In 2021 we witnessed homebuyers opting for more space in 2021, mostly due to remote work options and the move from urban communities to the suburbs. Desirable amenities for new homes were yard space, home offices, home gyms and more room. In 2022, the real estate markets are “normalizing” according to Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors. More inventory is expected, and the multiple bidding offers will ease. Although 2022 brings more balance to the housing market, it is still a Seller’s Market. Nevertheless, first time home buyers such as Millennials or Sellers taking advantage of remote work flexibility to move to larger homes, both will have to prepare for the move into a new home. Whether you are a seller or buyer, a renter or an owner, these tips for simplifying your move will ease your anxiety and give you peace of mind.
Prepare a budget.
- For shipping supplies
- Moving companies/pod rentals
- Making repairs or painting (for new home/old home)
- Anticipating any build outs, shelving, etc. for the new location
Packing Supplies.
- You’ll need boxes of various sizes or storage bins (which you can re-use to store your overflow or holiday decorations). You can find boxes for re-sale on Craigslist/Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace. You can also go to your nearest retailers such as Walmart, or liquor stores for sturdier, multi-size boxes (Tip: best to visit local retailers early in the morning as they are unpacking new inventory. Also don’t forget you can use suitcases with wheels for heavier items, such as books)
- Shipping tape with tape dispenser
- Scissors & markers
- Labels (if using color code dots or pre-made labels)
- Packing material, such as bubble wrap, and packing paper. (Tip: use your linens, blankets, all towels or even scarves to save on packing material and avoid newspaper ink on your items)
- Large Trash Bags & multiple size baggies
Labeling, Labeling, Labeling.
There are many helpful creative ways to label your boxes. You can use the numbering system or color-coding system to minimize the box marking process. Keep a master list for what the numbers or the color dots identify (ex: all boxes with #1 or red dots are kitchen items). You can also pre-print labels.
The process.
- Start with one room at a time, if family is helping, designate a room for each family member.
- De-Clutter before packing all your possessions. This is the time to throw out what’s broken, expired, or old and to donate what you have too much of, or what you haven’t used in months/years.
- Label any cables, appendages to computers, kitchen appliances, in case these are separated and take pictures of any connections to tv or computers, so that reconnecting is a breeze. Tape baggies with furniture, bedding hardware to the furniture it belongs to and label the bag.
- Leave clothes on hangers and put them in garbage bags or use wardrobe boxes.
- If you are planning on donating large furniture items or clothing, research and make donation pick up arrangements.
- Consider a junk removal company for getting rid of mattresses, or damaged furniture, cleaning out garages and attics. Some companies may even donate items to local charities.
- Keep your essentials packed separately for the day of the move and after you have arrived at your place, such as important documents, medications, chargers, toiletries, some clothes, etc.
Consider hiring an organizer to help you prepare, declutter, pack, unpack, find donation centers and arranging pick up or junk removal services. An organizer can guide you through the moving process with tips, resources, and ideas to take the stress and overwhelm out of your moving experience, giving you more time to focus on family, and logistics, and less on the chaos.
Recent Comments