Posts tagged moving

Hosting an Auction

Dec07
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

auction

When trying to sell your own items before a move, or when trying to sell the items of a deceased family member, or when just attempting to declutter and make some extra money, you hold a sale. We’ve discussed yard and garage sales, which are sales that you prepare in entirety at your own home, and estate sales, which you or a professional can host. What we haven’t discussed as another option is to host an auction, which is just one more type of sale that you could choose.

Often when trying to sell an abundance of large, significant items, such as furniture, antiques, china, or expensive clothing or shoes, an auction is your best bet. Like an estate sale, an auction can be hosted by a professional, or you can do the planning yourself. However, check the rules in your state. Some states don’t allow auctions to be held by anyone but a licensed auctioneer. It is often held at a public location, but in rare occasions, it could be held at your house. The more it is advertised, the more people that will show up, and most likely, the more money you will make.

Once set up with a location and time, people show up to place bids on your items. Though numerous types of auctions exist, the most common type is for each item to be presented one at a time, and for people to shout out how much they are willing to pay for the item. The price continues to rise until no one else places a bid. At that time, the last person to place a bid receives the item once they pay the amount that they agreed to.

Another type of auctions is a silent auction, where people freely walk around and look at items, and if they’re interested, they can write down an amount they’re willing to pay. The highest bidder wins. Auctions can also be set up over the phone or on the Internet. The basic concept remains the same, with the highest bidder receiving the item they bid on, once they pay that amount.

Is hosting an auction right for you?

Browse through the items that you want to sell, and hypothesize how much you think they’ll worth, how many items you have, and how significant the items are. If you have more shoes and children’s games than you do furniture and china, you might want to steer toward an estate sale or garage sale. If you decide you want to host an auction, figure out preparation costs and make sure that you’d be making more than you’d be spending to prepare for an auction.

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged ,

Make Your Move Efficient

Aug18
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

Moving Boxes

Even if you’ve never moved before, you probably know it’s a lot of work. And with that work comes stress, which is about the last thing you need when your life is already in the midst of change and relocation. So, if you are planning a move, do yourself a favor and plan ahead to make the process as efficient and simple as possible!

1. Change your address – Notify the post office, the IRS and any applicable government agencies about your new location. Contact anyone who would need to send you bills, such as credit card companies, insurance providers and medical centers. Also, get in touch with utility and phone/cable/Internet providers to discontinue service at your old location and schedule it for your new one. To notify your friends, send out postcards or e-mails announcing your new location.

2. Hire good movers – Do some research to make sure you’re choosing a moving company you can count on, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about come moving day.

3. Measure – Know ahead of time how big doorways and entryways are, so you’ll know if your furniture can fit through.

4. Be organized – Label every single box you pack with the room it should go to (and possibly a certain color of tape or marker for each room), with a basic list of what’s inside and with your name and new address. This way, the movers will know where to put everything, and you’ll be able to find what you need.

5. Think about the first night – Pack an overnight bag of essentials that you’ll keep with you for your first night in your new home. In addition to toiletries, linens and a change of clothes, bring a few things that will make you feel at home—maybe a framed photo or a candle.

5.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

Choosing the Right Location

Jun30
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

moving

Whether you’ve just gotten news about a job transfer, are looking to relocate somewhere nearby or haven’t decided when or how you’ll be moving next, one thing’s certain: you’ll care about location. Within a given region, there are cities; within cities, neighborhoods; within neighborhoods, subdivisions or developments or communities. How can you decide which is right for you? What issues matter most?

Beyond visiting homes and asking around, there are ways you can whittle down the possibilities, particularly through checklists. So if you’re coming up against a wall, location-wise, consider these questions as a preliminary guide:

1. Convenience:

  • How close are grocery stores?
  • How close are schools?
  • How close is your office/work?
  • How close are other places you visit often (entertainment, etc.)?
  • How close are highways/trains/airports?

2. Logistics

  • What’s the crime rate like?
  • What’s the tax rate like?
  • How are surrounding properties zoned? Will there be primarily houses around you or commercial areas?
  • What are the area’s demographics like?

3. Comfort

  • What’s the noise level like? At different times of day?
  • Is the area urban/rural/suburban? Whatever it is, are you comfortable with that?
  • Does the community seem tight-knit? Friendly?
  • What, if any, community amenities are available?

Of course, the ultimate deciding factor in a new home purchase can sometimes be your own gut instinct, along with the emotional response you have to a property. But these questions can sometimes help pull objective facts out of a showing that will help you make a more informed decision.

Happy house hunting!

