5 Pro Tips for Movers
"From a Realtor Who Has Helped Countless Families Make Their Next Move"
Buying real estate is stressful no matter where you’re purchasing property, especially as a first-time home buyer. Buying a home out of state? That’s downright scary. With an average of nearly one dozen moves during life, most Americans have a fair amount of experience packing up and settling in again. Now, imagine how many moving-related tips and tricks a real estate agent learns while watching clients move every week: We’re talking expert-level status when it comes to making a smooth transition from home to home.
With the right people on your team, and a good experienced real estate agent (plus a little bit of luck), you can make a purchase with no regrets. While helping countless clients buy and sell homes in New Jersey and Florida, for over 18 years, I have also amassed a set of pro tips to help my clients transition smoothly into the moving process, so whether you are relocating from another state or just from around the corner, I can help make your dreams come true.
As a real estate agent, I guide my clients through small, manageable steps. My goal is always to be an asset to the transaction and make the process smooth.
Here are some top suggestions for moving:
For Full Control Over Your Timeline and Budget, Go DIY
To save as much of your earnings and keep it in your pocket for a future investment, going the DIY route by packing, loading, and driving to the new destination is a great choice.
Prep for the Move Before Listing the Home
As soon as the idea of moving even crosses someone’s mind, it’s wise to get a jump-start on the sorting and decluttering process. Even if plans change, most of us always have items to sell, donate, or toss. Then, right before putting a home on the market, begin to pack away anything you won’t need for the next three months.
I like a house to have a little personalization, but not stuffed with all seasons of clothes and decor. This is a good way to accentuate a home’s square footage. Most buyers are looking for a new house in order to gain more space.
And while you’re already taking stock of what is and isn’t making the move, it’s the perfect chance to let a professional help you determine what size truck you need. It’s a simple way to get a customized recommendation based on the items you’re planning to move.
Incorporate Breaks
Because moving can feel like a bit of a marathon process, I encourage taking breaks when possible. Fortunately, one of the perks of DIY moving is the ability to define your own timeline. I recommend getting a moving truck for several days. Load what you can, as you can. Chances are, the first boxes in are things you can live without and the last boxes are things you can’t.
Working with clients who are new to the area gives me a chance to play tour guide—and help you find time to relax on move-in day. From recommending the best ice cream spot to pointing out a favorite local coffee shop in one of the small towns that encompass the area, I love helping clients get a sense that their home is part of a wonderful community, not “just a place to sleep.”
Get Creative with Finding Moving Help - Even DIY-style moves don’t have to mean truly doing it all by yourself
I haven’t had to use professional movers yet in my personal life. Pizza and drinks have power. I have also contacted my local fire department to find some off duty firefighters willing to load heavy items for some extra cash.
Take Time to Celebrate
In the chaos of moving, it can be easy to neglect the opportunity to celebrate. Remind yourselves to appreciate the transition. A new house is always an exciting new chapter. It’s where the best moments happen—the ordinary days that add up to make a house a home and the extraordinary days that will hold fast in our memories. It doesn’t matter the budget. A home is a financial investment that hopefully builds wealth, but it is also the place that best reflects our character and passions.
