the more than 100 different golf communities in our area. If you prefer a more direct approach, I will provide a list of properties that meet your criteria and/or communities that meet your needs.

Also, if you are considering new construction, remember the contractor’s real estate agent represents the builder’s best interest, not yours. There is no cost to you to have an agent represent you. In fact, I may be able to help you save money and negotiate for extras which the builder may not let you know about.

If you’re looking for information about a specific community in Bonita Springs, Estero or Naples, please contact me and I will prepare a custom market report for you. I will provide the market information and insights to help make sure you select your dream home!

Lastly, I will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!