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

Live Like You’re Moving

Jun12
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

clean house

How many times have you heard home sellers say that their home never looked as good as when it went on the market? They had lived there for years, accepting the problems—be they broken appliances or a cracked storm door or something else—as normal everyday life. But when it went on the market, they finally finished the projects they’d been putting off. Just when their home looks its absolute best, they move to another one.

Truth is, there are a lot of reasons to take good care of your home: you’re ready to have company, you’re prepared to sell if you need to, you’re using the space more efficiently.

The biggest reason, though, is often the most overlooked: you live there.

It’s your home, the place you return to each night, and you’d be surprised to learn how much good care and maintenance can change your perspective on things.

Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas:

  1. Clean: Thoroughly clean your home from top to bottom! (And if you’re able, go green with the process!)
  2. Organize: Getting rid of clutter isn’t just important when you’re preparing to move. It’s a simple step you can take, anytime, to improve your living space.
  3. Repair: If you’re like most home owners, you have dysfunctional features—appliances, doors, windows, flooring, etc—that you’ve learned to live with. Rather than letting these problems build up, take care of them now!
  4. Maintain: Make the effort to take care of your home along the way, and you’ll reap the benefits in the future!
Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

What to Keep, What to Leave Behind

Apr27
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

PackingBoxes

When moving, deciding what to keep and what to leave behind is a crucial, yet bittersweet, job. In today’s buyers’ market, leaving behind a prized possession may score you a sale. Likewise, arguing to keep the item may lose you a sale. When it comes down to it, is finding a buyer more important than keeping your beloved belonging?

Household items that could stay or go often produce bickering between buyers and sellers, more often than you think. Take your dining room chandelier, for example. If you spend a hefty amount of your savings on it, it’s relatively new, or you bought it on a vacation or at a special event, you don’t want to part with it. It would look just as lovely over your new dining room table. But say the buyer sees the chandelier in the photos, falls in love with it, and assumes it’s staying. What now?

Before your house goes on the market, take the time to consider what items have significant value to you. Will you take or leave behind light fixtures, drapes and curtains, blinds, furnishings, shelving units, washer/dryer sets, kitchen appliances and plants?

With smaller items, store them away before buyers view your house. If you want to keep your living room drapes, for example, take them down before the photos and open houses begin. If it’s a larger item, like your refrigerator, make sure to emphasize that it is not included. This will help diminish buyer confusion later in the selling process.

Deeply consider if it’s worth the hassle of transporting this item to a new home! Take landscaping, for example. You are head over heels for that azalea in the backyard. It’s relatively young and you want it planted in your new yard. First off, you have to remove the foliage before you put your house on the market; otherwise it’s considered a permanent attachment. Second, you must check your HOA restrictions to see if removing landscaping is allowed. Third, consider how long the plant will be out of the ground and if it’s probable that it will live through the move.

Sometimes, it’s just not worth the hassle to keep a prized possession.

If you have already chosen a new home, consider the layout, theme and design of this home. If you’re downsizing, will there be room for the item? If you’re upsizing, is it worth potentially losing a buyer’s offer? Does your new home already come equipped with blinds, light fixtures or a washer/dryer set?

We all experience a profound attachment to a certain possession. When it comes down to keeping or leaving it behind, the quickest way to decide is to ask yourself, how much will you miss the item a year from now?

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

Top 10 Moving Tips

Feb24
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Becky

moving

After you’ve found and purchased the right home for you, it’s time to move in. Are you ready? Although an estimated 42 million people move each year, this transitioning process still ranks as one of the most stressful life events we go through. The often-tedious process of organizing, packing, transporting, unpacking, reorganizing and moving into a new residence can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are 10 tricks to making the moving process as stress-free and as painless as possible:

1. The first step is to plan ahead. Make a list of everything you will need to do, from calling the movers to packing an overnight bag. Making a detailed list will spare you a lot of stress later on.

2. Declutter and hold a garage sale to get rid of anything you don’t need or want anymore. The less stuff you have to worry about taking with you, the easier the move will be.

3. Make sure you have plenty of supplies on hand. Of course you’ll need tons of boxes. You may also need bubble wrap, packing tape, scissors, markers, rags/paper towels and cleaning supplies.

4. Label all boxes clearly and keep like items together for ease when unpacking. You can write the contents directly on the box, or make a categorized list of items you put in each box and then mark each box with a number.

5. When packing boxes, color coordinate for each room. For example, you could use blue tape and blue markers to mark the boxes for the kitchen, and use yellow to designate stuff that belongs in the master bedroom.

6. Investigate the cost of movers in order to get the best possible deal. Also, be sure to find out what things they will and won’t move, as some moving companies have restrictions on certain items.

7. Ask your friends to help you with the move. That way, you can cut the cost of movers and maybe have some fun in the process.

8. In order to keep your important items in a safe place, you should designate a special section for valuables. You definitely don’t want these items to get lost in the shuffle.

9. Use up all perishable items the last week you’re in the house. You can’t take these things with you, so you might as well get some use out of them while you still can.

10. Pack an overnight bag of things you will need immediately when you arrive at your new house. When getting ready to move, make sure you have the power turned on and the phone lines hooked up so you’ll be ready to make the transition.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , ,

Green Moving

Dec03
2008 1 Comment Written by Becky

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.7 times in his or her lifetime. That’s a lot of moving. Just think of the environmental impact we could make if all moves were done in a green-conscious way. If you are planning a move in the near future, here are some ways to cut back on methods that are harmful to the environment.

Here a few tips you can follow for an eco-friendly move:

• Try contacting companies that rent sturdy boxes made of totally recycled materials. The minimal fee, usually a dollar a week per box, is usually less expensive than buying cardboard boxes made from virgin materials. The company often drops them off, then picks them up at the other end of the move.
• Ask local grocery stores or liquor stores if they have any unused boxes they could donate.
• Consider investing in rubber tubs that can be reused once you are settled into your new home.
• Store things in containers you already have, like suitcases and plastic bins, before you resort to packing things in boxes.
• Consider using Tyga boxes, which are made of plastic that can be reused up to 500 times.
• If you do invest in cardboard boxes, try donating them to someone else after your move (the Craigslist free section is an easy way to do this!).
• Packing supplies such as foam peanuts and petroleum-based plastic bubble wrap can create a lot of extra trash. Try using old blankets and towels as padding in your boxes, or ask friends and neighbors if they have any unused packing materials lying around. Once you are finished moving, try and donate your used packing supplies.
• Newspaper, which is recyclable, is perfect for cushioning breakables and, if you purchase unprinted newspaper, you don’t have to worry about the ink transferring to your hands or your possessions.
• Look for moving companies that use biodiesel rigs, as opposed to trucks that use tons of gas.
• Make as few trips as possible to use the least amount of fuel.
• Don’t throw away unnecessary items that you don’t want to take with you to the new house. Host a garage sale for extra income or donate the items to charity.
• Try to plan your food purchases in the weeks ahead of your move so that you don’t end up with a lot of perishables. If you do have some extra items in the refrigerator, consider giving them to a neighbor or a friend. If you have lots of canned goods and other non-perishables, donate the items to a local food shelter.

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

Gaining Information from Neighbors

Nov25
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

You found the home you want to buy. The current owners didn’t mention a single negative aspect. You had it inspected, twice. The deal is almost set. Still feel wary? Here’s a common-sense tip: Talk to the neighbors! If this is an established neighborhood, chances are they’ve been there for a while and can fill you in on details that your home’s owner may have left out.

Lots of information can be gained from talking to your potential neighbors. First, you might find out a problem with you dream home that the current owner forgot to mention. Second, you can gain significant information on the community that this home resides in. Third, you can see if your personalities seem compatible.

Neighbors are usually more willing to share information on a home than the owners who are trying to sell it. They might know that the wooded surroundings attract uninvited rodents into the home, or that the basement floods every time it rains, or that the electric bill skyrockets during the winter because of poor insulation. Or perhaps the neighbors don’t know of anything wrong with the home! Either way, this information may be the deciding factor for you, so it’s worth investigating.

Ask questions about the neighborhood and the town. Find out what age group makes up the majority. If you have kids and the neighborhood is mostly a young or old crowd, you might want to reconsider. If you’re not one for following HOA rules, find out how strict they are in this neighborhood. Is it a quiet or lively environment? Once you gain a knowledgeable concept of the neighborhood, ask where the neighbors like to eat or shop in town. What is the crime rate like? Gaining information on this new environment might be your deciding factor.

Through a quick meet-and-greet, you can gain an idea of the neighbors’ personalities. Do they have a boundary issue with your potential yard, landscaping or fence? Do they despise pets? Perhaps they get angry from cars parked on the street, or maybe they are chain smokers who will disrupt your air quality. If you’re looking at an apartment or condo, this is especially important. Do your neighbors throw a lot of parties and make a lot of noise? A personality clash/agreement may be your deciding factor.

If you’re still stuck on how to approach the neighbors, here are some examples of startup questions:

  • How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
  • What do you like and dislike about the community?
  • If you could change something, what would it be?
  • Is it quiet?
  • Does everyone get along? Are there block parties and community garage sales, or does everyone keep to themselves?
  • Do you know why the seller is moving? Is anything wrong with the house?
  • What is involved with the HOA?
  • Where do you like to go in town?
  • How is traffic in the area?
Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

Take the Stress out of Moving

Nov04
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Alexis

According to the Employee Relocation Council, moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. Packing and unpacking an entire life’s worth of possessions can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are moving for the first time and don’t know what to expect. We have all heard the horror stories about incompetent movers, stolen and broken items and other nail-biting disasters that could convince anyone to forego moving. Despite these terrifying tales, nearly one-sixth of all Americans, an estimated 43 million people, move each year. Here are a few helpful tips and trick to ensure that your move will be smooth and painless.

  • Start packing as soon as you find out that you’re moving.
  • Keep a careful inventory of each and every item being packed. Make a thorough list of your possessions and which boxes they are being stored in. Assign each box a number and, beside each item on the list, place its corresponding box number.
  • Label each box with your name and your address. You can write directly on the box or, to make it even easier, print out large computer labels and stick them to the box.
  • Keep like items together. This will make it easier to designate a room for the box and ensures that unpacking will be easier.
  • Use clean newsprint paper to pack small and fragile items. Old newspapers also work, but the ink may rub off onto your items.
  • Pack all boxes to capacity. Boxes that are under-filled are more likely to be crushed, while boxes that are overfilled can tear or fall apart.
  • Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift.
  • Reinforce the bottom of each box with at least one strip of packing tape.
  • Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully packed cartons.
  • In each carton, the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter items on top to prevent damage.
  • Wrap very small items in brightly colored tissue so they won’t get lost.
  • Place your electronics and other valuables in their original boxes, if they are still available.
  • Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels and paper goods.
  • Clothes can often be left on hangers and hung in special wardrobe cartons. These boxes are also perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows and blankets.
  • Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to the underside of your furniture.
  • Check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move and if you need additional insurance from the mover.
  • Professional moving companies are required to inspect each box they load into their trucks for liability reasons. A professional moving company will advise you on whether boxes need to be repacked or are not packed properly.
  • Write “open first” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils and toiletries.
  • If you are moving locally, you might want to leave your pets with a friend during moving day. Animals can become confused and frightened during a move.
  • If you are planning to move your plants with you, spray them with water and put them into black plastic bags just before you move. Don’t forget to leave them an open space for fresh air.
    Post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want the boxes stacked to keep them away from high traffic areas.
    • Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

    Decorating on the Cheap! (part 4)

    Sep05
    2008     Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

    furniture

    This post wraps up our four-part series on low-cost decorating ideas.  

    Furniture

    If you moved into a new home with your old furniture that no longer impresses you, or you’re trying to hide old furniture from the eye of potential buyers, slip covers offer the most affordable option. Slip covers are available in abundant colors, fabrics and styles that could easily match the furniture to the style of room you’re going for. A solid color that connects well with the color and style of the walls and floors is the best choice. Slip covers hide stains, holes or outdated patters at an affordable price.

    Add a custom design to an accessory for an extra flair that’ll catch anyone’s eye. Sew on fabric to the front of an accent pillow that will help your furniture match the rest of the room. Buy material that flaunts a pattern you love and use it as a table cloth! Fold up little pieces of fabric into formal dining room napkins and place one at each individual seat. Or, add one strip of the material to your neutral curtains or above blinds. A little bit of patterned fabric can go a long way and can drastically emphasize the style or flow of a room.

    Even if you are dealing with old furniture, just some rearranging can create a polished look. If you have an antique piece of furniture, place it in your living room or sitting room where people don’t lounge as often. This will allow it to be admired rather than worn down. If you just updated the appliances in your kitchen or added high-tech electronics to your family room, keep the most modern and chic furniture in these rooms. Even if you don’t have an expensive dining room set, place your fanciest chairs in this room or buy slip covers for them. Add a bookshelf that you no longer have room for elsewhere and use it to hold china. Wherever you move your furniture, make sure its location makes sense with its surroundings.

    You can paint old furniture for a quicker, more creative and fun route. Buy stencils and carve designs into wood or draw designs into material. You might want to practice first so your stencil is perfectly placed into your furniture. A little craftiness can go a long way in helping your furniture to look updated.

    As with the floors, polish wooden furniture, spray glass surfaces and dust all surfaces. Cleaning can go a long way to make your furniture look its best. You can also add lamps to tabletops to brighten up a room and add plants to make the room airier and homier. Accessories can go a long ways no matter where they are placed in the home.

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    Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,
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